Light and Luscious Strawberry Cloud Cake
Indulge in this delightful and guilt-free Light and Luscious Strawberry Cloud Cake that combines the airy texture of classic angel food cake with the creamy richness of fat-free cream cheese and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration, this recipe is easy to prepare and offers a wonderful balance of flavors, making it a delicious dessert for all occasions. With each slice, enjoy the lightness of the cake complemented by luscious strawberry topping, making it a guiltless treat you'll love to share.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
cake flour
1 cup (sifted)
egg whites
1 1/2 cups ((about 12 eggs))
cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons
granulated sugar
1 cup
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
fat-free cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
fat-free Cool Whip
12 ounces (thawed)
granulated sugar (for mixture)
3/4 cup
fresh strawberries
2 cups (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cake flour. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until they turn foamy.
4
Gradually add the granulated sugar, two tablespoons at a time, beating on high speed. Add the vanilla and almond extracts along with the last addition of sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
5
Once the meringue is ready, gently fold in the sifted sugar-flour mixture, one-quarter cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
6
Transfer the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
8
While the cake is baking, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened fat-free cream cheese and the 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed fat-free Cool Whip until well-incorporated.
9
Once the angel food cake is baked and cooled, cut it into cubes and fold it into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
10
Spread the cake mixture into a 9x12-inch serving dish and top generously with freshly sliced strawberries.
11
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light and Luscious Strawberry Cloud Cake?
It is a guilt-free dessert that combines the airy texture of angel food cake with a creamy mixture of fat-free cream cheese, Cool Whip, and fresh strawberries.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the angel food cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it is golden brown and springs back when touched.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
You should use an ungreased angel food cake pan.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of egg whites, which is approximately 12 large eggs.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, it uses fat-free cream cheese and fat-free Cool Whip to maintain a lower fat content.
Should the pan be greased before pouring in the batter?
No, the batter should be poured into an ungreased angel food cake pan to allow it to climb the sides and rise properly.
How do I prepare the flour and powdered sugar?
You should sift together 1.5 cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of cake flour in a medium mixing bowl.
When do I add the granulated sugar to the egg whites?
Gradually add the granulated sugar two tablespoons at a time once the egg whites and cream of tartar have turned foamy.
What extracts are used to flavor the cake?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
How do I know when the egg whites are ready?
You should continue beating the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
What is the secret to keeping the cake airy?
Gently fold in the sugar-flour mixture one-quarter cup at a time to avoid deflating the meringue.
How is the creamy filling prepared?
Combine 8 ounces of softened fat-free cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth, then fold in 12 ounces of thawed fat-free Cool Whip.
What do I do with the cake after it has cooled?
Once cooled, cut the angel food cake into cubes.
How do I assemble the final dessert?
Fold the cake cubes into the cream cheese mixture until coated, spread into a 9x12-inch dish, and top with strawberries.
How many strawberries are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh sliced strawberries.
How long should the cake be refrigerated before serving?
The cake should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of fat-free?
Yes, regular cream cheese can be used, though it will increase the fat and calorie content of the dessert.
What size serving dish is recommended?
A 9x12-inch serving dish is recommended for assembly.
Does the Cool Whip need to be frozen or thawed?
The Cool Whip should be thawed before being folded into the cream cheese mixture.
What is the role of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to hold air and reach stiff peaks.
Is cake flour necessary, or can I use all-purpose flour?
Cake flour is preferred for its lower protein content, which ensures a lighter and more tender cake texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but frozen strawberries can be used if they are thawed and well-drained.
How much salt is in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is there extra sugar for the cream cheese mixture?
Yes, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar is added specifically to the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture.
Can this cake be made in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least an hour of refrigeration, it is a great make-ahead dessert for parties.
Why is it called 'Cloud Cake'?
The name refers to the light and airy texture of the angel food cake combined with the fluffy whipped topping.
What occasions is this cake best for?
It is ideal for summer gatherings, celebrations, or any time you want a light, refreshing dessert.
How do I incorporate the flour into the meringue?
Fold it in gently by hand, one-quarter cup at a time, rather than using an electric mixer.
What should I look for when the cake is done baking?
The cake should be a golden brown color and the surface should spring back when lightly pressed.