This 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is as dreamy as it sounds—light, fluffy, and refreshingly sweet. With no baking required, it’s the ultimate fuss-free treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings, quick desserts, or just a simple sweet fix. The cake is built with layers of whipped topping, strawberries, and graham crackers, forming a cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced

• 8–10 full sheets of graham crackers (or enough to make 3 layers in a loaf pan)

Directions

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy removal.

2. Spread a thin layer of whipped topping on the bottom of the pan.

3. Add a single layer of graham crackers over the whipped topping, breaking as needed to fit.

4. Top with another layer of whipped topping, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.

5. Repeat the layers—graham crackers, whipped topping, and strawberries—until you reach the top of the pan. Finish with a final layer of whipped topping and strawberries for garnish.

6. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.

7. Slice and serve chilled. Keep leftovers refrigerated.

Nutrients (Estimated per slice, assuming 8 servings)

• Calories: ~180

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Sugars: ~12g

• Fat: ~8g

• Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Protein: ~2g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Vitamin C: ~45% DV (thanks to the strawberries)

A Dreamy Texture That Melts in Your Mouth

What makes this cake so irresistible is its cloud-like texture. As the name suggests, the layers of whipped topping, juicy strawberries, and graham crackers fuse together into something soft and airy. The whipped topping acts as a light, creamy binder while the graham crackers soak up moisture and soften, becoming almost sponge-like in consistency. The strawberries provide brightness and a naturally sweet contrast, giving you the sensation of eating something between a mousse and a cake—smooth, delicate, and refreshing.

After a few hours of chilling, the dessert holds together perfectly while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but won’t leave you feeling heavy, making it a perfect option for summer or anytime you want something sweet but light.

The Beauty of No-Bake Simplicity

One of the standout features of this recipe is how truly simple it is. With no baking involved, you save time and avoid heating up the kitchen. This makes the Strawberry Cloud Cake an excellent choice for warm weather when turning on the oven feels like too much. The steps are minimal and beginner-friendly, requiring no specialized equipment or baking skills. Even the most novice home cook can whip up a dessert that looks beautiful and tastes gourmet.

This simplicity also makes it a fantastic last-minute dessert. Whether you’re prepping for a party or need a quick solution for a sweet tooth, the ingredients are easy to keep on hand and the assembly takes less than 15 minutes. From there, it’s just a matter of letting the fridge work its magic.

Fresh Strawberries Bring Natural Sweetness and Color

Strawberries are the star ingredient in this recipe, offering both flavor and visual appeal. Their bright red color pops against the layers of whipped topping, creating a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. As the strawberries rest in the chilled layers, their juices gently release, infusing the dessert with fresh berry flavor that enhances every bite.

Besides their flavor and color, strawberries bring a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants to the table. This makes the dessert feel not just indulgent, but also a bit more wholesome than your average store-bought treat. For an extra burst of flavor, you can use a mix of ripe strawberries and macerated slices with a touch of lemon juice or natural sweetener.

Graham Crackers Provide the Perfect Cake-Like Base

Graham crackers serve as the unsung hero in this dessert, forming soft, cake-like layers that tie everything together. When layered between whipped topping and fresh fruit, the crackers absorb just enough moisture to become tender without falling apart. They add a subtle honeyed sweetness and light crunch when first assembled, which softens to the perfect texture after chilling.

Because graham crackers come in full sheets, they’re easy to break and fit into any loaf or baking pan. They act like the layers of a traditional cake but require no mixing, baking, or rising. Their neutral flavor allows the strawberries and whipped topping to shine, while still offering structure and substance to each slice.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, family dinner, holiday gathering, or picnic, the No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a guaranteed hit. Its chilled nature makes it refreshing and satisfying in warmer weather, while the nostalgic combination of strawberries and cream feels timeless. Because it’s made in a loaf pan and sliced into neat servings, it’s easy to portion out and serve to a crowd.

This dessert is also incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation. Dress it up with fresh mint, a drizzle of chocolate or berry sauce, or a dusting of crushed graham crackers on top. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent option, or enjoy it on its own for a perfectly sweet and simple treat.

Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike

The soft, creamy texture and familiar flavors make this dessert universally appealing. Kids love the whipped topping and sweet strawberries, and parents appreciate that it’s made from recognizable ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives. It’s easy for kids to help assemble, making it a fun, hands-on kitchen activity for the whole family.

Adults, on the other hand, love the nostalgic flavor and the ease of preparation. It’s the kind of dessert that brings back memories of summer picnics and homemade treats, but with a modern twist that keeps it light and refreshing. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or enjoying a slice on your own, it’s a dessert that bridges generations.

Adaptable for Dietary Needs and Preferences

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Need a dairy-free option? Use a coconut or almond-based whipped topping. Looking to cut down on sugar? Opt for sugar-free graham crackers and a naturally sweetened whipped topping alternative. You can even layer in extra fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley twist.

The ingredients are widely available and easily swapped based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. This flexibility makes the recipe ideal for a variety of lifestyles and occasions without compromising on taste or texture.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Great for Leftovers

Because this cake needs time to chill and set, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it the night before and have it ready to slice and serve the next day. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld and the graham crackers soften into that perfect, cake-like texture.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for weekly meal prep if you want a little sweet something after dinner. Each slice holds its shape and stays fresh, so you can enjoy this dreamy dessert all week long without any loss of flavor or quality.

Conclusion: A Light and Lovely Dessert That Never Fails to Impress

The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is proof that delicious desserts don’t need to be complicated. With only a handful of ingredients and zero time in the oven, it creates a stunning, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Every bite is a mix of creamy whipped topping, juicy strawberries, and tender graham crackers—all coming together to form a cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, whipping up a midweek indulgence, or introducing your kids to the joys of homemade desserts, this cake is the answer. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it one of those recipes you’ll return to time and time again.

So the next time you need a no-bake dessert that’s sure to impress, remember this Strawberry Cloud Cake. Light, luscious, and layered to perfection, it’s the ultimate reminder that simple recipes can create the most unforgettable flavors.