I have been making this every single week since strawberry season started and I genuinely cannot stop. Three ingredients, no oven, no gelatin, no fuss. Just whipped cream, marshmallows, and fresh strawberries layered together and chilled overnight into something that tastes like a cloud with berries inside. It looks beautiful, it slices cleanly, and every time I bring it out someone asks me what bakery I got it from.
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 bags of regular marshmallows (about 30 oz total)
- 12 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Beat the cold heavy cream with the vanilla using a hand mixer until you get soft, billowy peaks. I don’t whip it completely stiff because a slightly softer cream soaks into the marshmallow layers much better and makes the whole cake more tender. Don’t add extra sugar — the marshmallows are already very sweet and the cream balances them perfectly just as it is.
Wash and hull the strawberries, slice them in half, and set a small handful aside for decorating the top later.
Split each marshmallow in half so they lay flat and are easier to work with. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of your pan or serving dish to anchor everything in place. Lay the first layer of marshmallow halves tightly side by side, cut side down, covering the entire bottom. Spread a generous layer of cream over them, making sure to fill all the gaps between the marshmallows. Scatter a good layer of strawberries over the cream. Add another thin layer of cream over the berries, then lay down your second layer of marshmallows. I like to use pink marshmallows for the second layer if I can find them — it makes the cross section look so pretty when you slice it. Spread the remaining cream over the top.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours. Overnight is honestly so much better. By the next morning the marshmallows have softened into something almost custardy and the cream has soaked through everything.
Before serving, decorate the top with the reserved strawberries, a few extra marshmallow halves, and fresh mint if you have it. It looks like a proper summer centerpiece and nobody will believe you made it from three things.
