3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe

Imagine a dreamy, airy dessert that looks as light as a summer cloud and tastes even better—all coming together with just three simple ingredients and absolutely no baking required. This 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a game-changer for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to heat up the kitchen. With bright, fresh strawberries, naturally sweet applesauce, and the magic of gelatin, this cake is a slice of fruity, refreshing perfection. It’s so simple, so beautiful, and so delightfully melt-in-your-mouth—prepare yourself for a new obsession.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and Fast: Throw everything together in less than half an hour (plus chilling time)—that’s weekday magic!
• Light-as-Air Texture: The cake literally melts away on your tongue, giving you a treat that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down.
• Low Sugar & Guilt-Free: Made with unsweetened applesauce and zero added sugar, it’s a dessert you can feel good about.
• Fun to Make: Watch it quadruple in volume—this cake is kitchen science at its most delicious.
• Versatile & Customizable: The simple base welcomes all kinds of creative toppings and variations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need—just three ingredients to create a perfect, cloud-like cake:

• Fresh Strawberries – Use fresh for the brightest flavor and the right amount of natural moisture. Frozen just won’t fluff up as well here!
• Unsweetened Applesauce – You want the pure kind, no added sugar. Sweetened applesauce won’t let your cake fluff up, and it can make things too heavy.
• Unflavored Gelatin Powder – The secret that gives this cake its heavenly, airy texture. Make sure it’s a good quality, finely granulated gelatin.

Optional but highly recommended: a whipped cream frosting or your favorite low-sugar whipped topping for serving!

Variations

Want to try something different or work with what you’ve got? Here are some tasty spins:

• Mixed Berry Cloud: Swap in a mix of fresh raspberries and strawberries. Expect a tangier bite and a pretty speckled color.
• Blueberry Version: Use blueberries instead of strawberries—just know the color will be more on the purplish side and the texture a bit denser. A touch of food coloring can brighten it up.
• Tropical Cloud: Substitute half the applesauce with mango or pineapple purée for a sunny twist.
• Vegan Spin: Try agar powder in place of gelatin (follow package instructions for ratios) for a plant-based option, though you’ll get a slightly different texture.
• Sweet Tooth Satisfier: If you must have extra sweetness, a light layer of sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of honey on top right before serving does the trick.

How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper—use one big sheet so you can lift the finished cake right out. This makes it easy, tidy, and the cake keeps its gorgeous cloud shape.

Step 2: Puree the Fruit

Chop your strawberries into neat ½-inch cubes, then toss them into a blender along with the unsweetened applesauce. Blend until completely smooth and evenly colored—no chunks!

Step 3: Gelatin Magic

Pour the strawberry-applesauce purée into a heatproof bowl. Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the surface and whisk thoroughly. It’ll thicken and look a bit lumpy—don’t worry, that’s normal.

Step 4: Gentle Heating

Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style). Stir gently until the gelatin is dissolved and the mixture turns glossy and smooth. The key—don’t let it get hot or boil! Remove and let it sit to cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes).

Step 5: Fluff It Up

Now for the fun! Pour the cooled mixture into a stand mixer bowl with a whisk attachment. Whip on the highest speed for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice it expanding—aim for quadruple the original volume and a thick, airy, swirlable texture.

Step 6: Set and Chill

Spread the fluffy mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the magic set.

Step 7: Decorate and Slice

Just before serving, lift the cake out, decorate with whipped cream or toppings of your choice, and cut into generous slices with a sharp knife. Always serve cold for the best texture.

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Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill Before Serving: Always give the cake at least one hour (overnight is even better) in the fridge so the texture stays extra airy and light.
• Use the Right Applesauce: Unsweetened, smooth applesauce is non-negotiable so the mixture whips up properly.
• Handle Gelatin Gently: Never get the mixture too hot; gentle heat keeps the cake’s texture ultra smooth and prevents the gelatin from turning gritty.
• Sharp Knife for Slicing: For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp, slightly damp knife.

How to Serve

This cake looks beautiful cut into squares and placed on a bright platter. It’s irresistible topped with swirls of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of micro-mint leaves. Serve at brunch, as a teatime delight, or as a light finish to a heavy meal. Pair with:

• Freshly brewed mint tea or a cold glass of sparkling water with lemon.
• A handful of extra chopped berries or a spoonful of berry coulis for that extra pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps its airy texture for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze slices if needed. Wrap well and freeze for up to a month; let thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Serve straight from the fridge, cold and cloud-like.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While tempting, frozen strawberries have extra moisture and can prevent the cake from achieving its fluffy, airy structure. Fresh is best for both texture and flavor.

Why is my cake not fluffy enough?
Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce, and avoid adding sugar to the batter. Also, beat the mixture at the highest speed for a full 15 minutes to let all that air in!

Can I make this without a stand mixer?
A stand mixer is ideal for achieving the signature cloud-like volume, but a powerful hand mixer can work too—it may just take a bit longer and require a little more patience.

Is this cake sweet enough as is?
This dessert is lightly sweet with all the flavor coming from the fruit. If you prefer your cakes on the sweeter side, top with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or drizzle with honey before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something pure and magical about this 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake—it’s more than a dessert, it’s an experience. Super simple, stunningly fresh, and healthy to boot, this is the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite twists, and prepare to wow yourself (and everyone else). It’s proof positive: sometimes the best things really are the simplest.

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