Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries are not recommended. They add too much water to the mixture, which prevents that signature fluffy texture and can make the cake dense.

What if I only have sweetened applesauce?

Avoid sweetened applesauce. Added sugars mess with the way the cake sets and will prevent it from becoming the light, pillowy dessert you’re aiming for.

How do I know if the gelatin is dissolved properly?

Your mixture should look glossy and be entirely smooth after gently heating no visible granules of gelatin should remain. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cloud-like finish.

Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Hand-held mixers can work, but you’ll need some elbow grease and extra time. Whip on the highest speed and look for the same airy volume and soft peaks.

3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe

Ready to discover a show-stopping dessert that’s a breeze to make and as light as a summer breeze? The 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is here to rescue your busy evenings and satisfy your sweet tooth without a hint of guilt. This cake is the definition of simple: no oven, no complicated steps, and only three ingredients fresh strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and unflavored gelatin. The end result is a slice of pure strawberry bliss that’s airy, refreshing, and undeniably fun. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something sweet but don’t want to labor away in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Magic: No baking required, just a bit of blending, whisking, and a chill in the fridge. You barely have to think about it!
Naturally Light and Guilt-Free: With zero added sugars or fats (unless you add frosting!), this treat is refreshingly light ideal for warm evenings or whenever you’re craving something on the healthier side.
Incredibly Versatile: A fabulous base for toppings and fun variations. Dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, or your favorite creative twists.
Impressively Pretty: The finished cake is a pale, rosy pink, topped with a delicate cloud-like texture that’s sure to turn heads at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your three superstar ingredients and let’s talk about why each one shines:

Fresh Strawberries: The star flavor fresh is key for best texture and color. Chop into ½ inch cubes before measuring for accuracy.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides natural sweetness, body, and helps the cake stay moist and light. Don’t use sweetened it won’t set into that gorgeous mousse-like texture.
Unflavored Gelatin Powder: Essential for creating that bouncy, cloud-like structure. Make sure it’s unflavored this isn’t the place for dessert mixes or substitutions.

Optional for topping: Whipped cream or your favorite store-bought or homemade frosting. Totally your call for an extra touch of decadence.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to make this Strawberry Cloud Cake your own? Try out a few twists:

Berry Switch-Up: You can experiment with blueberries or raspberries just be aware that texture and color will change. Blueberries make the cake more dense and gray-purple; consider a drop of natural food coloring for aesthetics.
Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavor even more.
Sweet Tooth-Friendly: If you want a sweeter touch, slather on some whipped cream or sprinkle the finished cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Vegan Version: Swap out the gelatin for agar-agar. You’ll need to adjust quantities agar sets firmer than gelatin, so use a lighter hand.

How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Step 1: Line the Pan

Start by lining an 8- or 9-inch square pan with a large sheet of parchment paper so it covers both the bottom and sides. Later, you can simply lift out the cake easy as can be!

Step 2: Puree the Fruit

Blend the chopped strawberries and unsweetened applesauce in a blender at high speed. You’re looking for a uniform, luscious strawberry puree without any fruit pieces left. The aroma here already starts to hint at dessert success.

Step 3: Add the Gelatin

Pour the smooth puree into a large heat-proof bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface, then whisk until fully incorporated. The mix will thicken slightly and look a bit chunky don’t worry, this is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Dissolve the Gelatin

Using the double boiler method (a bowl set over a simmering pot of water), gently heat the mixture until the gelatin completely dissolves. The texture should turn silkier and more liquid. Be careful not to let it get hot or boil—too much heat ruins the magic.

Step 5: Cool and Whip to Cloud-Like Perfection

Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool off on the counter for about 10 minutes room temperature is your friend here. Then, transfer the mixture to your stand mixer’s bowl and whip it with the whisk attachment on high for about 15 minutes. Watch as it transforms from a simple fruit puree to a frothy, quadrupled, cloud-like delight! When you lift the beater and a soft peak holds, you’re there.

Step 6: Set and Chill

Scrape the mix into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour to set. The hardest part of the whole recipe is waiting!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Plan Ahead: Because this cake needs time to set, making it the night before is ideal.
Freshness Matters: Only use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture frozen ones can add unwanted moisture and prevent that fluffy lift.
Gentle Heat Only: Don’t rush the gelatin step, and don’t let the mixture boil. Patience is key for that airy texture.
Beat Longer Than You Think: The real cloud transformation takes a solid 15 minutes of whipping, so trust the process.

How to Serve

This cake shines bright when served well-chilled. Slice with a large, sharp knife for clean, pretty pieces. For a little extra pizzazz, top each square with whipped cream, a sliced strawberry, or a sprig of mint. Pair with a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling water for a truly refreshing finish to any meal, or serve as a light treat at brunch or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and airy for up to three days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended. The delicate cloud texture turns icy and loses its bounce once thawed.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this cake is served chilled. Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries are not recommended. They add too much water to the mixture, which prevents that signature fluffy texture and can make the cake dense.
What if I only have sweetened applesauce?

Avoid sweetened applesauce. Added sugars mess with the way the cake sets and will prevent it from becoming the light, pillowy dessert you’re aiming for.
How do I know if the gelatin is dissolved properly?

Your mixture should look glossy and be entirely smooth after gently heating no visible granules of gelatin should remain. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cloud-like finish.
Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Hand-held mixers can work, but you’ll need some elbow grease and extra time. Whip on the highest speed and look for the same airy volume and soft peaks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a jaw-dropping dessert that delivers big on flavor and texture without fuss, this 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is your answer. Light, refreshing, and delightfully simple, it transforms a handful of ingredients into a treat that feels both special and easygoing. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or fruit enjoy the process and dig into your new favorite quick dessert!