No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

This three-ingredient strawberry dessert is a light, no-bake cake with an airy texture resembling a cloud. Made with fresh strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and unflavored gelatin, this refreshing treat is easy to prepare and serves as a low-calorie, naturally sweet option. The preparation involves blending, whisking, and chilling the mixture, resulting in a whipped cream-like texture that sets perfectly in the refrigerator. Best served cold, you can elevate it with whipped cream or any frosting of your choice. Make it ahead of time for a fun and light dessert everyone will enjoy!

Fatiha
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 17:25:22 GMT
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. | zestplate.com

This strawberry cloud cake transforms just three simple ingredients into a light, airy dessert that's impossibly fluffy. Each bite melts in your mouth like a strawberry-flavored cloud, making it perfect for when you want something sweet without the heaviness of traditional cakes.

I first created this cloud cake when searching for a guilt-free dessert that would satisfy my sweet tooth without weighing me down. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I host summer gatherings and want to end the meal on a light note.

Ingredients

  • Fresh strawberries: Chosen for their natural sweetness and vibrant color. Look for bright red berries without white shoulders for best flavor.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: Provides structure and moisture without adding fat. The subtle apple flavor complements the strawberries beautifully.
  • Unflavored gelatin powder: Acts as the magical ingredient that transforms our simple mixture into an airy cloud. Knox brand works reliably every time.

How To Make Strawberry Cloud Cake

Prepare the pan:
Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with parchment paper creating a sling for easy removal later. Ensure the paper covers both bottom and sides for clean removal.
Create the puree:
Blend strawberries and applesauce together until completely smooth and uniform in color. The mixture should have no visible strawberry pieces and appear as a vibrant pink liquid.
Add gelatin:
Transfer the puree to a heatproof bowl and sprinkle gelatin evenly across the surface. Whisk thoroughly until incorporated. Watch as the mixture thickens and becomes slightly chunky from the gelatin powder.
Dissolve the gelatin:
Set up a double boiler by placing your bowl over simmering water making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Gently heat until the gelatin completely dissolves and the mixture becomes thin and liquid again. The mixture should feel warm but not hot. Allow it to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Whip to perfection:
Pour the cooled mixture into a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on highest speed for a full 15 minutes. The mixture will transform dramatically quadrupling in volume and resembling fluffy whipped cream. Soft peaks should form when you lift the whisk.
Set the cake:
Transfer the cloud-like mixture to your prepared pan spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely set.
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. | zestplate.com

The unflavored gelatin is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered its magical properties through extensive experimentation with no-bake desserts. When properly activated and whipped it creates microscopic air bubbles throughout the mixture resulting in that ethereal cloud-like texture that gives this dessert its name.

Storage Tips

This cloud cake must be kept refrigerated at all times as it will begin to lose its structure at room temperature. Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake does not freeze well as the delicate structure breaks down upon thawing resulting in a watery texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake isn't fluffing up properly check that you're using unsweetened applesauce and fresh strawberries. Added sugar or excess moisture from frozen berries can prevent proper aeration. Also ensure your gelatin is completely dissolved before whipping and that you're whipping for the full 15 minutes at high speed to incorporate maximum air.

A slice of pink cake with strawberries on top. Pin it
A slice of pink cake with strawberries on top. | zestplate.com

Creative Variations

While strawberry creates a beautiful pink cloud cake this technique works with other fruits too. Try raspberries for a more intense berry flavor or peaches for a subtle summer variation. Just remember to adjust sweetness accordingly by potentially adding a small amount of sweetener to less sweet fruits. For a festive holiday version add a drop of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cloud cake chilled with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices on top. For a more elegant presentation create a fruit coulis by blending strawberries with a touch of sugar and drizzle it artfully around each plate. This dessert pairs beautifully with champagne or prosecco for celebrations or a cup of herbal tea for everyday enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this dessert light and fluffy?

The beaten mixture of strawberries, applesauce, and gelatin creates an airy, whipped cream-like texture after being whisked on high speed.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

It's best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones have too much moisture and can prevent the batter from fluffing up.

→ How long does the dessert need to set in the fridge?

It needs at least 1 hour to set, but it's preferable to make it a day ahead for optimal texture.

→ Can I make this with other fruits?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries. However, note that the texture and color may vary. Adding food coloring can enhance the appearance.

→ Can I add sugar or sweeteners to the batter?

Avoid adding sugar to the batter, as it prevents the mixture from fluffing. Opt for sweet frostings or toppings if desired.

Three Ingredient Strawberry Dessert

A fluffy, no-bake treat with airy strawberry goodness made in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1/2 cup (77 g) fresh strawberries, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
02 1 1/3 cups (313 g) unsweetened applesauce
03 4 1/2 tsp (15 g) unflavored gelatin powder

Instructions

Step 01

Line the sides and bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with a large sheet of parchment paper, ensuring it can be lifted out easily.

Step 02

Combine strawberries and applesauce in a blender. Blend on high speed until fully pureed with a uniform color.

Step 03

Pour the puree into a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface and whisk until fully incorporated and thickened.

Step 04

Using the double boiler method, gently heat the mixture to dissolve the gelatin completely. The mixture should thin out and feel warm but not hot. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 05

Transfer the cooled mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment. Beat on the highest speed for about 15 minutes until the volume quadruples and peaks form.

Step 06

Pour the whipped mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface using a spatula and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 07

Slice the chilled cake using a sharp knife. Optionally, decorate with whipped cream frosting before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  1. This dessert is very light and fluffy with a texture similar to a cloud. Prepare a day in advance to allow sufficient time to set.
  2. Use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones introduce too much moisture and affect the final texture.
  3. Ensure the applesauce is unsweetened, as adding sugar prevents proper aeration of the mixture.
  4. For an alternate version, fresh blueberries can be used, though the result will be less fluffy with a grayish purple hue.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Heat-proof mixing bowl
  • Double boiler
  • Stand mixer with wire whisk attachment
  • 8-inch or 9-inch square pan
  • Spatula
  • Large, sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gelatin may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 23
  • Total Fat: 0.02 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 1 g