3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe

The 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a dreamy, fruity dessert that feels like a burst of strawberries and sunshine all in one bite. Made with just three pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you can pull together on a busy weeknight or flaunt at a special gathering—no oven required. Every fluffy forkful has the gentle sweetness of fresh strawberries, a subtle tartness from applesauce, and that irresistible cloud-like texture. It’s delightfully simple, almost magical, and perfect for anyone looking for a light, refreshing cake without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake so fantastic is the way a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something so spectacular. Each one plays a crucial role in giving the cake its signature taste, color, and irresistible texture—there are no fillers here, just pure flavor!

• Strawberries (1/2 cup, chopped): Fresh strawberries provide vibrant flavor and a gorgeous, natural blush to the cake.
• Unsweetened applesauce (1 1/3 cups): Applesauce adds gentle sweetness, body, and a light, fruity undertone that lets the strawberries shine.
• Unflavored gelatin powder (4 1/2 tsp): The secret to the cake’s airy, mousse-like lift—gelatin transforms the purée into a delicate cloud.

How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by lining an 8 or 9 inch square pan with a single large sheet of parchment paper, covering both the bottom and the sides. This simple step makes it so much easier to lift the finished cake out in one perfect piece and keeps cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Purée the Fruit

Combine the chopped strawberries and unsweetened applesauce in your blender. Blend at high speed until the fruit is completely pureed and you’re left with a beautiful, rosy mix with no visible chunks. This will be the flavor heart of your 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake.

Step 3: Combine with Gelatin

Pour the strawberry-applesauce purée into a large, heatproof mixing bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly across the surface and whisk well, making sure it’s fully dissolved. You’ll notice the mixture thickening up as the gelatin starts to work its magic.

Step 4: Gently Warm to Activate

For this crucial step, place your bowl over a double boiler on the stove. Stir gently and heat until the gelatin is fully dissolved, and your purée turns thinner and more fluid. The mixture should feel warm (not hot!) to the touch. Avoid boiling, or you’ll risk losing that fabulous airy texture. Take the bowl off the stove, and let it cool back to room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Whip to a Cloud

Pour the cooled mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on high speed for roughly 15 minutes—watch as your mixture quadruples in volume, transforming into a thick, glossy foam reminiscent of whipped cream. You’re aiming for soft peaks that gently hold their shape when you lift the whisk.

Step 6: Pour and Chill

Spread the whipped strawberry mixture evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour so it can set into the delicate, pillowy texture that gives the 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake its name.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Keep the cake chilled right up until serving time. Before you unveil your masterpiece, feel free to dress it up with whipped cream or your favorite frosting. Then, use a large sharp knife for those perfect, fluffy slices and serve the cake cold for maximum bliss!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Garnishes

While this cake is absolutely delightful on its own, a generous cloud of whipped cream, a handful of fresh strawberries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top makes it downright irresistible. For a fancier finish, try a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a scattering of edible flowers for a burst of color.

Side Dishes

Because the 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is light and fruity, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of mixed berries. A glass of Prosecco or sparkling lemonade makes for a fun, festive pairing at brunches or celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to serve this cake a little differently, try cutting it into neat cubes and stacking them on dessert skewers, layering bite-sized pieces in parfait glasses with extra fruit, or shaping individual servings in silicone cupcake molds before chilling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it ultra-fresh and fluffy, avoid letting it sit uncovered—otherwise, it might start to dry out or absorb fridge flavors.

Freezing

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if you need to. Cut into portions and wrap individually in plastic wrap before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

This cake is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, heating it would cause the lovely airy structure to collapse—just enjoy straight from the fridge for optimal cloud-like deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before blending to avoid excess moisture, which could slightly affect the cake’s texture.

Is it possible to substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?

Agar agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin if you want to make the 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake vegetarian-friendly. However, the texture may be a bit firmer and less airy—experiment to find your favorite consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Simply scale up the ingredients and use a larger pan. Just be sure your mixer is big enough to handle the increased volume, as the mixture whips up dramatically.

How do I know if I’ve whipped it enough?

You’re looking for the mixture to quadruple in volume and hold a soft peak shape when you lift the whisk. If it still looks runny or loose after 15 minutes, give it another few minutes—patience pays off!

Can I add other fruits or flavors?

Definitely! While sticking to strawberries keeps it classic, you can blend in raspberries, blueberries, or even a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. Just keep the fruit-to-applesauce ratio the same for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up this 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake! It’s pure joy in cake form—easy, light, and bursting with berry flavor, all with barely any work. Try it for your next dessert craving, and let yourself be amazed by how much delight you can get from just three simple ingredients.

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