No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

This ethereal strawberry cloud cake needs just 3 ingredients to transform into a light, airy dessert that's the perfect solution for hot summer days when you want something sweet without the heaviness. The magic happens when gelatin turns simple strawberries and applesauce into a fluffy cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.

I created this recipe during a heatwave when turning on the oven was unthinkable, yet my family was craving something sweet. The delighted expressions when they tasted this cloud-like dessert for the first time made it an instant favorite in our recipe collection.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Deliver natural sweetness and beautiful color. Choose bright red, fragrant berries at peak ripeness for the best flavor profile.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Provides structure and subtle sweetness without adding fat. Make sure to use only unsweetened varieties as sweetened versions prevent proper fluffing.
• Unflavored gelatin powder: The magical ingredient that transforms the simple fruit puree into an airy cloud texture. Knox brand works consistently well in this recipe.

How To Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Prepare the pan:

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring you use a single sheet that extends up the sides to create handles for easy removal later. The paper should cover all surfaces completely to prevent sticking.

Create the fruit base:

Add chopped strawberries and unsweetened applesauce to your blender and puree until completely smooth and uniformly pink. The mixture should have no visible strawberry pieces to ensure proper whipping later.

Activate the gelatin:

Sprinkle gelatin powder across the surface of your puree and whisk thoroughly. Notice how the mixture immediately thickens and becomes more substantial. This is normal and exactly what you want at this stage.

Dissolve with gentle heat:

Place your bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves and the mixture becomes thinner and more liquid. The mixture should feel warm but never hot. This gentle heating is crucial for proper setting.

Cool slightly:

Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes before proceeding. This prevents the gelatin from setting too quickly during the whipping process.

Whip into clouds:

Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat on highest speed for a full 15 minutes. Watch the magical transformation as the mixture quadruples in volume, becoming light and airy. The whisk should be able to hold a soft peak when lifted.

Set and chill:

Pour the cloud-like mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top carefully. Refrigerate for at least one hour, though overnight chilling yields the best texture.

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My favorite part of making this dessert is watching guests take their first bite. There's always a moment of surprise followed by delight as they experience the unexpected cloud-like texture. My niece calls it "fairy cake" because she says it's what magical creatures must eat.

Storage Instructions

This cloud cake needs to be kept refrigerated at all times. Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in your refrigerator. The cake will maintain its best texture and flavor for up to 3 days, though it's rarely around that long in my house! The edges may start to weep slightly after the second day but the taste remains delightful.

Flavor Variations

While strawberries create the most beautiful color and delightful flavor, you can experiment with other fruits. Mangoes create a sunny yellow cloud cake with tropical flavor notes. Raspberries result in a more intense berry flavor with a deeper pink hue. Peaches work beautifully for a delicate orange-tinted version perfect for summer. Avoid fruits with extremely high water content like watermelon, as they prevent proper setting.

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Serving Suggestions

This cloud cake truly shines when served chilled with complementary accompaniments. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates beautiful contrast against the pink cake while adding richness. Fresh berries scattered around the plate provide texture variation and intensify the fruit flavor. For a more substantial dessert, serve with a crisp butter cookie on the side to contrast with the cloud-like texture. If serving to guests, consider individual portions in clear dessert glasses to showcase the beautiful color.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cake doesn't achieve maximum fluffiness, the most common issue is temperature related. The gelatin mixture must be warm enough to fully dissolve but not hot when whipping begins. Another potential problem is overheating the gelatin, which damages its setting properties. Always use the double boiler method and keep the heat gentle. Finally, ensuring your stand mixer runs for the full 15 minutes is crucial – even when it looks fluffy earlier, that final whipping time creates the ultimate cloud texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this dessert?

It is best to use fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries have too much moisture, which can prevent the dessert from developing the desired fluffy texture.

→ Why do I need unflavored gelatin powder?

Unflavored gelatin is essential for setting the dessert and helping it achieve the airy, cloud-like texture. Sweetened or flavored gelatin may alter the consistency.

→ How long should I refrigerate the dessert before serving?

Chill the dessert in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set. For best results, you can make it the day before serving.

→ Can I customize this dessert with other fruits?

Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries. However, note that the texture and color may vary, and the dessert may not be as fluffy as with fresh strawberries.

→ What should I serve with this dessert?

You can pair this dessert with whipped cream frosting or drizzle it with a fruit glaze for added sweetness. Serve it chilled for the best experience.