3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe

The dreamy 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is what happens when pure strawberry flavor, pillowy texture, and fresh simplicity come together in one show-stopping (but secretly effortless!) dessert. Every airy bite tastes like a sunbeam of berry goodness—and you can whip it up with just three basic ingredients!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I can’t overstate how magical this recipe is with just three everyday staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from fruity brightness to that signature whipped finish—don’t be tempted to substitute unless you’re feeling creative!

• Chopped fresh strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the brightest flavor and prettiest pink color; chop them into 1/2-inch cubes before measuring so your amounts are spot-on.
• Unsweetened applesauce: It’s the secret to a naturally sweet, silky base—make sure it’s unsweetened, as added sugar can prevent the dreamy cloud texture from forming.
• Unflavored gelatin powder: This is what transforms the puree into luscious, sliceable fluff. Knox brand works well, but any unflavored powder should do the trick.

Variations

Love to play with your food? This 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a blank canvas—experiment with other fruits or fun swirl-ins to match your cravings or suit guests’ needs. The basics are simple to adapt!

• Blueberry Cloud Cake: Swap the strawberries for fresh blueberries—your cake will turn a dreamy pastel purple (but may be a tad less fluffy).
• Swirled with Jam: Marbling a spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam through the top before chilling gives gorgeous color and a punch of flavor.
• Vegan Option: Try using agar-agar instead of gelatin (just follow package directions for ratios and setting).
• Sweeten it Up: Prefer it sweeter? Top with a layer of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Step 1: Line Your Pan

Grab your favorite square (8- or 9-inch) cake pan and line both the bottom and the sides with a single big piece of parchment paper—this is absolutely key! It’ll let you lift out the chilled cake in one beautiful piece, so don’t skip this step. Let the edges of the parchment hang over the sides a bit for easier grabbing later.

Step 2: Blend Strawberries & Applesauce

Add your measured strawberries and applesauce to a blender. Blitz away on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and a gorgeous, even pink. You want every last strawberry fully pureed—inconsistent blending can affect the final cake’s silky texture!

Step 3: Whisk in Gelatin

Transfer the strawberry puree into a large, heatproof mixing bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly across the surface and whisk immediately. The mixture will thicken up quickly, so keep whisking until it’s cohesive and starts to look a bit chunky—this just means the gelatin is hydrating.

Step 4: Gently Dissolve Gelatin

Set up a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water) on your stove and set the bowl with your puree mixture on top. Stir gently until the gelatin dissolves completely and the mixture is thinner, liquidy, and warm (but not hot!). Avoid overheating—boiling can wreck the cloud effect. Once the gelatin is dissolved, remove the bowl and let it sit out for about 10 minutes so it cools to room temperature.

Step 5: Whip to Fluffy Perfection

Pour the cooled mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment. Now, crank it up to the highest speed and let it go! After about 15 minutes, the mixture should quadruple in size and take on the look of whipped cream. When it’s done, stopping the mixer should reveal soft, bendy peaks that barely hold their shape.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Pour the impossibly fluffy strawberry mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top—you’ll love how the mixture practically floats! Slide the pan into the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight for convenience) until set firm.

Step 7: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Right before serving, lift your cake from the pan with the parchment paper. For clean slices, use a large, extra-sharp knife. The cake is best enjoyed chilled, and a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of sliced strawberries makes each portion look extra-special.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Garnishes

This cake just begs for a little flourish! Try piping swirls of whipped cream, scattering a few extra chopped strawberries, or adding a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Even a sprinkle of lemon zest brings visual pop and a sunny aroma.

Side Dishes

For a spring or summer spread, pair your strawberry cloud cake with a side of fresh fruit salad, delicate tea sandwiches, or crisp sparkling beverages. It’s the ideal light finish after heavier meals or as part of a Mother’s Day or bridal shower buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dazzle your guests? Cut the cloud cake into bite-sized cubes and skewer with a blueberry for “strawberry cloud pops.” Or layer slices with vanilla yogurt in parfait glasses for an eye-catching trifle. Mini cupcake liners make them perfect for potlucks and picnics, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake keeps best tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fluffy and fresh for up to 3 days—just be sure to use an airtight container or wrap well with plastic so it doesn’t pick up fridge odors.

Freezing

You can actually freeze this cake! For best results, slice it first, then freeze pieces individually on a tray before stacking in a sealed container. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge; the texture will be softer but still lovely and light.

Reheating

No reheating needed with this refreshing treat! In fact, it’s meant to be served chilled for maximum cloud effect. If your cake’s straight from the freezer, simply allow slices to reach fridge temperature—they’ll be ready to enjoy in no time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood to wow your friends or treat yourself to something refreshing, light, and almost magical, you truly have to try the 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake. It’s a recipe that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, and I can’t wait for you to experience that first bite of strawberry-laced cloud. Let me know if you give it a whirl—I promise, it’s bound to be a new favorite!

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