3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (+ chilling time)
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Diet: Gluten-Free, Fat-Free

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Introduction

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels indulgent yet incredibly light, impressive yet unbelievably simple, this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is about to become your new favorite recipe. Soft, airy, and delicately sweet, this cake truly lives up to its name—each bite melts in your mouth like a fluffy strawberry cloud.

What makes this dessert so special isn’t just its dreamy texture, but the fact that it’s made with only three basic ingredients. No flour. No eggs. No butter. No oil. No refined sugar. And absolutely no baking required. This makes it perfect for warm days, busy schedules, beginner cooks, and anyone looking for a lighter dessert option that still feels satisfying.

Unlike traditional cakes that rely on heavy ingredients for structure, this cloud cake uses a clever combination of fresh strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and unflavored gelatin to create a mousse-like cake that sets beautifully in the refrigerator. The result is a naturally sweet, fat-free dessert that looks elegant on the table but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a summer gathering, or simply craving something sweet without guilt, this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake checks every box. It’s simple, stunning, and surprisingly fun to make—watching the mixture whip into a fluffy pink cloud is almost as satisfying as eating it.

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Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

There are countless reasons this recipe has become a favorite for so many home cooks. Here’s why this dessert truly stands out:

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact

With just three ingredients, this cake proves that you don’t need a long grocery list to create something beautiful and delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role, and together they create a surprisingly complex texture.

No Baking Required

No oven, no heat, no stress. This recipe is perfect for hot weather or anytime you want a dessert without turning on the oven.

Light, Airy, and Refreshing

Unlike dense cakes or heavy cheesecakes, this cloud cake is incredibly light. It’s ideal after a heavy meal or when you want something sweet but refreshing.

Naturally Gluten-Free and Fat-Free

This recipe is suitable for many dietary needs without any substitutions. It’s gluten-free, fat-free, and lower in calories than most traditional desserts.

Beautiful Presentation

The soft pink color and clean slices make this cake look elegant and refined, even though it’s extremely easy to prepare.

Beginner-Friendly

If you’re new to no-bake desserts or intimidated by baking, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. The steps are straightforward and forgiving as long as you follow the timing tips.

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What Is a Strawberry Cloud Cake?

A strawberry cloud cake is a whipped, mousse-like dessert that sets into a soft, airy structure rather than a dense cake crumb. The “cloud” effect comes from whipping a gelatin-based fruit mixture until it incorporates air and expands in volume.

Unlike traditional mousse, this version uses applesauce instead of cream, making it lighter and fat-free. The gelatin provides structure, allowing the whipped mixture to hold its shape once chilled, while strawberries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.

This dessert sits somewhere between a mousse, a marshmallow, and a cheesecake—soft enough to melt on the tongue, yet firm enough to slice cleanly.

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Ingredients Breakdown

One of the most appealing aspects of this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is how simple the ingredient list is. Let’s break down each ingredient and why it matters.

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are essential for both flavor and texture. They provide natural sweetness, bright color, and fruity freshness.

• Use ripe, red strawberries for best flavor

• Avoid frozen strawberries, as they contain excess moisture

• Chop evenly to ensure smooth blending

Unsweetened Applesauce

Applesauce acts as the base of the cake, replacing cream, sugar, and fat.

• Choose unsweetened applesauce only

• Applesauce provides natural sweetness and body

• It helps create a smooth, stable puree

Unflavored Gelatin

Gelatin is the key structural ingredient.

• It allows the whipped mixture to set

• Provides the airy yet sliceable texture

• Use unflavored gelatin for best results

Together, these three ingredients create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

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Equipment You’ll Need

While the ingredient list is minimal, proper equipment ensures success:

• Blender or food processor

• Heatproof mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Double boiler or saucepan setup

• Stand mixer with whisk attachment (or hand mixer, though stand mixer is preferred)

• 8-inch or 9-inch square pan

• Parchment paper

• Spatula

Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and stress-free.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with one large sheet of parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides. This makes lifting the cake out easy once it’s set.

2. Blend the Fruit

Add the chopped strawberries and applesauce to a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color. No chunks should remain.

3. Incorporate the Gelatin

Pour the puree into a large heatproof bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Whisk thoroughly to ensure it’s fully incorporated and hydrated.

4. Gently Heat

Using a double boiler, gently heat the mixture while stirring constantly. The goal is to dissolve the gelatin completely without boiling. The mixture should feel warm to the touch, not hot.

5. Cool the Mixture

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step is critical—if the mixture is too warm, it will not whip properly.

6. Whip Until Cloud-Like

Transfer the cooled mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on the highest speed for about 15 minutes. The mixture will dramatically increase in volume, becoming pale, fluffy, and airy with soft peaks.

7. Transfer and Smooth

Pour the whipped mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

8. Chill to Set

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully set. The cake should feel firm yet soft when lightly touched.

9. Slice and Serve

Lift the cake out using the parchment paper. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

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Tips for Success

• Use fresh strawberries only: Frozen strawberries prevent proper whipping.

• Cool before whipping: The mixture must be at room temperature.

• Whip long enough: Full volume takes time—don’t rush.

• Avoid overhandling: Gently smooth the surface to keep it airy.

• Plan ahead: This cake sets best with enough chilling time.

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Flavor Variations

While the strawberry version is classic, this recipe can be adapted:

• Raspberry Cloud Cake

• Mango Cloud Cake

• Peach Cloud Cake

• Mixed Berry Cloud Cake

Simply replace strawberries with an equal amount of another fresh fruit.

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Serving Suggestions

This 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is lovely on its own, but you can elevate it with simple toppings:

• Fresh strawberry slices

• Light whipped cream or coconut whipped topping

• A dusting of powdered sugar

• Mint leaves for contrast

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator

• Best enjoyed within 2–3 days

• Do not freeze, as freezing damages the airy texture

Print

Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 55 kcal

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 0 g

• Carbohydrates: 11 g

• Sugar: 7 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 20 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

No. Frozen strawberries contain excess water and prevent proper whipping.

Can I sweeten the cake?

It’s naturally sweet, but you may add a small amount of honey or sugar if desired.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for making a day in advance.

Why didn’t my cake fluff?

Most likely the mixture was too warm or the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved.

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Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is proof that simple recipes can still feel magical. With its light, airy texture and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that surprises people—in the best way possible. No one expects a cake this soft, elegant, and satisfying to come from just three ingredients.

It’s perfect for warm weather, special occasions, or anytime you want a sweet treat that doesn’t weigh you down. Whether you’re making it for guests or just for yourself, this cloud cake delivers beauty, flavor, and ease in every slice.