Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Only three ingredients for a guilt-free dessert.
- Light and Airy: The whipped gelatin mixture creates an airy, cloud-like texture.
- No-Bake & Easy: No oven or complicated techniques needed, just chilling and whipping.
- Low Calorie: A sweet treat that’s low in calories and sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup (77 g) chopped strawberries (about ½ inch cubes)
- 1⅓ cups (313 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 4½ teaspoons (15 g) unflavored gelatin powder
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Pan
Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with a large sheet of parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides so you can easily lift the cake out later.
Step 2: Blend Strawberries and Applesauce
Add chopped strawberries and applesauce to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and uniform in color.
Step 3: Incorporate Gelatin
Pour puree into a large heatproof bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface and whisk until it thickens and becomes chunkier.
Step 4: Dissolve Gelatin
Using a double boiler method, gently heat the mixture, stirring until gelatin fully dissolves and the mixture becomes thinner and liquidy. Avoid boiling. Let it cool to room temperature (~10 minutes).
Step 5: Whip the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed for about 15 minutes until the volume quadruples and the mixture holds soft peaks.
Step 6: Chill
Pour whipped mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 7: Serve
Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve. Optionally, decorate with whipped cream frosting or other toppings. Slice with a large, sharp knife. Best served chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: At least 1 hour
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Variations & Tips
- Use fresh strawberries (not frozen) for best texture.
- Unsweetened applesauce is essential; sweetened applesauce prevents fluffing.
- Blueberries can be used, but texture and color may vary (consider food coloring).
- Make ahead: best made a day in advance.
- Optional frosting: whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 3 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks form.
Nutrition (per slice)
- Calories: 23 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.02g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Net Carbs: 4g
Conclusion
This No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a wonderfully light and healthy dessert perfect for warm days or when you want something sweet but not heavy. With just three ingredients and no baking involved, it’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress with its airy texture and fresh strawberry flavor.
3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, whipping, chilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a light, fluffy, and refreshing dessert made with strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and gelatin, creating an airy, cloud-like texture without baking.
Ingredients
½ cup (77 g) chopped strawberries (about ½ inch cubes)
1⅓ cups (313 g) unsweetened applesauce
4½ teaspoons (15 g) unflavored gelatin powder
Instructions
- Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper covering bottom and sides.
- Blend chopped strawberries and applesauce until smooth and uniform.
- Pour puree into a large heatproof bowl, sprinkle gelatin evenly over surface, and whisk until thickened and chunky.
- Gently heat mixture using a double boiler method, stirring until gelatin dissolves and mixture becomes liquidy. Avoid boiling. Cool to room temperature (~10 minutes).
- Pour mixture into stand mixer bowl and whisk on high for about 15 minutes until volume quadruples and soft peaks form.
- Pour whipped mixture into prepared pan, smooth surface, and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set.
- Keep refrigerated until serving. Optionally decorate with whipped cream or toppings. Slice with sharp knife and serve chilled.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries (not frozen) for best texture.
Unsweetened applesauce is essential for fluffiness.
Blueberries can be substituted but may affect texture and color.
Best made a day ahead for optimal flavor and texture.
Optional frosting: whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 3 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 23 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.02 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
