Description
This 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is an ultra-light, airy, and refreshing dessert that comes together with just a few simple ingredients—strawberries, applesauce, and gelatin. No oven required! The cake has a melt-in-your-mouth, mousse-like texture with a sweet touch of strawberry flavor, making it the perfect treat for warm days or when you need a quick, fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 1/2 cup (77 g) chopped strawberries (chopped into 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 1/3 cups (313 g) unsweetened applesauce
Setting Agent
- 4 1/2 tsp (15 g) unflavored gelatin powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line the sides and bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with a large sheet of parchment paper, making sure the sides are covered so you can easily lift out the cake after it has set.
- Make the Fruit Puree: Place the chopped strawberries and unsweetened applesauce into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and even in color.
- Add and Incorporate Gelatin: Pour the fruit puree into a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly over the surface and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully mixed in. The mixture will thicken and become chunkier.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) on the stove. Gently heat and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved—the mixture should become smoother and more liquid. Make sure the mixture becomes warm, not hot or boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes to room temperature.
- Whip the Mixture: Pour the cooled mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment. Beat on the highest speed for around 15 minutes, until the mixture quadruples in volume and takes on the texture of airy whipped cream. The whisk should hold a soft peak when lifted.
- Spread and Chill: Pour the whipped mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread and smooth it evenly. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it set for at least 1 hour.
- Serve and Store: Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve. For an extra flourish, decorate the top with whipped cream or your favorite frosting before slicing with a sharp knife. The cake is best served chilled, and any leftover pieces should be stored in the fridge.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before whipping; undissolved gelatin will affect the cake’s texture.
- Don’t overheat the mixture—heat just until gelatin dissolves, not until boiling.
- The cake can be cut and served directly from the fridge for best texture.
- Add extra strawberries or a berry sauce for garnish if desired.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, use sweetened applesauce or add a touch of sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no bake, strawberry dessert, cloud cake, 3 ingredient dessert, gluten free, mousse cake, easy summer dessert
