The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is an incredibly light and airy dessert that melts in your mouth. This unique cake requires no baking and has no flour, eggs, or added sugar, making it a refreshing treat. The combination of fresh strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and unflavored gelatin creates a fluffy, cloud-like texture that’s perfect for hot days or when you need a light dessert. It’s an easy and healthy dessert with minimal ingredients, making it ideal for any occasion!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (77g) chopped fresh strawberries (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)

• 1 1/3 cups (313g) unsweetened applesauce

• 4 1/2 tsp (15g) unflavored gelatin powder

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Chop the strawberries into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.

2. Blend Strawberries and Applesauce: Add the strawberries and applesauce to a blender. Blend until smooth and uniform in color.

3. Mix Gelatin: Pour the strawberry and applesauce puree into a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the mixture and whisk until the gelatin is fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken slightly.

4. Dissolve Gelatin: Use the double boiler method on the stove to gently dissolve the gelatin. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes thinner and liquid, but make sure not to let it get hot or boil. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

5. Whip the Mixture: Pour the cooled mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer with the wire whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for about 15 minutes, until the mixture quadruples in volume and reaches a whipped cream-like consistency with soft peaks.

6. Set in Pan: Pour the mixture into a prepared 8-inch or 9-inch square pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour or overnight to set.

7. Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Optionally, you can decorate with whipped cream frosting, berries, or enjoy as is.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 23 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 0.02g

• Sodium: 5mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Net Carbs: 4g

The Beauty of Simplicity: Three Key Ingredients

One of the most appealing aspects of this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is its simplicity. With only three core ingredients—chopped fresh strawberries, unsweetened applesauce, and unflavored gelatin—you can easily create a light, refreshing dessert without spending much time or effort. The strawberries bring natural sweetness and a burst of vibrant flavor, while the applesauce adds a smooth, creamy texture without the need for added sugar. Unflavored gelatin is the key to achieving the cloud-like consistency, helping to set the dessert while keeping it light and airy. Together, these ingredients create a dessert that is not only easy to make but also wonderfully satisfying.

Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

While many desserts are loaded with added sugars, fats, and heavy ingredients, the 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a healthier alternative. The absence of refined sugar means that the sweetness comes naturally from the fresh strawberries and applesauce, making this dessert perfect for those watching their sugar intake. With only 23 calories per serving, this cake is a guilt-free indulgence that allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating habits. Additionally, the use of fresh fruit adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert a better-for-you option compared to more traditional sugary treats.

The Process: Simple Steps to Create a Light Dessert

Creating this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake requires just a few simple steps. First, chop the fresh strawberries into small cubes and set them aside. Then, blend the strawberries and applesauce together until smooth and uniform in color. This puree serves as the base of the dessert, providing both flavor and texture.

Next, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the strawberry and applesauce mixture and whisk until it is fully incorporated. This step is crucial because the gelatin is what gives the cake its signature cloud-like texture. After the gelatin has been mixed in, the next step is to gently dissolve the gelatin using the double boiler method. This ensures that the gelatin is properly activated without overheating or boiling the mixture, which could affect its setting properties.

Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, it’s time to whip it. Using a stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment, beat the mixture on high speed for about 15 minutes until it quadruples in volume and reaches a whipped cream-like consistency with soft peaks. This step is essential for achieving the airy texture that makes the cake so light and fluffy.

Setting the Cake

After the mixture has been whipped to perfection, it’s time to pour it into a prepared square pan lined with parchment paper. The mixture will be quite fluffy and light, so you can use a spatula to gently smooth the surface. Once in the pan, refrigerate the cake for at least one hour or overnight to allow it to set properly. The gelatin will help the cake maintain its shape while keeping the texture light and airy. Chilling it for the appropriate amount of time ensures that the cake firms up and is easy to slice when ready to serve.

Serving the Cake

Once the cake has set, it’s time to serve. The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is naturally refreshing and can be enjoyed on its own. However, for an extra touch, you can top it with whipped cream frosting, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of honey. This dessert is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add a personal touch to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to keep it simple or dress it up with additional toppings, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Light Dessert for Any Occasion

The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a fantastic choice for any occasion. Its light and airy texture make it the perfect dessert for hot days when you want something refreshing, or for events where you want a treat that won’t weigh you down. This dessert is ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a sweet end to a casual weeknight meal. Because it requires no baking, it’s also a great option for those who want to prepare a dessert without turning on the oven, especially during the summer months when the weather is warm.

Customization and Variations

While the classic version of this cake is made with fresh strawberries, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences. You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create a different flavor profile. For added texture, you could fold in some finely chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granola before setting the cake. If you prefer a more indulgent dessert, a light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce could complement the fruity flavors beautifully.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to being low in calories, the 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake offers several nutritional benefits. The strawberries provide a good amount of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, while the applesauce contributes some fiber and antioxidants. The gelatin, although often overlooked, also offers protein and can be beneficial for joint and skin health. With only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving and 1 gram of fiber, this dessert is a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Conclusion

The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a delightful dessert that is as simple to make as it is delicious. With just three ingredients, it’s a healthy, light, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a family gathering or a light treat to enjoy on a warm summer day, this cake will be a hit. Its fluffy, cloud-like texture and natural sweetness from the fresh strawberries and applesauce make it an irresistible dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.