No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake because it’s light as air and packed with refreshing strawberry flavor. The use of unsweetened applesauce adds a natural sweetness without making it overly sugary, while the gelatin gives it that lovely, fluffy texture. It’s an incredibly simple dessert to whip up, and it requires no baking, which is perfect for those warm days when you want to avoid turning on the oven. Plus, it’s low in calories and sugar, so it’s a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup (77g) chopped strawberries (chopped into 1/2 inch cubes)

1 1/3 cups (313g) unsweetened applesauce

4 1/2 teaspoons (15g) unflavored gelatin powder

Directions

Prepare the Pan: Line the sides and bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Use a single sheet so that you can easily lift the cake out of the pan later.

Blend the Strawberries and Applesauce: Add the chopped strawberries and applesauce to a blender. Blend on high speed until the strawberries are fully pureed and the mixture is uniform in color.

Prepare the Gelatin: Add the strawberry puree to a large, heatproof mixing bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin powder across the surface of the puree. Whisk until the gelatin is fully incorporated. The mixture will become thicker and chunkier at this stage.

Dissolve the Gelatin: Use a double boiler on the stove to dissolve the gelatin. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes thinner and more liquid, and the gelatin is completely dissolved. The mixture should feel warm, but not hot. Be sure to avoid overheating or boiling. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to cool to room temperature.

Whip the Mixture: Pour the cooled mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the wire whisk attachment, beat on the highest speed for about 15 minutes. The mixture should quadruple in volume and take on a light, fluffy texture similar to whipped cream.

Pour into the Pan: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the surface.

Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set. The mixture will firm up as it chills.

Serve: Keep the cake in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Optionally, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream frosting or any frosting of your choice. Slice with a large, sharp knife and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 12 slices.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Topping: Add whipped cream or fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or a sprinkle of mint to top the cake for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Flavor Variations: You can also try this recipe with other fruits like fresh blueberries (though the texture may not be as fluffy), mango, or peach. Just keep in mind that different fruits may affect the texture slightly.

Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add a touch of sweetener to the mixture (like a bit of honey or a sugar substitute) before whipping it.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it will hold its texture for a few days.

Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dessert, it doesn’t require reheating. Simply chill and serve as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this cake benefits from being made a day ahead to give it time to fully set and chill in the fridge. Just be sure to store it covered in the fridge.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture, which can affect the texture of the cake.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can try using other fruits, but keep in mind that fruits like berries and peaches tend to work best. Just remember that the texture might change slightly based on the fruit you use.

Can I add more sweetener?

If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a little sweetener like honey, stevia, or sugar, but remember that the cake is meant to be light and not overly sweet.

Can I make this cake without gelatin?

Gelatin is essential to giving the cake its light, airy texture. If you prefer not to use gelatin, you could try agar-agar or another plant-based alternative, though it might require some adjustments to the recipe.

Conclusion

This No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is a perfect, refreshing dessert that’s light, airy, and just the right amount of sweet. Made with simple ingredients and no need for baking, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a fruity treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a casual dessert, this cake will definitely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something sweet and refreshing!

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