Easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cake

This light and ethereal strawberry cloud cake delivers the perfect summer treat without ever turning on your oven. The incredible texture truly lives up to its name - each forkful dissolves like a sweet, strawberry-infused cloud on your tongue. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hot summer when baking felt impossible, and it quickly became my go-to impressive dessert that requires minimal effort.

I first created this for my daughter's birthday when our oven unexpectedly broke. The panic quickly turned to delight when everyone requested it again for our next family gathering, completely forgetting about traditional cake.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: these must be fresh not frozen as frozen berries contain too much moisture that prevents proper whipping
• Unsweetened applesauce: provides the perfect base texture and subtle sweetness without added sugar that would prevent fluffing
• Unflavored gelatin powder: the magical ingredient that transforms simple fruit puree into a cloud-like texture when whipped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, using a single sheet that extends up all sides so you can easily lift the finished cake out. Make sure corners are well covered for clean removal.

Create The Fruit Base:

Blend strawberries and applesauce until completely smooth and uniform in color. The smoother your puree, the more consistent your final texture will be. This step builds the foundation of your cloud cake.

Incorporate The Gelatin:

Sprinkle gelatin evenly across the surface of your puree and whisk thoroughly. The mixture will immediately thicken and become slightly lumpy. This initial thickening is exactly what you want to see happening at this stage.

Dissolve With Gentle Heat:

Use the double boiler method to warm the mixture just enough to fully dissolve the gelatin. The mixture should feel warm but never hot. Watch carefully as overheating will prevent proper whipping later. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes until no longer warm.

Transform Through Whipping:

Transfer to a stand mixer and whip on highest speed for a full 15 minutes. Patience is key here as the mixture gradually expands to quadruple its original volume. When properly whipped, it should hold soft peaks and resemble airy whipped cream.

Set And Chill:

Pour the cloud-like mixture into your prepared pan, carefully spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least one hour to fully set. The cake continues to develop its unique texture during chilling.

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My family always argues over who gets the corner pieces because they have the most perfectly set edges. I secretly cut myself a middle piece when no one is looking because I love how the texture is even softer and more cloud-like in the center.

Perfect Timing Matters

This dessert might seem simple, but timing makes all the difference. Preparing it the day before serving allows the texture to fully develop overnight in the refrigerator. The gelatin needs those extra hours to create that perfect cloud-like consistency that makes this dessert so unique. I sometimes make it up to two days ahead when entertaining, as it holds beautifully when properly chilled.

Creative Variations

While strawberry creates the most visually stunning result, this technique works with other fruits too. Mangoes create a tropical version perfect for summer gatherings. Peaches make a gorgeous sunset-colored variation that pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Raspberries create an intensely flavored version with a beautiful pink hue. Just remember to strain out seeds from berries with small seeds for the smoothest texture.

Serving Suggestions

This ethereal dessert deserves special presentation. Serve on chilled plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar that enhances its cloud-like appearance. For added indulgence, serve with fresh berries on the side or a small dollop of the optional whipped cream topping. For a special occasion, create a stunning presentation by decorating the edges with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this dessert?

It's recommended to use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries contain extra moisture that can affect the batter's fluffiness.

→ What type of gelatin should I use?

Use unflavored gelatin powder such as Knox. Flavored gelatin will alter the taste and texture of the cake.

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert sets well in the fridge and can be made a day in advance. Ensure it is kept chilled until serving.

→ Can I substitute applesauce with another ingredient?

Unsweetened applesauce works best for this recipe as it provides natural sweetness without affecting the fluffiness. Sweetened varieties or other substitutes may not work as well.

→ How should I serve the strawberry cloud cake?

Serve chilled with a sharp knife for clean slices. You can also add whipped cream frosting or other toppings for extra sweetness and decoration.