This no-bake strawberry cloud cake requires only four ingredients for a light, fluffy dessert. Here's how to make it at home.
Strawberry Cloud Cake
Updated on Jun. 09, 2025
What if we told you that it’s possible to make a treat that looks just like cake without the addition of any flour, eggs, butter or granulated sugar? While it may seem far-fetched, it’s true! And this strawberry cloud cake recipe is one of our easiest no-bake desserts.
A cloud cake is exactly what it sounds like—a light, fluffy dessert served as a slice of cake. However, it doesn’t quite have the same flavor or texture as a typical cake.
Strawberry cloud cake is made by combining strawberry applesauce and unflavored gelatin, resulting in a moist, jiggly cake with just a hint of sweetness and strawberry flavor that’s perfect for summertime. The ingredients are simple, and you won’t have to turn on the oven. Better yet, it serves as the ideal vessel to pair with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshingly cool treat.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cloud Cake
- Applesauce: Go for plain, unsweetened applesauce. We’re really relying on this ingredient only to make the cake’s base. You can use homemade applesauce, but just make sure it’s not chunky.
- Strawberry applesauce: Strawberry applesauce imparts its flavor and color into the cake. Feel free to make your own or buy a trusted brand.
- Gelatin: Be sure to use unflavored gelatin powder for the cake. Dissolved gelatin sheets won’t work, and we want to keep it unflavored so the strawberry shines.
- Frozen whipped topping: If you’d like to add a “frosting,” whipped topping is the way to go to keep this cake nice and light. Just be sure to thaw it a bit first.
- Strawberries: If desired, garnish the cake with fresh strawberries for a pretty presentation.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the two applesauces and gelatin
In the top of a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk together the plain applesauce, strawberry applesauce and the gelatin until the gelatin is dissolved, about five minutes.
Step 2: Whip the mixture
Pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip the mixture on high speed until it’s pale and creamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Chill the cake
Spread the whipped mixture evenly into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Place the pan in the fridge and refrigerate the cake until it’s set, about two hours.
Step 4: Frost and serve
Spread the whipped topping all over the cake, then add the sliced strawberries, if desired, just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Try other applesauce flavors: For a unique kick, make an apple cloud cake with unsweetened applesauce only or even cinnamon applesauce. The strawberry applesauce could also be replaced with other flavors of applesauce, such as cherry, blueberry, mixed berry or even mango peach.
- Finish with extra toppings: The ideal topping for this cloud cake is whipped cream, but you could certainly choose another topping. Consider drizzling it with a fresh strawberry sauce or even pairing it with a dollop of lemon curd.
How to Store Strawberry Cloud Cake
Store the strawberry cloud cake in the fridge for up to two days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any lingering fridge smells.
Can you freeze strawberry cloud cake?
No, you can’t freeze strawberry cloud cake. Its texture is a little finicky, so store it in the fridge.
Strawberry Cloud Cake Tips
What does a strawberry cloud cake taste like?
Strawberry cloud cake tastes lightly sweet with a hint of strawberry flavor. The recipe relies on plain, unsweetened applesauce as a base, with strawberry applesauce added for sweetness, flavor and color. The gelatin is unflavored, so it won’t impact the taste at all.
Can you make a strawberry cloud cake in a different-sized pan?
Yes, you can make strawberry cloud cake recipe in a different-sized pan. Instead of an 11×7-inch rectangular pan, use a 9-inch square pan or 10-inch round pan.
How can you get the cake out of the pan?
Line the pan with parchment or storage wrap before adding the mixture so that the cake can be removed once it is set. Once the cake is fully set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment or storage wrap overhang.
Strawberry Cloud Cake
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups strawberry applesauce
- 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Fresh sliced strawberries, optional
Directions
- In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, combine both applesauce and gelatin until gelatin is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip applesauce mixture on high speed until pale and creamy, 8-10 minutes. Spread into a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Top with whipped topping and if desired, sliced strawberries, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 136 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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This dessert’s light and fluffy texture is perfect for those nights when you want something simple. The recipe uses strawberry applesauce and whipped cream to get that balance of subtly sweet and refreshing flavor that's not too heavy. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
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