Cloud Cake Recipe : The Ultimate Fluffy Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth 1

Have you ever dreamed of eating an actual cloud? Well, this cloud cake recipe is probably the closest you’ll get to that heavenly experience! This incredibly light and airy dessert literally feels like biting into a fluffy cloud, hence its dreamy name.

Cloud cake originated from the Japanese cotton cheesecake tradition, where bakers discovered the magic of creating ultra-light textures through careful folding techniques and precise temperature control. What makes this dessert so special is its unique texture – it’s lighter than traditional sponge cake, fluffier than chiffon cake, and more delicate than angel food cake.

This cloud cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves desserts but wants something that won’t leave them feeling too heavy or overly sweet. It’s an ideal treat for special occasions, afternoon tea with friends, or when you simply want to impress your family with something extraordinary. The best part? It’s completely halal-friendly, using only permissible ingredients that create this magical, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe will guide you through creating your own edible cloud that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients List

For the Cloud Cake:

6 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
1 cup (120g) cake flour or all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Optional Dusting:

2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Fresh berries for garnish

Substitution Options:

Milk alternatives: Use coconut milk or almond milk for dairy-free version
Oil substitute: Melted coconut oil works beautifully
Flour alternative: Substitute 2 tablespoons of flour with almond flour for nuttier flavor
Sugar options: Caster sugar creates an even finer texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Kitchen Setup

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly above the rim. This will help you remove the delicate cake later without breaking it.

2. Separate Those Eggs Like a Pro

Carefully separate your eggs while they’re cold (they separate easier), then let both whites and yolks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This temperature trick is crucial for achieving maximum volume when whipping.

3. Create the Egg Yolk Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks with 1/4 cup of sugar until pale and creamy. Slowly add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, whisking continuously. The mixture should be smooth and well combined – no lumps allowed in our cloud!

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this mixture into your egg yolk base using a gentle folding motion. Don’t overmix – we want to keep things light and airy.

5. Whip Those Egg Whites to Perfection

In a clean, dry bowl, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar while continuing to beat. Whip until stiff, glossy peaks form – this is where the magic happens! Your peaks should stand straight up when you lift the beaters.

6. The Gentle Folding Technique

Here’s where many bakers make or break their cloud cake. Add one-third of the whipped egg whites to the yolk mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula. Add another third and fold again. Finally, add the remaining whites and fold until just combined. You should still see some white streaks – that’s perfect!

7. Bake Your Cloud to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently tap it on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and springs back lightly when touched. The cake should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

8. The Cooling Process

This is crucial – let your cloud cake cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. Resist the temptation to remove it early, as it needs this time to set properly without collapsing.

Pro Tips & Variations

Essential Success Tips:

Temperature matters: Room temperature eggs whip better and create more volume
Clean bowls only: Any trace of grease or yolk will prevent egg whites from whipping properly
Gentle hands: Overmixing will deflate your carefully created air bubbles
Low and slow: The lower temperature ensures even cooking without tough edges

Delicious Variations:

Lemon Cloud Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
Chocolate Cloud: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder
Orange Blossom: Add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water for a floral twist
Coconut Cloud: Use coconut milk and add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut

Making It Healthier:

Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet version
Substitute half the flour with almond flour for added protein
Use Greek yogurt in place of some oil for extra moisture with less fat

Storage & Reheating Tips

Short-Term Storage:

Your cloud cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, being careful not to compress the delicate structure.

Refrigerator Storage:

If you need to store it longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Freezing Instructions:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving. The texture remains surprisingly good after freezing!

Reheating Tips:

While this cake is typically served at room temperature, you can gently warm slices in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes if desired. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.

FAQs Section

Can I Make This Cloud Cake Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can bake this cloud cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and it will maintain its fluffy texture. For best results, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Why Did My Cloud Cake Collapse?

The most common reasons for collapse are: opening the oven door too early, underwhipping the egg whites, or cooling the cake too quickly. Make sure your egg whites form stiff peaks and avoid temperature shocks during baking and cooling.

Can I Double This Cloud Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but it’s better to make two separate cakes rather than one large one. The delicate structure works best in smaller portions, ensuring even baking and proper texture throughout.

Is This Cloud Cake Recipe Suitable for Special Diets?

This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and coconut oil. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The recipe is naturally halal-friendly with no restricted ingredients.

How Do I Know When My Cloud Cake Is Done?

The cake should spring back lightly when touched, pull slightly away from the pan sides, and have a golden-brown top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs – not wet batter, but not completely clean either.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 8):

Calories: Approximately 185
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 95mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

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