The cloud cake is a soft and delicate dessert that has won many hearts for its airy texture and sweet, light charm. Known for its smoothness, almost like a “bite of heaven,” this treat has a softness that brings to mind fluffy clouds and becomes the perfect dessert for any special event—or simply to enjoy at home. Plus, the recipe is truly simple and can be adapted to fit different tastes and needs.
This cloud delight is known for being light, which makes it a great dessert to pair with fresh fruit, cream, or even a warm tea. If you’ve never made one, get ready to learn how to make this soft and tasty treat that’s great any time of day! Below, we’ll show you a basic cloud cake recipe, how to make it step by step, and some tips to change it to your liking.
1. Why Choose a Cloud Cake?
Choosing a cloud cake is a great option if you want something sweet but not too heavy. Traditional cakes can often be dense or too sugary, but this type of dessert has a soft and fluffy texture that makes it easier to enjoy. Despite being light and airy, it doesn’t lose flavor—on the contrary, it has a sweet and smooth taste that goes perfectly with fruit, cream, or even a rich topping.
One of the best things about this dessert is how light it is. You can adjust the base recipe to make different versions based on what you have at home or what you like. For example, you can add cocoa to make a chocolate cloud cake or mix in fruit like strawberries or apples to give it a fresher taste. The base is also great for people who prefer gluten-free treats, since some ingredients can be easily replaced to make it friendly for gluten sensitivity.
In short, cloud cake is easy, satisfying, and simple to make—perfect for special occasions or just a sweet weekday treat.
2. Ingredients for a Perfect Cloud Cake
Cloud cake is pretty easy to make, and the ingredients are common in most stores. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make a classic version:
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of flour (you can use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup milk (you can use almond or coconut milk for a vegan/dairy-free version)
Optional:
- Lemon or orange zest (for a citrus twist)
- A few drops of almond or other flavoring
- Powdered sugar for topping
- Fresh fruit or fruit jam for serving
These are the basic ingredients for a classic cloud cake, but as mentioned, you can adjust them to your preferences. The soft, airy texture of this dessert comes mainly from the egg whites, so be sure to beat them well to get the perfect balance.
3. How to Make Cloud Cake
Making cloud cake is simple and fun, but it does need a few key steps to make sure the texture stays light and fluffy. Here are the detailed steps to bake a cake that will wow any guest or family gathering.
Step 1: Preheat and prep the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready when your batter is done. Lightly grease a 22cm (9-inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. You can also dust it with a little flour to help the cake release easily.
Step 2: Beat the egg whites
First, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the whites in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. This is key to getting the fluffy texture. Once done, set the whites aside.
Step 3: Beat yolks with sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until the mix is smooth and creamy. This adds body and balance to the cake. Use a mixer on medium-low speed. Once mixed, add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. If using citrus zest, add it now.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into the yolk mixture while beating on low speed to avoid lumps. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Fold in the egg whites
Now comes the part that gives the cake its fluffiness. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk batter with slow, circular motions. Be careful not to deflate the air in the egg whites—this is what gives the cake its light texture.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Pour the finished batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so check at 30 minutes. The cake should feel firm but soft when touched lightly.
Step 7: Cool and remove from pan
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully remove it and let it cool fully on a rack. You can top it with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or melted chocolate before serving.
4. Variations and Tips to Personalize Your Cloud Cake
Cloud cake is very versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to make the base recipe your own:
- Chocolate Cloud Cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also melt a bit of chocolate and mix it in for deeper flavor.
- Fruit Cloud Cake: Mix in chopped fruit like strawberries, apples, or peaches. Or layer the cake with berry jam for a fruity touch.
- Gluten-Free Cloud Cake: Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. You can find many gluten-free flour mixes in stores.
- Nutty Cloud Cake: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
- Lemon Butter Glaze: Make a light lemon glaze to top the cake. The tart flavor pairs well with the soft and sweet cake, creating a tasty contrast.
Conclusion
Cloud cake is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a light, airy, and versatile dessert. With a simple recipe and few ingredients, you can enjoy a fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. And since it’s so easy to adapt, you can make it suit your taste or dietary needs in many ways.
