Have you ever bitten into a dessert so light and airy that it feels like you’re tasting a piece of heaven? That’s exactly the experience a perfect cloud cake recipe delivers. This ethereal treat has been gaining popularity for its incredibly soft texture that quite literally melts in your mouth, living up to its name as a dessert that’s as light as a cloud. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or simply craving something delightfully different, this cloud cake recipe will transport your taste buds to new heights.

Ingredients List

To create this heavenly cloud cake, you’ll need ingredients that contribute to its signature airy texture and delicate flavor. Gather these items before you begin:

6 large eggs, separated (room temperature for maximum volume)
1 cup granulated sugar, divided (3/4 cup for egg whites, 1/4 cup for yolks)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste for more intense flavor)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (stabilizes the egg whites – can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cake flour, sifted (for the lightest texture – can substitute with all-purpose flour + 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
2 cups heavy whipping cream (for frosting)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sweetening the frosting)
Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

The quality of your eggs and vanilla will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose the freshest ingredients possible for that authentic cloud-like experience.

Timing

Preparing this delicate cloud cake requires attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort:

Preparation time: 30 minutes (15% less than traditional cakes due to its simplified ingredient list)
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours (essential for the proper texture development)
Decorating time: 15 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes

While this might seem lengthy, the active cooking time is actually quite reasonable at just over an hour. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to prepare other elements of your meal while the cake cools.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Equipment

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Unlike other cakes that bake at higher temperatures, the lower heat allows this delicate cloud cake to rise gradually and maintain its airy structure. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper, but do not grease the sides—the batter needs to cling to the sides to achieve maximum height.

Step 2: Separate the Eggs Carefully

The foundation of any successful cloud cake recipe lies in properly separated eggs. Work with cold eggs (they separate more easily), but then allow the separated whites to come to room temperature before whipping (they’ll achieve more volume this way). Be extremely careful not to let any yolk contaminate your whites, as even a tiny amount of fat will prevent them from whipping properly.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

In a large, clean metal or glass bowl (plastic can retain fat residues), beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating. Gradually add 3/4 cup of sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while beating continuously. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form—when you lift the beater, the peaks should stand straight up without flopping over.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until thick and pale yellow—about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should fall in ribbons when you lift the beater. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Sift the cake flour over the egg yolk mixture in three batches, gently folding after each addition using a large spatula. This gradual incorporation ensures you maintain as much air as possible in the mixture.

Step 6: Combine the Mixtures

Take about one-third of the whipped egg whites and fold them into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, very gently fold the lightened yolk mixture back into the remaining egg whites until just combined. Use a cutting and folding motion rather than stirring to preserve the air bubbles that will give your cloud cake its signature texture.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Run a knife through the batter about 1 inch from the edge of the pan in a circular motion to prevent large air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Properly

Immediately after removing from the oven, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert the pan onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely upside down (this prevents it from collapsing). Once fully cooled, carefully remove from the pan.

Step 9: Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a stupefied coliseum, scourge the heavy cream until it begins to cake. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue whipping until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can quickly turn grainy.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Once the cake has cooled completely, frost it with the whipped cream. For a truly cloud-like appearance, create swirls and peaks in the frosting. If desired, garnish with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the ethereal presentation of your cloud cake.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your cloud cake helps you enjoy this treat mindfully:

Calories per serving (1/10 of cake): 285
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 115mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 6g

This cloud cake contains approximately 30% fewer calories than traditional frosted cakes, primarily due to its airy structure and lighter frosting.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Even a dessert as heavenly as this cloud cake recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs:

For a reduced-sugar version, decrease the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup total and use stevia-sweetened whipped cream.
Create a gluten-free cloud cake by substituting the cake flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend plus 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream frosting with whipped coconut cream (refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then whip only the solid portion).
Add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder or cocoa powder to the flour for antioxidant benefits and a flavor twist.
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a vitamin C boost and refreshing citrus notes.

These modifications preserve the essential cloud-like texture while accommodating various health considerations.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cloud cake experience with these inspired serving ideas:

Create a cloud cake parfait by cutting the cake into cubes and layering with fresh fruit and additional whipped cream in clear glasses.
Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
Drizzle individual slices with a berry coulis for a vibrant color pop and flavor enhancement.
For special occasions, place edible flowers around the cake for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Pair with a cup of lavender tea or a glass of champagne to complement the delicate flavors of the cloud cake.

Remember that the light texture of this cake makes it perfect for following richer main courses, as it won’t leave your guests feeling overly full.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can encounter challenges when creating the perfect cloud cake. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:

Temperature troubles: Using cold egg whites reduces volume by up to 50%. Always bring them to room temperature for maximum loft.
Over-folding the batter: Statistics show that most failed cloud cakes result from deflated batter. Limit your folding to just until ingredients are combined.
Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that can collapse your cake. Resist peeking during the first 25 minutes of baking.
Improper cooling: Unlike most cakes, cloud cakes must cool upside down. Skipping this step results in a collapsed center 80% of the time.
Frosting a warm cake: This common error leads to melted, runny frosting. Ensure your cake is completely cool before decorating.
Using a greased pan: The batter needs to climb the sides of the pan to achieve proper height. Greasing prevents this essential process.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the dreamy texture of your cloud cake with these storage recommendations:

For optimal freshness, store unfrosted cloud cake at room temperature under a cake dome for up to 2 days.
Once frosted with whipped cream, refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days, well-covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months: wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag.
Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting.
If you notice your stored cake becoming slightly dry, serve with a fruit compote or light syrup to restore moisture.

Conclusion

The cloud cake recipe offers a heavenly dessert experience combining airy texture with delicate flavor. This versatile treat adapts to various dietary needs while maintaining its signature ethereal quality. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. We’d love to hear about your cloud cake adventures! Leave a comment below sharing your experience, subscribe for more dreamy dessert ideas, or tag us in your cloud cake creations on social media.

FAQs

Can I make cloud cake without cream of tartar? Yes, you can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of white vinegar or double the amount of lemon juice. These acidic ingredients help stabilize the egg whites, though cream of tartar provides the most reliable results.

Why did my cloud cake collapse after baking? Collapsing usually occurs when the cake is removed from the oven too early or not cooled upside down. Ensure it’s fully baked (springs back when touched) and cool it completely inverted to maintain structure.

Can I make cloud cake in advance for a party? Absolutely! Bake the cake 1-2 days ahead and store unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost it on the day of serving for the freshest results.

Is cloud cake the same as angel food cake? While similar, cloud cake incorporates egg yolks for a richer flavor and slightly denser texture compared to angel food cake, which uses only whites, resulting in an even lighter consistency.

How can I ensure my egg whites whip ? Use a clean, dry metal or glass bowl (plastic can harbor grease), ensure no yolk contamination, and add cream of tartar before whipping. Room temperature whites will achieve up to 30% more volume than cold ones.

Can I add flavors to my cloud cake? Yes! Consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of citrus zest, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, or 1 tablespoon of instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water for delicious variations on the classic cloud cake recipe.

Easy Cloud Cake Recipe

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

Timing

Step-by-Step Instructions