If you’ve ever dreamt of biting into a slice of pure, pillowy heaven, this Cloud Cake Recipe is about to make those dreams come true! It’s impossibly light, soft as a cloud, and just the right balance of sweet—plus, it’s a breeze to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have at home. If you love cakes that practically melt in your mouth, keep reading—this one’s a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: Every forkful is light, airy, and ethereal—almost like eating a sweet cloud!
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a long grocery list; the Cloud Cake Recipe uses pantry basics to create something magical.
- Showstopping Elegance: This cake looks as dreamy as it tastes, making it ideal for birthdays, brunches, or just elevating an ordinary afternoon.
- Naturally Versatile: Easily dress it up with fruit, chocolate, or cream—or leave it gloriously simple and let its delicate flavor shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you love a recipe that turns everyday staples into something extraordinary? This Cloud Cake Recipe is all about celebrating the power of a few humble ingredients—each one playing a starring role in that signature soft crumb, delicate flavor, and cloud-like lift.
- Egg Whites (6 large): The foundation of this cake! Room temperature egg whites whip up higher and create a more stable, airy structure.
- Cream of Tartar (½ teaspoon): This little helper stabilizes your egg whites, ensuring your cloud cake is feather-light yet holds its shape.
- Fine Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Caster sugar is best; it dissolves completely, lending delicate sweetness and a smooth crumb.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and depth—just enough to make you swoon.
- Cake Flour (¾ cup, sifted): Essential for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sifting helps keep the batter fluffy.
- Optional—Cocoa Powder or Melted Dark Chocolate: For a chocolate cloud cake, add unsweetened cocoa or a swirl of melted dark chocolate at the end.
- Optional—Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch with your egg whites brings out the flavors even more!
Variations
One of the best things about the Cloud Cake Recipe is how fabulously easy it is to personalize—whether you’re craving more chocolate, need it to fit a special diet, or want to get creative with seasonal fruit, let your imagination take flight!
- Chocolate Cloud Cake: Simply sift in ¼ cup cocoa powder with the cake flour, or fold in melted dark chocolate at the end for a rich, dreamy twist.
- Lemon or Orange Cloud: Add a teaspoon of finely grated citrus zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Berry Swirl: Gently fold in fresh raspberries or blueberries before baking, or swirl in a spoonful of berry jam for color and tang.
- Gluten-Free: Use a fine gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of cake flour for a gluten-free version that’s just as cloud-like.
How to Make Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). For the signature rise and soft crumb of this Cloud Cake Recipe, it’s crucial to use an ungreased 9 or 10-inch tube pan (angel food cake style). Leave it ungreased—this helps the batter cling to the sides and rise into that iconic fluffiness.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a big, sparkling-clean bowl, start beating the room temperature egg whites with cream of tartar (and a pinch of salt if you’d like) at medium speed. The minute your whites turn foamy, you’ll know the magic is beginning!
Step 3: Gradually Add Sugar & Whip to Stiff Peaks
Now, increase your mixer speed to medium-high. Add the sugar slowly—just 1-2 tablespoons at a time, so it dissolves beautifully into the whites. Keep whipping until you get stiff, glossy peaks. This should look shiny, and when you lift the beaters, the peaks should stand tall and proud with just a gentle curl at the tip.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Fold in Flour
Blend in the vanilla, then sift the cake flour right over the egg white mixture in two or three batches. Use a large rubber spatula and the lightest hand you have! Gently fold with an up-and-over motion, rotating the bowl for even mixing. If making the chocolate version, sift in the cocoa now, or fold in melted chocolate once the flour is incorporated. Be gentle—overmixing deflates the all-important air!
Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake
Spoon or pour the airy batter into your ungreased tube pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Now, let it bake for 40-45 minutes—don’t even think about opening the oven for the first 30 minutes! You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden, springs back lightly to the touch, and a skewer comes out clean and dry.
Step 6: Cool Upside Down & Release
The Cloud Cake’s secret to height? Cool it upside down in the pan! Hang the pan on a bottle or use its built-in feet, and let it cool completely—about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once fully cooled, gently release the cake with a thin knife, inverting it onto your serving plate. Voilà!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
This is where you get creative: Dust with powdered sugar, crown with fresh berries, or add a dollop of whipped cream. No matter how you serve it, every bite brings that wonderful, cloud-like texture the Cloud Cake Recipe is famous for.
Pro Tips for Making Cloud Cake Recipe
- Squeaky Clean Whisking: A spotlessly clean bowl and beaters are crucial—any hint of fat will keep your egg whites from reaching their full, billowy glory.
- The Gentle Fold: Use a soft touch and a broad spatula to fold in the flour, keeping as much air in the batter as possible for that cloud-like crumb.
- Upside Down Cooling: Always cool your cloud cake upside down—this gravity-defying trick keeps your cake sky-high and perfectly spongy.
- No Peeking Policy: Don’t open the oven during the first half hour of baking; sudden changes in temperature can make your beautiful cake collapse.
How to Serve Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines with a classic dusting of powdered sugar, but it truly comes to life when topped with clouds of softly whipped cream and a scatter of fresh berries. For extra elegance, try edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for special occasions!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cloud Cake Recipe with a bowl of tangy lemon curd, a bright fruit compote, or even a scoop of refreshing sorbet. For a dreamy brunch, serve alongside a sparkling mimosa or a steamy latte—perfection!
Creative Ways to Present
Build a mini trifle with slices of cloud cake layered with whipped cream and fruit—or cut the cake into cubes for a charming dessert “cloudscape” on individual plates. A ring of seasonal berries around the cake makes for a beautiful, fuss-free centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cake snugly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It will stay moist and soft, ready for a sweet snack or impromptu dessert.
Freezing
Cloud cake freezes surprisingly well! Slice it (or freeze portions whole), wrap tightly, and pop into a freezer-safe bag. For best texture, enjoy within a month—just thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
No need for an oven—the Cloud Cake Recipe is most heavenly served at room temperature, but if you like, microwave a slice for just a few seconds to bring back some of that fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating to maintain its delicate crumb.
FAQs
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour is preferred because it results in the softest, most tender crumb, but in a pinch, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 1 tablespoon per 1 cup and replacing it with cornstarch—just be sure to sift well for extra loft.
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Why do I need to use an ungreased tube pan?
An ungreased pan lets the airy batter “climb” the sides as it bakes, helping your Cloud Cake Recipe rise sky-high. Greasing the pan would make the batter slip and deflate, resulting in a dense cake.
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How do I know if my egg whites are whipped enough?
You’ll know your whites are ready when glossy, stiff peaks hold their shape—and if you gently tip the bowl, the whites don’t slide around. Overbeaten whites will look curdled and dry, so stop at the first sign of peaks standing tall.
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Can I make the Cloud Cake Recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! The cake keeps its soft texture for a day or two if wrapped well and stored at room temperature. You can bake it the night before your celebration and add garnishes just before serving for maximum wow-factor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s light, elegant, and bound to impress, this Cloud Cake Recipe delivers every time. It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to share at every gathering—or keep all to yourself for those moments of sweet indulgence. Go ahead, whip up some clouds in your kitchen and discover just how magical homemade cake can be!
PrintCloud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cloud Cake recipe yields a light and airy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful cake that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added toppings, this cloud cake is a must-try!
Ingredients
Egg Whites Mixture:
- 6 large Egg Whites, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1 cup Fine Granulated Sugar (caster sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
Cake Flour Mixture:
- 3/4 cup Cake Flour, sifted
- Optional for Chocolate Cloud Cake: 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted with flour, or 2 oz melted and cooled dark chocolate folded in at the end
- Optional: A pinch of salt with egg whites
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Use an ungreased 9 or 10-inch tube pan (Angel food cake pan). Do NOT grease the pan.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a very clean, dry, large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until foamy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating well after each addition until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add Vanilla: Gently beat in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in Flour: Sift the cake flour over the egg white mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula until just combined.
- Fill Pan: Pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and springs back when touched.
- Cool Upside Down: Invert the pan and let the cake cool upside down to prevent collapsing.
- Release Cake: Loosen the cake from the pan and invert it onto a plate.
- Serve: Enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and free of any grease when whipping egg whites.
- Gentle folding is crucial to maintain the airy texture of this cloud cake recipe.
- Cooling the cake upside down is essential for its structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg