☁️ Cloud Cake Recipe (Light & Fluffy)
This cake is ultra-light, airy, and slightly bouncy — similar to a Japanese soufflé cake or chiffon cake. It’s called “Cloud Cake” because of its cloud-like texture and appearance.
🧁 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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5 large eggs (room temperature, separated)
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100g (½ cup) granulated sugar (divided)
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60ml (¼ cup) whole milk (room temperature)
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60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
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70g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) cake flour (sifted)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cream of tartar (or 1 tsp lemon juice)
Optional:
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Whipped cream or berries (for serving)
🥣 Equipment Needed
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Electric mixer (stand or hand)
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Mixing bowls (clean and dry for egg whites!)
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6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan (preferably not non-stick)
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Parchment paper
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Spatula
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Sieve for sifting
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Oven with consistent temperature
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides — this helps the cake climb the walls and stay fluffy.
2. Make the Egg Yolk Mixture
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In a bowl, whisk together:
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5 egg yolks
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40g (3 tbsp) sugar
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Milk, oil, and vanilla
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Whisk until pale and slightly thick.
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Sift in cake flour, and gently fold/mix until smooth.
3. Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks
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In a clean, dry bowl, add:
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5 egg whites
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Cream of tartar
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Beat with mixer on medium until foamy.
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Gradually add the remaining 60g (about ¼ cup) sugar in 3 parts.
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Increase to high speed and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Fold Meringue into Batter
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Add ⅓ of the meringue to the yolk batter and mix to loosen.
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Gently fold in the remaining meringue in 2 parts with a spatula.
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Do not overmix. Fold until no streaks remain.
5. Bake Low & Slow
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Pour batter into the prepared pan.
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Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
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Bake in a water bath:
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Place cake pan inside a larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
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Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
6. Cool Gently
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Once done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for 10–15 minutes to prevent collapse.
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Remove the cake and let it cool completely in the pan.
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Gently remove from pan by running a knife along the edge.
7. Serve
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Dust with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream and berries for a beautiful finish.
💡 Tips for Success
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Use room temperature eggs — cold whites don’t whip well.
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Do not overfold the meringue — be gentle to keep the air in.
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Avoid opening the oven in the first 40 minutes.
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Use cake flour for a finer, softer crumb.
❓ Cloud Cake Q&A
Q: Why did my cake collapse after baking?
A: Most likely causes are:
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Underbaked center
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Overmixed batter (lost air)
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Sudden temperature change (didn’t cool gradually)
Q: Can I make it in an 8 or 9-inch pan?
A: Yes, but the cake will be shorter and may bake faster. Start checking at 45–50 minutes.
Q: Do I really need a water bath?
A: Yes, for the soft texture and even bake. It prevents cracking and keeps moisture.
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour?
A: You can, but the crumb will be denser. Reduce the amount slightly (to 65g) and sift well.
Q: How do I flavor it?
A: Add 1–2 tsp of matcha, cocoa powder, or citrus zest to the yolk batter. For cocoa, reduce the flour slightly to accommodate.
Q: How do I store it?
A: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed fresh at room temperature.