Have you ever wondered what makes a cloud cake so irresistible? It’s been shared over 4,658 times. This easy recipe lets you create a cloud cake that melts in your mouth. With a light, airy texture and delicious taste, it’s perfect for impressing guests or celebrating any occasion. Discover the ultimate cloud cake recipe, complete with all the techniques and ingredients you need for a fun and successful baking experience.
Introduction to Cloud Cake
The allure of a cloud cake is undeniable. It’s primarily defined by its ethereal structure, achieved through a carefully prepared meringue. Its soft, airy texture is the reason why a fluffy cloud cake is a sought-after dessert. The fact that cloud cake is a trending dessert further demonstrates its popularity and its simple, yet stunning appearance.
Cloud cakes offer a wide range of flavor options, from the classic and comforting vanilla to the rich indulgence of chocolate, and even the tropical twist of a Pineapple Cloud Cake. Every bite is a delicate treat, perfect for any day or special event. Thanks to the availability of gluten-free and low-carb options, cloud cakes are now more accessible and popular than ever.
Cloud cakes are known for their delightful taste and visual appeal. They provide a unique dessert experience that sets them apart from other cakes. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, a fluffy cloud cake is guaranteed to impress.
To create an amazing cloud cake, it’s important to gather the right tools and high-quality ingredients. Having all the necessary baking tools and cloud cake ingredients prepared in advance will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Tools
You’ll need these baking essentials:
- Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for various components.
- Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping the egg whites to perfection.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
- Spatula: For the delicate folding of ingredients.
- Springform Cake Pans: These allow for easy removal of the cake.
- Baking Scale: For accurate weight measurements, especially useful for flour and sugar.
- Piping bags (optional): To give the frosting a professional look.
- Parchment Paper (optional): for lining the cake pans
Components of This Cloud Cake
This cloud cake has a light chiffon base. It features:
- 8 ounces (225g) of bittersweet chocolate, making up about 36% of the total cake weight. This chocolate provides a rich, deep flavor.
- 6 large eggs, which account for roughly 20% of the total ingredient count. The eggs are essential for the cake’s structure and lightness.
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, representing approximately 32% of the cake’s total weight. The sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup (110g) of unsalted butter, contributing around 18% of the weight. The butter adds richness and moisture to the cake.
The frosting uses 1 1/2 cups (355g) of heavy cream, bringing the cake to a total weight of about 980g. You can also add 2 tablespoons of cognac or Grand Marnier for an extra touch of sophistication, or a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note.
The core cloud cake ingredients create a naturally flourless cake. The addition of Greek yogurt and lemon juice/zest are key to this unique texture. This recipe will make about 12 servings, so everyone can enjoy a piece.
How To Make The Cloud Cake
Starting to make a cloud cake is a straightforward process. The first step is preparing all your ingredients and tools. Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites, and make sure that all your tools are free of any grease. This step is very important for a perfect meringue, which is essential for the airy texture. Whip the egg whites in a clean bowl, using a mixer, until they form stiff, glossy peaks. This is what gives the cake its cloud-like lightness.
Once the meringue is ready, fold it gently into a mixture of the yolks, sugar, and a flavoring such as vanilla extract. Be sure to fold the meringue in slowly, and not overmix the batter as this can cause the batter to lose the air created and produce a dense cake. It’s an important technique to master.
Now, it’s time to bake. Pour the batter into your springform cake pan, lined with parchment paper for an extra measure if you want. Place the cake pan in a larger dish and add about ½ inch of boiling water to the larger dish. This method, known as a water bath or bain-marie, will ensure even baking at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a light golden color and it feels firm. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out with just a few crumbs attached.
After baking, let the cake cool slowly, ideally inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, to prevent it from deflating. Decorate the cooled cake with a generous layer of whipped cream, or if you prefer, a more decadent topping such as a chocolate caramel ganache. For a luxurious caramel whipped cream, blend light brown sugar with heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt. Chill the whipped cream for about 90 minutes before using to ensure it’s well-chilled for use.
By following these detailed instructions, you can create a truly fluffy and delicious cloud cake. Happy baking!
Ingredient Measurements
| Ingredient | Measurement |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup (100g), split into ¼ cup portions |
| Egg Whites | 5 large eggs, separated |
| Heavy Cream | 3 cups (720g) for caramel whipped cream |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Coconut Milk (For Frosting) | 2 cans, refrigerated for 24 hours |
Tips to Perfect This Recipe
Creating a truly exceptional cloud cake involves mastering a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you make your cloud cake amazing:
- Cleanliness is Key: Ensure the bowl and beaters used for whipping the egg whites are absolutely clean and free of any traces of fat or yolk. Even the smallest amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume and potential.
- Accurate Measuring: Precise measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, particularly for flour and sugar. For liquids, use measuring cups.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating the meringue into the batter, fold very gently to maintain the airiness of the meringue. Overmixing will deflate the batter, making for a heavy cake.
- Oven Temperature: Bake at approximately 325°F (160°C). Watch the cake closely, and be aware that oven temperatures can fluctuate, so it is always wise to keep a close eye on the cake and baking time. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cooling Slowly: After baking, let the cake cool slowly, ideally in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the cake from collapsing. Avoid removing the cake from the pan until it is completely cooled.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, try substituting almond flour or coconut flour for regular wheat flour.
- Low-Sugar Alternatives: For a healthier option, you can substitute stevia or monk fruit for traditional sugar. These sweeteners maintain the cake’s great taste but with fewer calories. When using sugar alternatives, remember that their sweetness can be very different from regular sugar and it may take a few attempts to get the sweetness just right.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your cake seems to be cracking on top, this might mean that your oven is too hot, or that the cake is done. Also, if the cake is not rising as much as you would like, it’s most likely due to not achieving a stiff meringue. Try again, and make sure your utensils are very clean and dry. If your cake is soggy, it may not be completely cooked. Give it an extra couple of minutes and use a skewer to make sure that it comes out clean.
These cloud cake tips will help you bake something truly special. Keep them in mind for your next baking project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you enjoying your Cloud Cake journey? Do you have some questions? We’re here to help with some answers. With this support, you can delve deeper into your cloud cake experience.
How long do cloud cakes last?
A Cloud Cake remains fresh for about 5 to 7 days if stored correctly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for the first 24 hours, then move it to the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor. When it comes to how long does cloud cake last, refrigeration is crucial for its freshness and flavor.
How to make a cake look like a cloud?
To achieve that dreamy, cloud-like aesthetic, use light and airy frostings. Whipped cream or a soft meringue is a good choice. For a perfect cloud cake presentation, try dusting it with powdered sugar or adding fresh, colorful fruit. These toppings will certainly enhance the visual appeal and make your cloud cake look enchanting.
What are the main ingredients in cake?
Standard cake ingredients usually include flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil. However, the cloud cake ingredients are unique. They rely heavily on whipped egg whites for their characteristic fluffiness, using very little to no flour. Many cloud cake recipes include cornstarch instead of traditional wheat flour for an even lighter result. It’s crucial to have the basics right in order to achieve that perfect softness.
If you enjoyed the cloud cake’s lightness and airy texture, get ready for even more baking adventures. We have many cake recipes to boost your baking skills. Try a rich flourless chocolate cloud cake or a classic vanilla sponge cake. These cakes are equally light and perfect for any celebration.
Get creative by adding seasonal fruits or nuts for a unique flavor. You can also experiment by adding lemon zest or various spices. There are endless ways to make your desserts more impressive and delicious.