It sounds like you’re describing the perfect fluffy and soft texture for a dish—whether that’s a cake, bread, pancakes, or some other treat! If you’re craving something super soft and fluffy, I have a few ideas depending on what you’re in the mood for. Let’s go over a few options that create that melt-in-your-mouth, cloud-like texture!
Fluffy Cloud-like Pancakes
These pancakes are airy, light, and super soft. Here’s a recipe for Cloud Pancakes that will leave you thinking you’ve had a bite of heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps with fluffiness)
- 1 tablespoon water (for fluffier texture)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, and then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—don’t overmix, as that can result in dense pancakes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cream of tartar into the egg whites until stiff peaks form (this helps create extra fluffiness).
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the pancake batter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour the batter into the pan in small rounds and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Cloud-like Milk Bread
For a soft, pillowy bread that practically melts in your mouth, try this Japanese Milk Bread (often referred to as Hokkaido milk bread). It’s super soft and fluffy, almost like eating a cloud!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk powder (optional, for extra softness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk and water and heat until warm (not hot). Add milk powder if using.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add in the butter, egg, and heavy cream and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10-12 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic (you can use a stand mixer if preferred).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into small portions. Shape the dough into small balls, then arrange them in a greased loaf pan.
- Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes to an hour, until the dough rises above the rim of the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush with a bit of melted butter for extra softness.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying!
Fluffy Cloud-like Cake: Japanese Cheesecake
If you want a cake that’s light as air with a delicate texture, a Japanese Cheesecake is the way to go! It’s known for being ultra-soft, fluffy, and not overly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Set it over simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Add powdered sugar to the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly add the cream cheese mixture to the egg yolk mixture and mix until well combined.
- Sift together the flour and cornstarch and fold into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese batter, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
- Place the pan into a water bath (a larger pan filled with hot water) and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake and let it cool to room temperature. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips for Cloud-like Texture:
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing your batter can make your baked goods dense and heavy. Mix just until combined!
- Fold in air: When incorporating eggs, whipped cream, or egg whites, fold gently to preserve the air that creates fluffiness.
- Add moisture: Ingredients like heavy cream, milk powder, or even a small amount of yogurt can add moisture and contribute to a soft texture.
- Rest time: Giving your dough or batter time to rise or rest helps develop a lighter, airier texture.
These recipes should help you create that cloud-like fluffiness in whatever dish you’re craving—whether it’s pancakes, bread, or cake. Which one do you think you’ll try first?