Cloud Cake – Recipe

A Cloud Cake is exactly what it sounds like — light, fluffy, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. There are a few interpretations of this dessert (some are sponge-based, others are mousse-based), but here’s a classic, simple version that combines a delicate chiffon-like base with a whipped cream topping, giving it that dreamy “cloud” texture.

☁️ Classic Cloud Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake (Light Vanilla Sponge):

1 cup cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
4 large eggs, separated
¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
¼ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
⅓ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize egg whites)

For the Whipped Topping (Cloud Layer):

1½ cups heavy cream, cold
3 tbsp powdered sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract

🧁 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Line the bottom of an un-greased 8-inch round or springform pan with parchment paper (do not grease the sides — it helps the cake climb as it bakes).

2. Make the Batter:

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, half of the sugar (about ⅜ cup), oil, milk, and vanilla.
Gently combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.

3. Whip Egg Whites:

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
Add cream of tartar and slowly add the remaining sugar while beating.
Beat until stiff peaks form.

4. Fold the Batter:

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter in thirds. Use a spatula and be gentle to maintain the airiness.

5. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
Let cool upside down in the pan (use a bottle or wire rack if needed) to maintain volume.
Once cool, run a knife around the edges to release the cake.

6. Make the Whipped Topping:

Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.

7. Assemble:

Spread the whipped cream generously over the cooled cake.
Optional: dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.

🍓 Optional Variations:

Lemon Cloud Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter and whipped topping.
Chocolate Cloud Cake: Use cocoa powder in the base and top with chocolate whipped cream.
Cloud Mousse Cake: Use a no-bake crust and set a mousse-style topping in a mold for a more luxurious version.

Would you like the mousse-style version with a jelly layer or a gluten-free alternative?