Cloud Cake – Recipe

A Cloud Cake is just as dreamy as it sounds — light, fluffy, and delicate like a cloud. It can take several forms (Japanese cotton cheesecake, chiffon-style, or mousse-based), but here’s a vanilla cloud cake that’s ultra-soft and melt-in-your-mouth — perfect for birthdays, tea time, or special occasions.

☁️ Vanilla Cloud Cake (Light & Fluffy Sponge)

🍽️ Serves: 8 | ⏱️ Time: 1 hr (includes baking + cooling)

🧾 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

5 large eggs, separated
120 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar, divided
80 ml (⅓ cup) milk (room temp)
60 ml (¼ cup) neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
90 g (¾ cup) cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cream of tartar or 1 tsp lemon juice (for meringue)

Optional Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare:

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan (do not grease the sides).

2. Mix yolk batter:

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 40 g sugar until pale.
Add oil, milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Sift in flour and stir until smooth and lump-free.

3. Make meringue:

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar (or lemon juice) until foamy.
Gradually add the remaining 80 g sugar while beating to stiff peaks (glossy and holds shape).

4. Fold gently:

Fold meringue into yolk mixture in three parts using a spatula, being gentle to keep air in the batter.

5. Bake in a water bath (for extra moisture):

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Tap lightly to release air bubbles.
Place cake pan in a larger pan with hot water (about 1–2 cm deep).
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Center should spring back when touched.

6. Cool slowly:

Turn off oven and leave the door slightly open. Let cake cool inside for 15–20 minutes to prevent shrinking.
Remove from oven, let fully cool, and run a knife around the edges before removing from pan.

7. Top (optional):

Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread on top and garnish with berries or powdered sugar.

✅ Tips:

Use room temperature eggs for best volume.
Don’t open the oven early — the cake may collapse.
For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest to the yolk batter.

Would you like a chocolate cloud cake, strawberry mousse cloud cake, or a gluten-free version?