🌥️ Vanilla Cloud Cake (Light & Fluffy)
🧁 What it is:
A soft-as-air sponge or chiffon-style cake layered with whipped cream or mascarpone and fresh fruit, resembling a cloud both in texture and appearance.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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1 cup (120g) cake flour, sifted
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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5 large egg whites, room temp
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3 large egg yolks
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¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
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¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp cream of tartar (optional, for egg whites)
For the Cloud Topping:
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1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream, cold
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3 tbsp powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: mascarpone (½ cup) for extra richness
Optional Filling/Topping:
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Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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Lemon curd or berry compote
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Edible flowers or mint for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides (to help the cake climb).
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In one bowl, whisk together cake flour, half the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine yolk mixture with dry ingredients until just combined.
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In a clean bowl, whip egg whites (and cream of tartar if using) until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
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Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in 3 additions—don’t deflate it.
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Pour into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and springy.
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Cool upside down (invert pan on a bottle or rack) to retain fluffiness. Once cool, run a knife around the edges to release.
2. Make Whipped Cream Frosting:
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Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
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(Optional) Gently fold in mascarpone for a richer texture.
3. Assemble:
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Slice the cooled cake in half horizontally (optional).
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Layer with whipped cream and berries or lemon curd if using.
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Frost top and sides with whipped cream. Decorate with extra fruit or flowers.
🌸 Tips:
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Serve chilled for the most “cloud-like” texture.
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This cake is perfect for spring/summer gatherings or light celebrations.
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Use a serrated knife to slice for neat layers.
Would you like a lemon, chocolate, or berry cloud variation? I can adjust the recipe for any of those flavors!