Cloud Cake

A Cloud Cake is as dreamy and light as it sounds — soft, airy, and delicately sweet. There are a few interpretations (from meringue-based to mousse-layered), but here’s a classic and elegant version that balances a tender sponge cake with whipped cream or mousse, making it feel like you’re biting into a cloud.

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🍰 Vanilla Cloud Cake (Light and Airy)

🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

❄️ Chill Time: 1–2 hours (if layered with mousse/cream)

🍽️ Serves: 8–10

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Ingredients:

🔸 For the Cake:

• 1 cup cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 4 large eggs, separated

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional, for egg whites)

🔸 For the “Cloud” Topping (Whipped Cream Layer):

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (chilled)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: mascarpone (2–3 tbsp) for added richness

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Instructions:

🍰 Make the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch round pan (don’t grease the sides — helps the cake rise).

2. Sift dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Whisk yolk mixture: In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1/4 cup sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Beat egg whites: In a clean bowl, whip egg whites (and cream of tartar, if using) until soft peaks form. Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks.

5. Combine: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the flour mixture, then fold in the whipped egg whites in 3 batches — be careful not to deflate the batter.

6. Bake: Pour into pan and bake 25–30 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly. Let cool upside down if possible (on a bottle or rack) to keep it fluffy.

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☁️ Make the Whipped Cream:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. (Add mascarpone if using for structure and a slightly tangy note.)

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🧁 Assemble:

1. Once cake is completely cool, slice it in half (for two layers) or leave whole.

2. Spread or pipe whipped cream generously on top (and between layers, if splitting).

3. Chill for 1–2 hours to set.

4. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, decorate with berries, or add edible flowers.

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Variations:

• Chocolate Cloud Cake: Add cocoa powder and fold melted dark chocolate into the whipped cream.

• Lemon Cloud Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter and lemon curd in between layers.

• Japanese-style: Use chiffon cake base and top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

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Would you like a flourless version (like a mousse cloud cake), or something more like a layered bakery-style version with cream cheese or fruit?