Molntårta (Swedish for “Cloud Cake”) is a light, fluffy, and elegant Scandinavian dessert — often layered with meringue, whipped cream, and fruit. It gets its name from its cloud-like texture and dreamy appearance.
There are a few regional and personal variations, but here’s a classic and crowd-pleasing version:
☁️ Molntårta (Swedish Cloud Cake)
🍽️ Serves: 8–10
⏱️ Prep Time: 25 min | Bake Time: 25–30 min | Chill: 1+ hour
✅ Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 100 g (about 7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g (½ cup) sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
Meringue Topping:
- 4 egg whites (from above)
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- ½ tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch for extra stability
Filling & Topping:
- 300 ml (1¼ cups) heavy whipping cream, whipped
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar, to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Optional: lemon curd, jam, or mascarpone for layering
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease sides lightly.
2. Make the Cake Base:
- Cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time.
- Stir in vanilla, then fold in flour mixed with baking powder.
- Add milk to loosen batter; divide evenly into the two pans.
3. Make the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy stiff peaks form.
- Mix in vinegar (and cornstarch if using).
- Spread the meringue gently over the unbaked cake batter in both pans.
- Optional: Sprinkle sliced almonds or pearl sugar on top.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until meringue is crisp and lightly golden.
- Let layers cool completely in pans.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Carefully remove one layer and place meringue side up on a serving plate.
- Whip cream with vanilla and powdered sugar.
- Spread cream over the first layer and top with berries.
- Place the second layer on top (meringue side up). Add more whipped cream and berries on top if desired.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving — best when slightly cold.
🍓 Serving Suggestions:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with extra berries or a berry sauce on the side.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days (meringue will soften slightly).
Would you like a gluten-free, single-layer, or sheet pan version of Molntårta?