Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert with impossibly delicate texture and a rich, creamy flavor, look no further than this Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream. Every bite feels like a gentle kiss of sweetness that melts effortlessly on your tongue, thanks to the clever balance of whipped egg whites, cream cheese, and just enough flour. It’s the kind of cake that draws gasps at the table and leaves you chasing every last crumb. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just spoiling yourself, this showstopper truly lives up to its name!

Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this cake so transformative? It’s all about using a handful of straightforward ingredients with maximum impact. Every element brings something essential—whether it’s the tangy lift from cream cheese or the pillow-soft texture from whipped egg whites. Here’s what you need for the Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream:

  • Cream Cheese (200g/7 oz): The foundation of flavor and that signature creamy richness—make sure it’s softened for a smooth batter.
  • Unsalted Butter (50g/3 tbsp): Adds luxurious body and subtle flavor; soft butter blends easily with the other ingredients.
  • Milk (100ml/7 tbsp): Gently loosens the mixture, ensuring the cake stays moist and light.
  • Eggs, separated (4 large): Yolks enrich the batter, while whipped whites create the airy, cloudlike structure you crave.
  • Granulated Sugar (70g/⅓ cup): Gives just the right touch of sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites for a fluffy lift.
  • Cake Flour, sifted (40g/⅓ cup): Minimal flour keeps things delicate; sifting ensures it blends smoothly.

How to Make Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line both the bottom and sides of your cake pan with parchment paper for easy unmolding later. Wrap foil around the pan’s outside to protect your precious batter from any water sneaking in during the water bath—it’s a tiny effort with a huge payoff!

Step 2: Make the Base

Over a pot of gentle simmering water, set a heatproof bowl and add your cream cheese, butter, and milk. Stir patiently while these melt and combine into a satiny mixture. Let it cool for a minute or two, then whisk in the egg yolks one by one, enjoying the creamy transformation.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift your cake flour directly into the bowl and whisk gently until it disappears into the batter—no overmixing here! You want things smooth, lump-free, but not overworked, to keep the batter airy and light.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

With a sparkling clean bowl and a mixer, beat your egg whites until frothy. Sprinkle in the sugar slowly as you go to give the meringue stability. Continue beating until you see glossy stiff peaks that hold their shape—this is the magic that makes the cake so soft and cloudlike.

Step 5: Combine Gently

Now, channel your inner pastry chef: use a rubber spatula to fold the cloud-like meringue into the creamy batter in three separate additions. Take it slow and gentle, preserving all that precious air—this is how your Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream gets its namesake texture.

Step 6: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour your dreamy batter into the prepared cake pan and tap it lightly on the counter to release any large bubbles. Place the cake pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water about halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, reduce to 150°C (300°F), and bake for another 10–15 minutes. Once your kitchen smells like heaven, turn off the oven, let the cake rest for 15 minutes with the door slightly ajar, and watch it set into perfection.

How to Serve Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream

Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The beauty of this cake is its versatility with finishing touches! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. For a more decadent treat, try whipped cream, fresh berries, or a simple drizzle of berry coulis. Even a little edible gold leaf, if you’re feeling extravagant, never goes amiss on the cloudlike top.

Side Dishes

This cake shines brightest with companions that complement its pillowy softness. Pair with tangy berry salads, a side of crème fraîche, or a cup of hot tea. Its subtle flavor makes it the perfect partner for just about any fresh fruit or a delicate herbal infusion.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream into an event by slicing and layering with fruit compotes, or serving as individual “cloudlets” for a whimsical dessert flight. If you have edible flowers or sparkly sugar, decorate each slice for a magical, showstopping effect—this is the dessert people will remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (don’t be surprised if it disappears!), simply cover the cooled cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay soft and luscious for up to three days, maintaining its unique airy texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream for later indulgences! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight for best results—the texture stays remarkably delicate.

Reheating

Unlike denser cakes, this treat is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, zap it briefly in the microwave for just a few seconds. Take care not to overheat, as the texture is delicate and can dry out quickly.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

Yes, you can! Just replace the cake flour with all-purpose flour and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to mimic the finer texture and keep your Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream as fluffy as possible.

Why does my cake deflate after baking?

A little shrinkage is completely normal, but dramatic sinking often means the batter was either overmixed or underbaked. Follow the water bath and gentle folding steps closely—these techniques are what make the cake cloudlike.

Can I add flavors like lemon or vanilla?

Absolutely! Try adding 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a drop of almond extract to boost the aroma and taste without compromising texture.

How do I make sure my meringue is just right?

Beat your egg whites in a scrupulously clean bowl and add sugar slowly. You’ll know they’re ready when the peaks are glossy and stand straight up—this structure is key for a successful Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! The recipe works best in a 6–8 inch round pan. If you use a larger one, expect a shorter cake and bake for less time; if smaller, the cake will be taller but need a bit more time. Watch the bake and use a skewer to check doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for pure dessert escapism, Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream is the answer. A perfect blend of simple ingredients and a little kitchen magic, this cake is a joy from first whisk to final bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite—ethereal, elegant, and always irresistible.

Print

Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream Recipe

Indulge in the light, airy decadence of this Cloud Cake – a dreamy dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. With a velvety cream cheese base and a fluffy meringue topping, this cake is a heavenly treat for any occasion.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 6-8 inch cake 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • 100ml (7 tbsp) milk
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 70g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
  • 40g (⅓ cup) cake flour, sifted

Tools:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Sifter
  • 68 inch round cake pan (preferably springform)
  • Parchment paper
  • Roasting pan for water bath

Ingredient Swaps & Additions:

  • Cream cheese: Swap for mascarpone for a milder, more dessert-forward flavor.
  • Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option (flavor will change slightly).
  • Flavor additions: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a drop of almond extract.
  • Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, replace with all-purpose flour + 1 tsp cornstarch.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line cake pan with parchment and wrap with foil.
  2. Make the Base: Melt cream cheese, butter, and milk. Whisk in egg yolks.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cake flour and whisk gently.
  4. Whip the Egg Whites: Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
  5. Combine Gently: Fold meringue into batter.
  6. Bake in a Water Bath: Pour batter into pan, place in roasting pan with water. Bake, then let rest in oven.

Notes

  • Be gentle when folding the meringue to keep the cake light and airy.
  • Ensure the cake pan is properly sealed with foil to prevent water from entering during the water bath.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cloud Cake, Cream Cheese Cake, Fluffy Cake, Dessert Recipe

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