Prepare to float away on a cloud of deliciousness with this incredible Cloud Cake recipe! This isn't just any cake; it's an ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth experience, famous for its incredibly light and fluffy texture. Imagine a dessert so delicate it feels like a sweet dream, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something truly special.
Originating from the Japanese soufflé cheesecake style, this Cloud Cake combines the rich tang of cream cheese with the airy lightness of perfectly whipped egg whites. The result is a cake that's moist, tender, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget heavy, dense cakes; this delightful creation is a breath of fresh air, offering a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER_0]If you're looking for a dessert that offers elegance without the fuss, this is it. Let's dive into creating this heavenly treat that will have everyone asking for your secret!
Why You'll Adore This Cloud Cake Recipe
- Unforgettable Texture: Its defining characteristic is its unique, airy texture that truly lives up to the name 'Cloud Cake'.
- Simple Ingredients, Stunning Result: Made with common pantry staples, yet yields a sophisticated dessert.
- Blender Friendly: A significant portion of the preparation involves simply blending ingredients, making it super accessible.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own, or dressed up with fruit, sauces, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cloud Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magical dessert. You'll need a few key items, all contributing to that signature light texture:
- 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100ml (7 tbsp) milk
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 70g (â…“ cup) granulated sugar
- 40g (â…“ cup) cake flour
- 10g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
You'll find detailed measurements and additional tips in the full recipe card below.
Tools You'll Need
While minimal, a few tools will make your Cloud Cake journey smooth:
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Blender
- Hand mixer (or stand mixer with whisk attachment)
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Guide to Cloud Cake Perfection
Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect Cloud Cake. The secret is in the gentle handling of the batter!
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends a couple of inches above the rim to allow for rising.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In your favorite blender, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Dry Ingredients
Add the egg yolks (making sure to reserve the egg whites in a separate, clean bowl for later) to the blender mixture. Along with the yolks, add half of the granulated sugar, cake flour, and cornstarch. Blend again until everything is fully combined and smooth. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks
In the separate, clean bowl with the reserved egg whites, use a hand mixer to begin whipping them. Gradually add the remaining granulated sugar as the whites start to foam. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the egg whites hold their shape firmly and don't collapse. This step is crucial for the cake's signature airy texture. For another light and fluffy dessert, you might enjoy our No-Bake Coconut Cream Pie: The Easiest Tropical Dessert!.
Step 5: Gently Fold the Mixtures Together
Take one-third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold them into the cream cheese batter using a rubber spatula. Once partially combined, add the remaining egg whites in two more additions, folding very carefully until just combined. Be extremely gentle to avoid deflating the egg whites, as this is key to the cake's lightness. For more baking wisdom, check out this informative article on Serious Eats about whipping egg whites.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pour the delicate batter into your prepared cake pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake might puff up significantly in the oven and then settle slightly as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Your Dreamy Cloud Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your delightful Cloud Cake as is, or enhance it with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. It's truly a divine experience! If you love elegant cakes, you might also enjoy our Divine Swedish Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Drizzle.
Tips for Cloud-Like Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and butter are thoroughly softened for a smooth batter.
- Clean Bowl for Whites: Any trace of fat or oil can prevent egg whites from whipping properly, so use a very clean, dry bowl.
- Don't Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients and folding in the egg whites, mix just until combined to maintain airiness.
- Water Bath (Optional but Recommended): For an even more moist cake, you can bake the cake pan in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover Cloud Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it's best enjoyed fresh, it remains wonderfully moist and delicious for a couple of days. You can also freeze slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
We hope you enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Cloud Cake. It’s a truly unique dessert that promises to delight with every light and airy bite!
FAQs
What gives Cloud Cake its incredibly light and fluffy texture?
The signature light and fluffy texture of Cloud Cake comes from the meticulous whipping of egg whites to stiff peaks, which are then gently folded into the cream cheese batter. This incorporates air, making the cake airy and soft.
Can I make Cloud Cake ahead of time?
Yes, Cloud Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For best results, add any fresh toppings just before serving.
What are some popular variations for Cloud Cake?
You can easily customize your Cloud Cake! Try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a different flavor. Serving it with fresh berries, a fruit compote, or a light dusting of powdered sugar also enhances its appeal.
Why might my Cloud Cake turn out dense instead of fluffy?
A dense Cloud Cake is typically due to overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, or not whipping the egg whites to sufficiently stiff peaks. Ensure the egg whites are firm and fold them into the batter very gently to maintain their airy structure.
Cloud Cake: A Light and Fluffy Delight
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cloud Cake is an incredibly light and fluffy dessert, inspired by Japanese soufflé cheesecakes, made with cream cheese and whipped egg whites for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
100ml (7 tbsp) milk
4 large eggs, separated
70g (â…“ cup) granulated sugar
40g (â…“ cup) cake flour
10g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends above the rim.
Step 2: In a blender, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the egg yolks (reserve the egg whites) to the blender mixture, along with half of the granulated sugar, cake flour, and cornstarch. Blend until fully combined and smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 4: In a separate, very clean bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the egg whites. Gradually add the remaining granulated sugar and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Step 5: Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two more additions until just combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Gently tap the pan to release air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
For an extra moist cake, you can bake it in a water bath. Place the cake pan in a larger baking pan, and fill the outer pan with about an inch of hot water before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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