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

Imagine biting into a slice of heaven, where every forkful melts like a cloud on your tongue – that’s exactly what this Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream delivers. This irresistible dessert combines the tangy creaminess of cream cheese with the featherlight texture of a perfectly whipped meringue, resulting in a cake that’s satisfyingly delicate yet decadently luscious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or simply craving something new to wow your friends, this recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves desserts that feel like a dream come true.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create the texture, flavor, and visual charm of the Cloud Cake. Each one plays a vital role, whether adding moisture, richness, or that signature lightness that makes this cake truly unique.

  • Cream cheese (200g, softened): Provides a rich, tangy base that makes the cake delectably moist and creamy.
  • Unsalted butter (50g, softened): Adds smoothness and helps create an irresistible tender crumb.
  • Milk (100ml): Balances richness and loosens the batter for perfect consistency.
  • Large eggs (4, separated): Egg yolks build richness while whipped egg whites add that iconic airy texture.
  • Granulated sugar (70g): Sweetens the cake gradually, especially important for stabilizing the meringue.
  • Cake flour (40g, sifted): Gives a soft crumb without weighing down the batter.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line your cake pan thoroughly with parchment paper on both the bottom and sides – this makes removal a breeze later. Don’t forget to wrap the outside of the pan with foil to protect against water invading during the water bath steam baking process; this little trick ensures the cake stays perfectly moist without sogginess.

Step 2: Make the Base

Place the cream cheese, softened butter, and milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir gently until everything melds into a smooth, luscious mixture. Allow it to cool slightly before whisking in the egg yolks one at a time. This slow mixing guarantees a silky base that’s the perfect canvas for the cake’s airy texture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, sift in the cake flour carefully to avoid lumps, then whisk gently just until combined. Overmixing here can deflate the batter, so be gentle and trust the process – it’s a delicate balance that helps deliver the cloudlike softness.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

In a completely clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture forms gorgeous, glossy stiff peaks that hold their shape beautifully. This meringue is the heart of that famous lightness, so whipping properly is key.

Step 5: Combine Gently

Fold your fluffy meringue into the cream cheese batter in three gentle parts using a rubber spatula. Treat the batter with care here—folding slowly and delicately is what traps the air and transforms the cake into an ethereal masterpiece. This is where the magic truly happens in this Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream.

Step 6: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour the combined batter into your prepared pan and tap lightly to release any large air bubbles. Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan filled halfway with hot water – this water bath will create steam and keep the cake moist as it bakes. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes initially, then lower the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for 15 minutes with the door slightly ajar; this slow cooling prevents cracks and keeps the cake’s texture flawless.

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

Keep it simple to let the cake shine: a light dusting of powdered sugar creates a delicate snowy effect that hints at the cake’s fluffiness. Fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream add bursts of color and complementary flavors to brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This Cloud Cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages. Think hot green tea to cleanse the palate, a rich espresso to contrast the cake’s sweetness, or a zesty lemon ginger tea to add a fresh, aromatic twist. Any of these elevate the experience without overpowering the cake itself.

Creative Ways to Present

Try drizzling the cake with a vibrant berry coulis or natural honey for a stunning visual and flavor upgrade. You can even serve individual slices atop a dollop of flavored cream cheese frosting or alongside a scoop of light sorbet for a gourmet touch that feels elegantly indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Cloud Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it moist and prevents it from absorbing fridge odors while maintaining its signature softness.

Freezing

The delicate texture of this cake means it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month, and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Because this is a delicate, fluffy cake, avoid microwaving as it can toughen the texture. Instead, let slices come to room temperature naturally or warm them briefly in a low oven (around 150°C or 300°F) wrapped in foil to gently revive that light, luscious feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone in this Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream?

Yes! Mascarpone can be used to create a slightly creamier and less tangy flavor. Just ensure it’s softened and mixed well to maintain that smooth batter texture.

Why is a water bath important for baking this cake?

The water bath provides gentle, moist heat that prevents the cake from drying out or cracking, helping it achieve that signature delicate and custardy texture.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

You can, but cake flour is preferred because it has a lower protein content, producing a softer crumb. If using all-purpose flour, consider removing a small amount and replacing it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s lightness.

How do I know when the eggs whites are whipped enough?

When the egg whites hold stiff, glossy peaks that stand straight up without drooping, they’re ready. This ensures the meringue can hold the air necessary for the cake’s fluffiness.

Is this Cloud Cake recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While delicate, the steps are straightforward, and with attention to folding and baking times, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results and be proud of their airy, luscious cake.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of sharing a dessert that feels as heavenly as this Cloud Cake Recipe – Light as Air, Luscious as a Dream. With its dreamy texture and subtle flavor, it’s a perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day. Give it a try, and I promise this cloud of sweetness will find a permanent home in your favorite recipe collection.

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

This Cloud Cake recipe delivers a light, airy texture combined with a luscious, creamy flavor. Made with cream cheese, whipped egg whites, and a gentle water bath baking method, this dessert is as dreamy as it is delicate, perfect for a sophisticated treat or a charming tea-time indulgence.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking (Water Bath)
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • 100ml (7 tbsp) milk
  • 4 large eggs, separated

Dry Ingredients

  • 70g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
  • 40g (⅓ cup) cake flour, sifted

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides, then wrap the outside of the pan with foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
  2. Make the Base: In a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and milk. Stir continuously until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, then whisk in the egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour over the mixture and gently whisk until just combined and smooth, avoiding lumps.
  4. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture forms glossy, stiff peaks.
  5. Combine Gently: Fold the meringue into the cream cheese batter in three parts using a rubber spatula. Be gentle and use a folding motion to maintain airiness.
  6. Bake in a Water Bath: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan lightly to release any large air bubbles. Place the cake pan into a roasting pan filled halfway with hot water. Bake in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 45–50 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake for another 10–15 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cake rest inside with the door slightly ajar for 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Use a clean and dry bowl to whip the egg whites for best volume.
  • Folding the meringue gently is key to maintaining the cake’s light texture.
  • Wrapping the cake pan in foil prevents water from the bath from leaking into the batter.
  • Letting the cake rest in the warm oven helps prevent cracking on the surface.
  • Serve dusted with powdered sugar and pair with fresh berries or whipped cream for best experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 80g)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Cloud Cake, Light Cake, Cream Cheese Cake, Water Bath Cake, Airy Dessert, Soft Cake

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