Cloud Cake
Introduction
To whoever first shared the recipe for Cloud Cake — thank you! We made it with modest expectations, unsure if something so simple could truly deliver. But from the very first bite, we were completely surprised.
It may not win awards for appearance, but what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in flavor. Light, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — even the toughest critics (yes, husbands included!) become instant fans.
Description
Cloud Cake is a flourless, airy dessert with a soft, delicate structure that practically dissolves on your tongue. Its texture sits somewhere between a soufflé and a sponge cake — tender, lightly sweet, and beautifully simple.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels elegant yet comforting at the same time.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
4 large eggs, separated
4 oz (120g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60ml) milk
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Prepare batter base: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add milk, egg yolks, vanilla, and half the sugar. Mix until creamy and lump-free.
Whip egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar and whip until soft peaks form.
Fold gently: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in batches. Do not overmix — keep it airy.
Bake in water bath: Pour batter into prepared pan. Place pan into a larger baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides.
Bake for 45–55 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Cool gradually: Turn off oven and leave cake inside with door slightly open for 15 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Cloud Cake is closely related to the famous Japanese soufflé cheesecake, popularized in Japan during the 1990s. It became globally recognized through bakeries and social media for its jiggly, cloud-like appearance and airy texture.
Its minimalist ingredients reflect a broader cultural appreciation for light desserts that emphasize texture over heavy sweetness. Today, it symbolizes modern comfort baking — simple ingredients transformed into something unexpectedly magical.
Optional Additions
To personalize your Cloud Cake, try:
Lemon zest for brightness
A tablespoon of cornstarch for slightly more structure
Fresh berries on top
A drizzle of honey
Whipped cream for serving
Matcha powder for a Japanese-inspired twist
Tips for Success
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
Do not overwhip egg whites — soft peaks are ideal.
Fold gently to maintain airiness.
The water bath prevents cracking and keeps texture delicate.
Allow gradual cooling to prevent collapse.
Remember: it may sink slightly — that’s completely normal!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)
Calories: 140
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 10g
Values vary depending on portion size and additions.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Cloud Cake is a wonderful reminder that indulgence doesn’t need to be heavy. With minimal flour (or none at all) and modest sugar, it feels lighter than traditional cakes while still satisfying that dessert craving.
It’s a celebration of simplicity — proof that fewer ingredients can still create something extraordinary.
Conclusion
What started with low expectations turned into a delightful surprise. Cloud Cake may not be picture-perfect, but one bite tells the whole story: light, airy, and absolutely delicious.
Recommendation
Serve it slightly chilled with fresh fruit and coffee for an elegant yet effortless dessert.
Make it once… and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home — especially from those who “don’t usually like cake.” ☁️🍰
