Here’s a light, fluffy Cloud Cake recipe—soft like a pillow, gently sweet, and perfect on its own or with fruit and cream. This style is sometimes called a Japanese-style cloud cake or cotton-soft sponge.
☁️ Cloud Cake
Ingredients (serves 8)
Cake Batter:
- 4 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, divided
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (120 g) cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or cream of tartar
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Do not grease the sides (helps the cake rise).
Step 2: Mix Egg Yolk Batter
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Sift in cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with lemon juice or cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating until soft to medium peaks form (do not stiff peaks).
Step 4: Fold Batter
- Fold one-third of the meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten it.
- Gently fold in the remaining meringue in two additions.
- Use slow, sweeping motions to keep the batter airy.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Tap gently to remove large air bubbles.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45–50 minutes until the top is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
Step 6: Cool
- Remove from oven and invert pan upside down on a rack.
- Let cool completely before removing the cake (prevents collapse).
Serving Ideas
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar
- Top with whipped cream and berries
- Serve with fresh strawberries and honey
- Add lemon glaze for a citrus twist
Tips for Perfect Cloud Texture
☁️ Use room-temperature eggs
☁️ Do not overbeat egg whites
☁️ Fold gently and slowly
☁️ Cool upside down for height
Why It’s Called Cloud Cake
Because it’s ultra-light, airy, and soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture—like eating a cloud.