Cloud Cake Recipe

If you love simple desserts, this 4-ingredient cloud cake is about to become a favorite! It’s incredibly easy to make, flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest, and gently baked in a water bath for that signature soft, airy texture.

This cake is completely flourless and turns out light, fluffy, and cloud-like every time. Trust me—you’re going to love it.

Print

Why You’ll Love This Cloud Cake

I first made this cake two years ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Originally, I flavored it with orange zest, but after trying lemon, I was hooked—the bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

And the best part? You only need 4 simple ingredients, and the result is just as soft and airy as its name suggests.

• Minimal ingredients, maximum impact: Just four pantry staples come together to create a dessert that feels elegant yet easy to make.
• Naturally flourless: A great choice for anyone avoiding gluten or looking for a lighter alternative to traditional cakes.
• Feather-light texture: Each bite melts on your tongue—it’s like enjoying a lemon-scented cloud.
• Versatile flavoring: While lemon is my go-to, you can try orange zest, vanilla extract, or even almond for a personal twist.
• Make-ahead friendly: This cake chills beautifully and can be prepared in advance—ideal for entertaining or stress-free desserts.

The Secret to a Fluffy Texture

The key to achieving that dreamy, cloud-like texture? Whipped egg whites—beaten just until stiff peaks form. Overbeating can lead to deflation, so stop at the perfect moment. And don’t forget: using room-temperature eggs helps the whites whip to their full volume, giving your cake its signature airy lift.

Ingredients for Cloud Cake

This cloud cake keeps things simple with just four main ingredients—all easily found in your kitchen. Each one plays a key role in creating the cake’s unique texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature (separated)
  The egg yolks add richness, while the whites—when whipped—create the cake’s signature airy structure.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
  Adds moisture, tanginess, and a creamy texture. Greek yogurt gives a thicker consistency, but plain yogurt also works well.
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  Provides sweetness and a smooth, dense texture without needing extra sugar or flour.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  Brightens the cake with fresh citrus flavor, balancing the sweetness from the condensed milk.
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
  A light dusting on top gives a simple, elegant finish—perfect for presentation.

How to Make Cloud Cake

This cloud cake may look elegant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. The secret lies in a few key techniques—like whipping the egg whites just right and baking in a water bath—to create that signature soft, fluffy texture. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C (340°F). Line a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Separate the egg whites from the yolks into two bowls.

Step 3: In the bowl with the yolks, mix together the condensed milk, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 4: Using a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Tip: Make sure your bowl is completely dry—any moisture will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

Step 5: Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture a little at a time using a spatula. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the cake pan inside a larger pan and pour hot water into the outer pan so it comes about 3cm (1 inch) up the side.

Step 7: Bake for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the cake cool completely in the oven with the door closed. After cooling, refrigerate for 2–3 hours or overnight.

Tip: Don’t open the oven during baking—this can cause the cake to collapse.

Step 8: Once chilled, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar (optional), slice, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

To get that signature soft and airy texture, a few small details make all the difference. Keep these key tips in mind:

• Use room-temperature eggs for better volume and easier whipping.
• Separate eggs carefully to avoid any yolk in the whites.
• Make sure your mixing bowl is clean and dry before whipping egg whites.
• Fold gently to keep the batter light—don’t overmix.
• Bake in a water bath for even heat and a moist, smooth finish.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools to make this cloud cake—just a few basic kitchen essentials. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you begin:

• Mixing bowls – One for the egg yolks and another clean, dry one for the egg whites.
• Electric mixer – A handheld or stand mixer to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Spatula – For gently folding the egg whites into the yolk mixture without deflating the batter.
• Springform pan (20cm / 8-inch) – The best pan for easy release and even baking.
• Large roasting pan – Used to create a water bath for gentle, even baking.

Variations of Cloud Cake

This cloud cake is wonderfully versatile, and with just a few simple tweaks, you can create different flavors to suit any occasion or preference. Try one of these easy variations:

• Orange Zest – Swap lemon juice and zest for orange for a sweeter, citrusy twist.
• Vanilla Bean – Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for a warm, classic flavor.
• Berry Swirl – Gently fold in a few spoonfuls of pureed raspberries or blueberries before baking.
• Matcha Cloud Cake – Add 1 tsp of matcha powder to the yolk mixture for a light green tea flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle – After chilling, top the cake with melted dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for a richer finish.

Serving Suggestions

This delicate, airy cloud cake is perfect on its own, but you can easily dress it up for any occasion. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
• Top with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
• Serve with lemon curd or fruit compote for added flavor and color.
• Pair with tea or espresso for a light and refreshing dessert moment.

FAQs

What is cloud cake made of?
Cloud cake is typically made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice/zest. It’s flourless and gets its airy texture from whipped egg whites.

Is cloud cake the same as angel food cake?
Not exactly. While both are light and fluffy, angel food cake uses only egg whites and no yolks or dairy. Cloud cake includes yolks and yogurt, giving it a slightly richer and creamier texture.

What was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite cake?
Queen Elizabeth II was famously fond of chocolate biscuit cake—a no-bake dessert made with crushed cookies, chocolate, and butter. It’s quite different from cloud cake, but equally beloved.

How to make a cloud on a cake?
To create a “cloud” look on a cake, decorators often use whipped cream or meringue shaped into soft, fluffy peaks. For a playful effect, you can also pipe white frosting in cloud shapes or use cotton candy as a topper.

Final Thoughts

This cloud cake proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create a truly special dessert. With just four simple components and a few easy steps, you’ll have a light, fluffy treat that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or a quiet moment with tea, it’s sure to impress.

Its soft, airy texture and gentle citrus flavor make it a standout among other sponge cakes, and the fact that it’s flourless adds to its charm. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert.

More Recipes Hungry to Try

If you loved this cloud cake, you’ll definitely want to try these top-rated recipes next—they’re crowd-pleasers for any occasion:

• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: A rich, comforting pasta dish packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese—like your favorite burger in a bowl.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken: Juicy, golden-baked chicken filled with savory mushrooms and melty cheese—perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: Light and refreshing, this tropical-inspired dish features perfectly grilled salmon topped with zesty mango salsa.
• Frozen Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Bites: Cool, creamy, and full of protein—these frozen bites are a quick, guilt-free treat for snack lovers.