Cloud Cake – A Heavenly Delight Made Simple
Introduction
There’s something magical about a dessert that feels as light as air yet melts in your mouth like a dream. The Cloud Cake—named for its soft, fluffy texture—is an effortlessly elegant treat you can whip up with minimal fuss. You simply blend everything together and watch it transform into a golden, delicate cake that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s no wonder many people make it twice a week—it’s that irresistible.
Ingredients & Quantities
200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
50 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
100 ml (7 tbsp) milk
4 large eggs, separated
70 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
40 g (⅓ cup) cake flour
10 g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend the Base:
In a blender, combine cream cheese, butter, milk, egg yolks, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped whites into the cream cheese mixture in three batches, keeping the texture airy.
4. Bake in a Water Bath:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides (to create a gentle, moist baking environment).
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cake jiggles slightly in the center. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cake cool slowly inside to prevent cracking.
6. Serve:
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice and enjoy chilled for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The Cloud Cake is inspired by Japanese “Soufflé Cheesecake,” a beloved dessert known for its ethereal texture—a blend of cheesecake, sponge cake, and soufflé. It symbolizes harmony and balance, representing the Japanese approach to dessert-making: delicate, light, and subtly sweet. Over time, this airy cake has gained global popularity, charming bakers with its simplicity and elegance.
Description
This cake truly lives up to its name—it’s soft, creamy, and as light as a cloud. The cream cheese lends a rich tang, while the eggs and milk create a custard-like smoothness. The texture is pillow-soft with a hint of vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Each bite practically dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind a gentle sweetness that’s never overpowering.
Optional Additions
Lemon Zest or Juice: For a refreshing citrus note.
Matcha Powder: Add 1 tsp for a Japanese twist and a subtle green hue.
Berry Compote: Serve with blueberry or strawberry sauce for extra flavor.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: A simple yet elegant topping.
Whipped Cream or Fresh Fruit: For a café-style presentation.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
Gentle Folding: Avoid overmixing the egg whites to keep the cake airy.
Water Bath is Key: It prevents cracks and keeps the texture moist.
Cool Gradually: Rapid cooling can deflate the cake.
Use Cake Flour: It gives a lighter, more delicate crumb.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: ~190 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Sugars: 9 g
Fiber: <1 g
Calcium: 60 mg
(Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion and Recommendation
If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that looks and tastes bakery-perfect without complicated steps, Cloud Cake is your answer. Its simplicity, elegance, and irresistible texture make it ideal for both weekday treats and special occasions. Whether served plain or dressed with fruit, it’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
The beauty of Cloud Cake lies in its balance—rich yet light, indulgent yet mindful. Made with real ingredients and no heavy cream, it’s a treat that satisfies your cravings without overwhelming your senses. A slice of this fluffy delight is a reminder that true indulgence can also be gentle, wholesome, and absolutely heavenly.