Cloud Cake Recipe: Light, Fluffy & Gluten-Free Dessert You’ll Love

Cloud cake recipe fans are obsessed with this light, dreamy dessert and it’s easy to see why. Made with just five simple ingredients and no flour, oil, or butter, it’s naturally gluten-free yet delivers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With its golden top and airy bite, the cloud cake recipe stands out as a healthier treat that doesn’t sacrifice indulgence. In this article, we’ll show you how to make it, what makes it so special, and how to get perfect results every time.

Check out this Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe another light, easy-to-make delight.

Let’s dive into the magic of the cloud cake recipe.

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What is a Cloud Cake?

What defines a cloud cake recipe?

A cloud cake recipe is known for its ultra-light, almost souffle-like texture. What sets it apart is what it doesn’t contain: there’s no flour, no baking powder, and no oil. The lift comes entirely from whipped egg whites, which are carefully folded into a creamy base made from Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean paste.

This cake is baked gently in a water bath, creating a moist, airy crumb that practically vanishes on your tongue. The result? A dessert that looks elegant and tastes divine yet requires only five pantry staples.

Cloud cake highlights:

Feature	Description
Flourless	Naturally gluten-free and light
Five ingredients	Easy to make anytime
Fluffy texture	Like biting into a sweet cloud
Water bath baked	Moist and crack-free surface
Customizable	Add lemon zest, berries, or cocoa

Differences between cloud cake recipe and angel food cake

Although both are light and egg-white based, cloud cake is not the same as angel food cake. Here’s why:

Cloud Cake	Angel Food Cake
Uses Greek yogurt and condensed milk	Mostly egg whites and sugar
No flour or cream of tartar	Contains cake flour
Baked in a water bath	Baked in a dry tube pan
Richer texture due to dairy	Airier, more sponge-like
Naturally gluten-free	Contains gluten

Where angel food cake relies heavily on volume and sweetness, cloud cake balances richness and airiness thanks to its yogurt and condensed milk base. Think of it as a cross between a cheesecake and a chiffon cake but without the heaviness.

Why This Cloud Cake Recipe is Going Viral

The social media obsession with flourless cloud cakes

If you’ve been on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest lately, chances are you’ve seen a wave of home bakers slicing into a golden-topped cake so light it jiggles. That’s the cloud cake recipe, and it’s taken social media by storm and for good reason.

With just a few ingredients and an ethereal texture, the cloud cake recipe delivers a dessert that looks and feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. Food bloggers and influencers love its visual appeal: the contrast between its golden crust and fluffy interior makes for a scroll-stopping video or reel. Plus, the fact that this cloud cake recipe is naturally gluten-free and made with simple pantry staples only adds to its growing popularity.

What’s more, unlike complicated layer cakes or time-consuming pastries, the cloud cake recipe feels totally doable even for beginner bakers. That sense of “I can make this right now!” has sparked an online baking movement that continues to grow.

Looking for inspiration? Try this Protein Porridge Breakfast to go along with your cloud cake recipe.

Health benefits of a gluten-free, low-calorie treat

Beyond the aesthetics and simplicity, there’s a real nutritional upside to this recipe. Many cakes are loaded with refined flour, butter, and sugar. But this cloud cake recipe skips all of that.

Here’s why it’s a favorite among health-conscious bakers:

• Naturally gluten-free: With no flour, it’s safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Low in fat: There’s no butter or oil, making each slice lighter.
• High protein: Thanks to egg whites and Greek yogurt, each serving has a surprising amount of protein.
• Low calorie: One serving is around 140 calories, making it guilt-free for dessert or even breakfast.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Slice)	Value
Calories	141 kcal
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	19g
Fat	4g
Gluten	0g (naturally GF)

Pair it with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, satisfying treat that won’t derail your wellness goals.

Don’t miss our Quick & Healthy Recipes for more low-calorie, easy-to-bake options.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cloud Cake

Just 5 essential ingredients explained

One of the most appealing things about this cloud cake recipe is how little you need to make it. With just five common ingredients, it’s accessible, budget-friendly, and perfect for spur-of-the-moment baking.

Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

1. Large Eggs
   Eggs are the foundation of cloud cake recipe. The yolks create richness, while the whites when whipped are responsible for the light, cloud-like texture. Be sure to separate them carefully; even a trace of yolk can ruin the meringue.
2. Greek Yogurt (Full Fat)
   Adds creaminess, tang, and structure. Avoid using regular yogurt it’s too watery. Full-fat strained yogurt (like Fage) helps keep the cake moist without making it dense.
3. Sweetened Condensed Milk
   This is your main sweetener and fat source. It gives the cake its signature sweetness and helps bind everything together. No extra sugar needed!
4. Cornstarch (or Cornflour)
   Used in small amounts to add just a bit of stability to the batter. It prevents the cake from collapsing without altering its fluffiness.
5. Vanilla Bean Paste
   Brings flavor and a touch of elegance with real vanilla specks. You can substitute with pure vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even almond essence.

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitutes
Eggs (4 large)	Lift & structure	No real sub
Greek yogurt (1 cup)	Moisture & tang	Labneh (strained)
Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup)	Sweetener & binder	None
Cornstarch (1 tbsp)	Stabilizer	Tapioca starch
Vanilla bean paste (1 tsp)	Flavor	Vanilla extract or citrus zest

Why each ingredient matters: from yogurt to vanilla paste

Each ingredient plays a specific, irreplaceable role in the structure and flavor of the cloud cake recipe:

• Egg whites trap air, creating volume and softness.
• Greek yogurt adds a rich but light creaminess.
• Sweetened condensed milk simplifies the recipe no need for sugar or butter.
• Cornstarch helps keep the cake from collapsing.
• Vanilla bean paste elevates the taste from basic to bakery-level.

Don’t forget: quality matters. Using high-quality eggs, fresh yogurt, and real vanilla will make a noticeable difference in the final product.

Discover great ideas like our vegan cheese in the Easy Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe

How to Make Cloud Cake Step-by-Step

Making the perfect cloud cake recipe isn’t hard but technique matters. With just a few steps and the right prep, you can master this light, flourless cake on the first try.

Let’s break it down.

Preparing your tools and oven for success

Before anything else, gather your tools and prep your baking environment:

• Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C).
• Lightly mist an 8-inch springform pan with cake release spray.
• Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
• Wrap the base of the pan with two layers of foil (for the water bath).
• Place the springform into a deep roasting pan.

Having everything ready avoids rushing during critical steps like folding egg whites.

Essential Tools List:

Tool	Purpose
Hand or stand mixer	Whip egg whites to stiff peaks
Digital scale	Measure ingredients accurately
Springform pan	Easy cake removal
Spatula	Gentle folding of batter
Deep tray	Water bath baking

Folding technique that keeps the cake fluffy

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. Separate your eggs carefully. Place whites in a clean, grease-free bowl and yolks in another.
2. In the yolk bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla paste. Mix until smooth.
3. Sift in cornstarch and stir until fully incorporated.
4. In your whites bowl, whip egg whites using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until stiff peaks form but don’t overmix or they’ll become watery.
5. Gently fold whipped egg whites into yolk batter in 3–4 batches. Use a spatula to fold, not stir. Scrape the bowl bottom to ensure even mixing.

The goal is to retain as much air as possible. That’s what gives the cake its cloud-like texture.

Baking it just right with a water bath

The cloud cake recipe must be baked in a water bath. This slow, even method keeps the cake soft and prevents cracking.

Steps:

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Set the pan inside a deep tray.
• Carefully pour hot water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the cake pan’s sides.
• Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven, but don’t open the door. Let the cake cool inside for 1 hour.
• Then move it to the fridge and chill for 2+ hours or overnight.

To serve, dust with powdered sugar and top with strawberries or fruit of your choice.

Pro Tip:

When baking a cloud cake recipe, resist the urge to open the oven door. Sudden temperature changes can cause the delicate structure to deflate, ruining that signature airy texture. If you absolutely must peek, do it gently and only near the end of the baking time.

Fuel your day with our Homemade High Protein Bagels after dessert.

Troubleshooting Tips for Fluffy Perfection

Even though the cloud cake recipe is relatively simple, the outcome depends heavily on technique. If you’ve ever baked one and ended up with a rubbery, deflated mess, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about how to avoid those mistakes and get it right every time.

What to avoid when whipping egg whites

Egg whites are the backbone of a successful cloud cake recipe. If they’re not whipped correctly, the whole structure fails.

Avoid these common issues:

• Greasy bowls or tools: Any trace of oil, fat, or even egg yolk can prevent egg whites from whipping. Always use a metal or glass bowl, and make sure it’s spotlessly clean.
• Cold eggs: Yolks separate more easily from cold eggs, but room temperature whites whip better. So separate cold, then let whites sit at room temp for 15 minutes.
• Over-whipping: Stop at stiff peaks where whites hold their shape when the whisk is lifted. Over-whipping leads to dry, grainy foam that collapses.

Tip: Add a pinch of salt or a few drops of lemon juice to help stabilize the egg whites.

Why your cake might turn rubbery or deflate

Let’s face it nobody wants a dense or sunken cake. Here’s why that might happen and how to fix it:

Problem	Likely Cause	How to Fix
Rubbery texture	Over-whipped egg whites or overmixed batter	Fold egg whites gently and stop mixing when just combined
Deflated cake	Opened oven door too early or sudden temp drop	Never open the oven mid-bake; cool slowly in oven
Collapsed center	Not baked long enough	Use a toothpick test near the center before turning off oven
Weeping cake (wet layer)	Too much moisture or poor folding	Drain yogurt, fold in stages, and bake fully

Common cloud cake baking mistakes

Here are the top 5 mistakes most beginner bakers make when following a cloud cake recipe:

1. Using low-fat yogurt
   → Full-fat Greek yogurt is essential. Low-fat versions are too watery and will break the batter.
2. Not drying yogurt before mixing
   → Excess moisture can weigh the cake down. Always drain your yogurt if it’s watery.
3. Mixing instead of folding
   → Stirring breaks down the air bubbles. Fold gently using a spatula.
4. Skipping the water bath
   → This ensures even baking and a moist texture. Don’t skip it.
5. Removing cake from the oven too early
   → Let the cake cool inside the oven to avoid collapse.

Don’t miss our Quick & Healthy section for more smart baking tips and recipes like this.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Now that your cloud cake recipe has risen beautifully and chilled to perfection, it’s time to serve it like a pro. This cake is versatile equally at home at a fancy dinner party or as a light weekday dessert.

Let’s explore how to style, flavor, and customize this fluffy creation.

How to serve cloud cake recipe with fruits or dustings

The cloud cake recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, when its delicate structure sets perfectly and the texture becomes irresistibly creamy. Its mild sweetness makes it the ideal base for fresh, tangy toppings like berries, citrus zest, or a light dusting of powdered sugar adding just the right contrast to every dreamy bite.

Here are some delicious ways to elevate your serving:

• Dust with powdered sugar
  Keep it simple and classic. A light sprinkle adds elegance.
• Top with fresh berries
  Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries add brightness and color.
• Add whipped cream or yogurt drizzle
  A small dollop of whipped cream (unsweetened or flavored) brings richness.
• Serve with lemon zest or mint leaves
  Great for summer vibes especially with citrus zest sprinkled on top.
• Use edible flowers
  Perfect for special occasions or garden-themed gatherings.

Topping	Best For
Powdered sugar	Simple, elegant dessert
Strawberries	Summer parties
Lemon zest	Light afternoon treat
Mint	Adds fresh contrast
Whipped cream	Brunch or holiday spread

Pro Tip: Cut with a hot, clean knife for smooth slices.

Flavor twists: lemon, almond, or chocolate cloud cake

The base cloud cake recipe is a blank canvas. It’s naturally sweet and light, making it easy to flavor however you like.

Here are a few delicious variations:

• Lemon Cloud Cake
  Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to the yolk mixture. Pairs beautifully with berries.
• Almond Cloud Cake
  Swap vanilla for 1 teaspoon almond extract and top with slivered almonds before baking.
• Chocolate Cloud Cake
  Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the cornstarch before sifting. Serve with shaved dark chocolate and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Matcha Cloud Cake
  Mix 1 tsp matcha powder into the batter for a trendy green tea twist.

These subtle changes keep the recipe fresh, fun, and perfectly personalized to your taste.

Cloud Cake vs. Other Famous Cakes

The beauty of a cloud cake recipe lies in its uniqueness but it’s often compared to other well-known cakes. Is it like angel food cake? Or maybe a version of depression cake? And what was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite? Let’s explore the differences and fascinating backstories.

Cloud cake vs angel food cake vs depression cake

At first glance, a cloud cake recipe and angel food cake may seem like twins both are light, airy, and rely on whipped egg whites for lift but they’re actually quite different in structure and flavor. The cloud cake recipe skips flour entirely, creating a more melt-in-your-mouth, souffle-like texture. Angel food cake, on the other hand, uses cake flour for stability and a more sponge-like crumb. And then there’s “depression cake,” a historic favorite that’s nearly the opposite rich in flavor yet made without eggs, milk, or butter, born out of necessity. Put all three side by side and you’ve got a fascinating trio of totally distinct baking philosophies..

Cake Type	Contains Flour	Fat Source	Main Texture Agent	Sweetener	Flavor Profile
Cloud Cake	❌ No	Greek yogurt, condensed milk	Whipped egg whites	Condensed milk	Mild, creamy
Angel Food Cake	✅ Yes (cake flour)	None	Whipped egg whites	Granulated sugar	Airy, sweet
Depression Cake	✅ Yes	Oil or vinegar (no eggs)	Baking soda + vinegar	Brown/white sugar	Rich, spiced or chocolatey

Angel food cake is drier and ultra-light, great for those who prefer a low-fat sponge.
Depression cake, created during the Great Depression, was all about making do no eggs, no milk, no butter.
Cloud cake recipe , on the other hand, feels modern. It’s simple, naturally gluten-free, and soft like a souffle.

Is it Queen Elizabeth’s favorite cake? History behind light cakes

While Queen Elizabeth was famous for her love of cakes, her personal favorite wasn’t the cloud cake recipe it was actually a rich chocolate biscuit cake, often requested for royal functions. That said, she also had a fondness for lighter sponge cakes traditionally served during afternoon tea, which share the same airy elegance that makes cloud cake recipe such a hit today..

Though cloud cake recipe didn’t exist during her time, it shares qualities with classic British genoise sponge cakes delicate, airy, and elegant. These were often served at royal gatherings, sometimes topped with lemon glaze or rosewater icing.

Did you know?

• The Queen’s chefs were required to bring her favorite chocolate cake on royal tours sometimes by private plane!
• Light, layered sponge cakes have long been traditional in British high society for afternoon tea.

Baking Rules 101 for Perfect Results

Even with a simple five-ingredient cloud cake recipe, mastering baking fundamentals can make or break your outcome. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these essential rules are worth following for a flawless cake every time.

What is the 1234 rule in baking?

The “1234 rule” is a classic cake ratio often used in traditional sponge cakes, and while the cloud cake recipe doesn’t follow this rule exactly, it’s helpful to understand:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 4 eggs

This golden ratio delivers structure, sweetness, and moisture. But the cloud cake recipe skips flour and butter entirely, making it a healthier, fluffier alternative. It swaps traditional sugar for sweetened condensed milk and leans on whipped egg whites and yogurt to provide both lift and richness.

So, while the 1234 rule is great for standard cakes, the cloud cake recipe bends the rules and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

The golden rule of baking you should never break

If you remember just one rule in baking especially for cloud cake it should be this:

Measure everything accurately and follow the method exactly.

Here’s why this matters:

• Eyeballing ingredients throws off the delicate balance.
• Skipping steps, like sifting or whipping egg whites, affects texture.
• Overmixing can knock out all the air you’ve worked hard to incorporate.

Other golden baking tips:

• Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient weights.
• Preheat your oven before you start mixing.
• Bake on the center rack for even cooking.
• Do not open the oven door before the timer ends.
• Always cool the cake slowly (inside the oven), then chill in the fridge.

If you’re wondering what is the one big rule in baking, the answer is simple: Respect the science.

The cloud cake recipe proves that baking is pure chemistry where even tiny missteps can lead to flat cakes, collapsed centers, or gummy textures. But when you follow the method carefully, whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and folding with care, the payoff is worth it: a perfect, jiggly, cloud-like slice that melts on the tongue.

Nutrition, Storage & FAQs

You’ve baked it, chilled it, and maybe even shared it on Instagram. But how do you store your cloud cake recipe so it stays fresh? And what exactly are the nutrition benefits? Let’s wrap it all up.

Nutrition facts per slice

Here’s what makes this dessert guilt-free and great for light eating:

Nutrient	Per Slice (1 of 10)
Calories	141 kcal
Carbs	19g
Protein	7g
Fat	4g
Sugar	18g
Gluten	0g (naturally GF)

It’s lower in fat and calories than most traditional cakes, with the bonus of protein from Greek yogurt and eggs.

How to store cloud cake

Cloud cake is delicate, so it should be stored properly to maintain its texture.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled at all times.
• Freezing: Yes, it freezes well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for 1 hour.

Tip: Avoid microwaving. The heat will ruin the fluffy texture.

Conclusion

The cloud cake recipe is a modern marvel flourless, light, gluten-free, and shockingly easy. With just five ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a bakery-quality dessert right in your kitchen.

Learn more about simple desserts like this in our Quick & Healthy section. Whether you serve it with strawberries, lemon zest, or just powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.