If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that feels like biting into a fluffy cloud yet uses just a handful of pantry staples, this 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s delightfully light, subtly sweet, and downright magical in texture—like a gentle hug after every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake lights up the kitchen with simplicity and delivers impressive results that feel anything but basic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe so special is how each simple ingredient plays a crucial role in building that airy, tender crumb. From egg whites that lift the structure to the right amount of sugar for sweetness and flour for stability, this combination is pure harmony.
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature): Whipping these to soft peaks gives the cake its signature lightness and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps to stabilize the whipped whites for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the body of the cake, giving it substance without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Assists in gentle rising, making sure the cake stays lifted and soft inside.
How to Make 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to ensure that delicate cloud cake will release easily once baked. This simple step sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites to Soft Peaks
In a meticulously clean bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the room temperature egg whites. Watch closely until soft peaks form—this usually takes about 3 minutes. This whipping process aerates the whites and lays the essential foundation for the cake’s airy structure.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Blending these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of sweetness and leavening throughout your batter for perfectly uniform results.
Step 4: Gently Fold Dry Mixture into Egg Whites
Now, take your dry mix and carefully fold it into the whipped egg whites. The key here is gentleness—you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible without deflating those lovely soft peaks. This step is the secret behind the cloud-like texture that makes this cake stand out.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth
Transfer your fluffy batter into the greased pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top gently. This helps the cake bake evenly and develop that inviting golden crust on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place your pan in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and a center that’s just set—springy to the touch but not wet or jiggly. This perfect timing creates the delicate balance between moistness and structure.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the timer goes off, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. This resting period helps it firm up slightly without losing its tender crumb, making slicing a breeze.
How to Serve 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious on its own, adding a few garnishes can elevate it to a true showstopper. Think fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to enhance its cloud-like lightness and bring a pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
If you want to build a whole dessert plate, pair this cloud cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of homemade fruit compote. These sides complement the cake’s gentle sweetness and add exciting layers of taste and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe in charming individual ramekins for a personalized treat, or layer it with fresh fruit and whipped cream to create a delicate trifecta dessert. You could even dust it with edible flowers or drizzle a bit of honey for an extra special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cloud cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, which keeps it moist and delicious. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration will help preserve freshness but may slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheating
To bring back that soft, cloud-like texture after freezing, warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This reawakens the cake’s tender crumb without drying it out, giving you the perfect cozy treat anytime.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?
This recipe relies on whipped egg whites to create its signature airy texture, so substituting whole eggs will result in a denser cake. For that authentic cloud-like experience, stick with egg whites only.
Is it necessary to use room temperature egg whites?
Yes, bringing egg whites to room temperature helps them whip up faster and to a higher volume, critical for the light structure of this cake. Cold egg whites won’t reach those soft peaks as easily.
Can I add flavors or extracts to this cake?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can add lovely depth to this simple cake. Just fold it gently into the batter after combining the dry ingredients for a subtle but delightful flavor boost.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal here since it provides the right balance of protein for structure without making the cake tough. Avoid bread flour or cake flour, as they can alter the texture noticeably.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top that springs back when lightly pressed and a center that is set but still soft. Inserting a toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—never wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care and a little love, can transform into something truly extraordinary. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing this ethereal cake as I do. It’s perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a little cloud-like sweetness in your day.
Print
4 Ingredient Cloud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 4 Ingredient Cloud Cake is a light, airy, and simple dessert that combines whipped egg whites with a delicate batter of sugar, flour, and baking powder. Perfect for an effortless yet impressive sweet treat, this cake is soft, moist, and slightly golden on top, ideal for enjoying plain or garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Egg Whites
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the egg whites until soft peaks form, which should take about 3 minutes. This step creates the airy texture for the cloud cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the whipped egg whites. Doing this carefully preserves the air bubbles and keeps the batter light and fluffy.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or topped with fresh berries or whipped cream as desired.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Fold the dry ingredients gently to retain the airy texture of the batter.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters when whipping egg whites to achieve the best peaks.
- Serve the cake with toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
