Introduction
Cloud Cake is a wonderfully light, fluffy, and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. Often described as a cross between a soufflé and a cheesecake, this elegant cake is famous for its soft texture and delicate sweetness. Best of all, the batter comes together quickly in a blender, making it an ideal recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you’re serving it for afternoon tea, birthdays, holidays, or a special family gathering, this beautiful cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100 ml (7 tbsp) whole milk
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 70 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 40 g (⅓ cup) cake flour
- 10 g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
- Lemon zest
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Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Two mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Fine mesh sieve
- 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan
- Larger baking pan for a water bath
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Line the cake pan with parchment paper.
- Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil if using a removable-bottom pan.
Step 2: Blend the Base
- Add the cream cheese, butter, milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, cake flour, and cornstarch to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and silky.
- Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
- Place the egg whites in a clean bowl.
- Beat until foamy.
- Gradually add the sugar.
- Continue beating until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Fold Together
- Add one-third of the meringue to the cheese mixture.
- Gently fold until combined.
- Fold in the remaining meringue in two additions.
- Mix carefully to keep as much air in the batter as possible.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Tap the pan gently to remove large air bubbles.
- Place the cake pan inside a larger pan.
- Fill the larger pan with hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set.
Step 6: Cool
- Turn off the oven.
- Leave the cake inside with the door slightly open for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving for the best texture.
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Alternative Methods
Blender Method
The fastest and easiest method, producing an ultra-smooth batter with minimal effort.
Hand-Mixing Method
Use a whisk or electric mixer instead of a blender if preferred.
Water Bath Baking
The water bath creates gentle, even heat, helping prevent cracks while producing a silky, cloud-like texture.
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History
Cloud Cake is inspired by Japanese soufflé cheesecake, a dessert that became internationally popular because of its incredibly light texture. By combining traditional cheesecake ingredients with whipped egg whites, bakers created a cake that is airy like a soufflé yet rich and creamy like a cheesecake. Over time, blender versions became popular because they simplify the preparation while maintaining the cake’s signature softness.
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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Calcium: Good source
- Vitamin A: Good source
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
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Benefits
- Light and airy texture.
- Easy to prepare using a blender.
- Perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts.
- Rich in calcium from cream cheese and milk.
- Balanced sweetness that isn’t overly rich.
- Beautiful presentation with simple garnishes.
- Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Pairs well with fresh fruit and tea or coffee.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve Cloud Cake with:
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Fruit compote
- Lemon curd
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot coffee
- Green tea
- Earl Grey tea
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Why Dessert Lovers Love This Recipe
Cloud Cake has become a favorite because it:
- Has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Looks elegant despite being simple to make.
- Requires everyday ingredients.
- Is lighter than many traditional cheesecakes.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Is perfect for birthdays, brunches, holidays, and family gatherings.
- Impresses guests with its delicate appearance and flavor.
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Tips for Success
- Bring the cream cheese, butter, and eggs to room temperature.
- Beat the egg whites only to soft peaks.
- Fold the meringue gently to preserve its volume.
- Always use a water bath for the smoothest texture.
- Avoid opening the oven door during baking.
- Cool the cake gradually to reduce the chance of cracking.
- Chill before slicing for clean, neat portions.
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Conclusion
Cloud Cake is the perfect combination of elegance, simplicity, and incredible flavor. Its creamy interior, delicate sweetness, and cloud-like texture make it a dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this light cheesecake is sure to become one of your favorite recipes. Serve it with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or simply on its own, and enjoy every soft, fluffy bite.