If you’re craving something soft, fluffy, and sweet without reaching for traditional flour-based cake, this little cloud cake is a wonderful option. It uses no flour and no added sugar, and the texture is light, airy, and tender.
It comes together quickly and makes a lovely breakfast, snack, or dessert. The recipe below is also easy to customize with vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, or a few berries.
Note: “Virtually no carbs” depends on the ingredients and portions you use. Dairy products and flavorings can still contain carbohydrates, so check the nutrition labels if you’re following a strict keto or bariatric plan.
🧺 Ingredients
For the cloud cake
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 120 g (½ cup) plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 2–3 tbsp powdered erythritol or another suitable sugar-free sweetener, to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unflavored or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, optional
- ½ tsp cinnamon, optional
Optional toppings
- A spoonful of Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Cinnamon
- Sugar-free chocolate shavings
- A small drizzle of sugar-free syrup
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the eggs
Separate the eggs carefully, placing the whites in a completely clean, dry bowl.
Put the yolks into another bowl.
2. Make the creamy mixture
Add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and sweetener to the egg yolks.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
If you’re making the chocolate version, add the unsweetened cocoa powder at this stage.
3. Whip the egg whites
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they become very foamy.
Continue beating until soft-to-medium peaks form.
This step is the secret to the fluffy texture.
4. Fold everything together
Add about one-third of the whipped egg whites to the yolk mixture.
Fold gently.
Add the remaining egg whites in two additions, folding carefully after each addition.
Don’t vigorously stir—the goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
5. Prepare the pan
Line a small baking pan or round cake pan with parchment paper.
Lightly grease the sides if necessary.
Pour in the batter and gently smooth the surface.
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 170°C / 340°F.
Bake for approximately 18–25 minutes, depending on the size and depth of your pan.
The cake should look puffed and lightly golden, with the center set.
7. Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes.
It may deflate slightly as it cools. That’s normal—the result should remain soft and tender inside.
⚡ Quick Microwave Method
Want it even faster?
Prepare the batter exactly as above and place it in a microwave-safe ramekin or small container.
Microwave for approximately 60–90 seconds, checking after 60 seconds.
Cooking times vary significantly between microwaves, so avoid overcooking. The center should be just set.
🥄 Formation & Texture
The fluffy texture comes primarily from the whipped egg whites.
When you beat egg whites, air becomes trapped in the protein structure. Folding those whites gently into the batter creates tiny air bubbles throughout the mixture.
As the cake heats, those bubbles expand and help the cake rise.
That’s why gentle folding is so important. If you stir aggressively, you’ll lose much of the air and end up with a flatter, denser treat.
🍫 Delicious Variations
Vanilla Cloud Cake
Keep the basic recipe exactly as written and add a little extra vanilla.
Chocolate Cloud Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Cinnamon Cloud Cake
Add ½–1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg.
Lemon Cloud Cake
Add a little finely grated lemon zest and a few drops of lemon juice.
Berry Version
Serve the finished cake with a small portion of fresh strawberries or raspberries.
📜 A Little History
The idea of creating light cakes by incorporating whipped egg whites has a long history in European baking.
Before modern chemical leaveners became widespread, cooks often relied on beaten eggs and trapped air to create lighter cakes and soufflé-like desserts.
Modern high-protein versions adapt this classic technique to contemporary eating styles by replacing traditional flour and large amounts of sugar with ingredients such as yogurt, egg whites, and protein powder.
💪 Potential Benefits
This recipe can be useful for people looking for a dessert with a higher protein content than conventional cake.
Protein
Eggs, Greek yogurt, and protein powder can contribute substantial protein, depending on the brands and quantities used.
No added sugar
The recipe doesn’t require traditional granulated sugar. If you use a sweetener, choose one appropriate for your dietary needs.
Flourless
There is no wheat flour in the recipe, making it naturally flour-free. However, check the protein powder label if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
Portion-friendly
Because it’s rich in protein and relatively small, it can work well as a satisfying snack or dessert.
For people who have had bariatric surgery, however, individual dietary tolerance and protein requirements vary. Follow your healthcare team’s guidance regarding portion size, sweeteners, and protein products.
❤️ For Dessert Lovers
Sometimes you don’t need a complicated dessert to satisfy a sweet craving.
A warm piece of this soft cloud cake, a spoonful of creamy yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon can feel surprisingly indulgent while keeping the ingredient list simple.
It’s especially fun when you’re trying to make familiar treats fit into a different eating pattern.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve it:
- Warm from the oven
- Chilled from the refrigerator
- With Greek yogurt
- With a few berries
- With cinnamon
- With unsweetened cocoa
- With sugar-free syrup
- Alongside coffee or tea
⭐ Helpful Tips
Use room-temperature eggs when possible. They generally whip more easily.
Don’t overbeat the whites. Extremely stiff, dry egg whites can be harder to fold into the batter.
Fold gently. Preserve those tiny air bubbles for maximum fluffiness.
Don’t overbake. Overcooking can make the cake dry and rubbery.
Choose your protein powder carefully. Different powders absorb different amounts of liquid, so the texture can vary from brand to brand.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Some protein powders are already sweetened, so you may need little or no additional sweetener.
📝 Recipe at a Glance
Preparation: 5–10 minutes
Cooking: 18–25 minutes
Servings: 2–4, depending on portion size
Difficulty: Easy
Flour: None
Added sugar: None
Main protein sources: Eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder
🌟 Conclusion
This flourless cloud cake is proof that a simple dessert doesn’t need a long ingredient list. With eggs, creamy yogurt, protein powder, and a little flavoring, you can create something wonderfully soft and fluffy in a short amount of time.
Whether you’re following a low-carb approach, looking for a higher-protein snack, or simply want a lighter dessert, it’s an easy recipe to keep in your collection.
Love fluffy, guilt-free-style treats? ❤️ Drop a “YUM” below and share this recipe with another dessert lover!