This Fluffy Cloud Cake is as light and airy as its name suggests. With a soft, cloud-like texture and a delicate flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 ¼ cups egg whites (about 9 large eggs), room temperature
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Ensure your tube pan (10-inch) is clean and ungreased.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Beat the Egg Whites:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and salt, and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be glossy.
- Add the Extracts:
- Gently fold in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift about ¼ of the flour mixture over the beaten egg whites and gently fold in using a spatula.
- Repeat this process until all the flour mixture is incorporated. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Gently spoon the batter into the ungreased tube pan, spreading it evenly.
- Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan immediately to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from collapsing.
- Once completely cool, run a knife around the edges of the pan and the center tube to release the cake.
- Optional Frosting:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled cake, or serve it on the side for a more minimalist approach.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake using a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts.
- Enjoy this fluffy delight as is, or with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.