Delicate, airy, and sweet as a dream—the Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake is your new go-to dessert when you want to impress without the stress. This cake lives up to its name with a pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and savor every fluffy crumb.
Perfect for spring celebrations, baby showers, or just an indulgent afternoon treat, this cloud-like cake is surprisingly easy to whip up. You don’t need any fancy techniques or ingredients, but you do get a showstopper that looks as luxurious as it tastes. It also adapts well to different toppings—fresh berries, citrus glaze, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
What Makes a Cake So Fluffy and Light?
The secret to this cake’s cloud-like texture is in the whipped egg whites. By folding them gently into the batter, you incorporate air that lifts the cake as it bakes. It’s also baked at a lower temperature, which helps prevent it from collapsing, keeping your cake beautifully domed and moist.
Ingredients for the Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for a citrus twist)

How To Make the Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides, which helps the batter climb and rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Whip Egg Whites
In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add half the sugar and continue whipping until glossy stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Make the Base Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Fold Gently
Fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining egg whites in two batches until no white streaks remain.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool upside down in the pan to prevent sinking.
Step 7: Serve
Once cool, run a knife around the edges and carefully remove the cake. Dust with powdered sugar or top with berries and serve.
Serving and Storing the Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake
This cake shines when served fresh, lightly dusted with powdered sugar or topped with whipped cream and seasonal fruit. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for brunches or afternoon teas.
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five. Avoid covering with plastic wrap directly, as it can deflate the airy structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my egg whites are whipped enough?
You’ll know they’re ready when stiff peaks form and hold their shape without drooping when the beaters are lifted.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour gives the softest texture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute by removing 2 tablespoons from 1 cup of all-purpose flour and replacing them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
What if my cake sinks?
This usually happens if the egg whites weren’t folded gently or the oven door was opened during baking. Be gentle and patient.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be cautious as it may affect the texture slightly.
What toppings go best with this cake?
Fresh berries, lemon glaze, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey work wonderfully.
Is it okay to bake this in a bundt or loaf pan?
An 8-inch round pan gives the best lift, but a loaf pan can work. Avoid bundt pans unless they are non-stick and very well-greased.
Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake, you’ll want to check out these other decadent options from my kitchen:
- Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for a rich and spicy treat.
- Moist Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake for a zesty citrus hit.
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you’re craving something velvety and indulgent.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for those cozy, cinnamon-sugar vibes.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars when you want flaky meets creamy in every bite.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add lemon zest or maybe a berry topping? Did you make it gluten-free?
I love hearing your baking wins and creative spins. Feel free to drop questions, too—we’re in this delicious journey together.
Looking for more inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest for fresh ideas daily: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light-as-air, delicately sweet cake that melts in your mouth. This Light & Fluffy Cloud Cake is perfect for springtime, celebrations, or when you want something simple yet elegant. Whipped egg whites give it its signature airy texture, making it a dreamy dessert that’s effortless to love.
Ingredients
1 cup cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add half the sugar and whip to stiff, glossy peaks.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, milk, the remaining sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix in the dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining egg whites in two more additions.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake upside down in the pan to retain its height. Once fully cooled, run a knife around the edge to release and serve.
Notes
Be careful not to deflate the egg whites when folding them into the batter.
Let the cake cool upside down to keep its structure airy and tall.
Sift the flour well for the smoothest batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cloud cake, airy cake, fluffy dessert
