If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to make, you’re in for a treat with this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe. Imagine biting into an impossibly airy, melt-in-your-mouth cake that carries a subtle sweetness and the gentle tang of yogurt, all while feeling light enough not to weigh you down. This cake perfectly blends texture and flavor with minimal fuss, making it one of those rare recipes that becomes an instant favorite whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe is carefully chosen to create that signature soft texture and delicate flavor. These simple pantry staples combine to give the cake its perfect rise, moist crumb, and subtle sweetness.
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides moisture and a slight tang, essential for the cake’s tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering the yogurt’s natural flavor.
- 3 large eggs, separated: The yolks enrich the batter, while whipped whites give the cake its cloud-like fluffiness.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist but light, avoiding heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- ¾ cup cake flour: Or sifted all-purpose flour, for the perfect soft texture without toughness.
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Essential for that gentle rise and airiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional): Helps stabilize the egg whites for even loftier peaks.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting to finish the cake with a pretty touch.
How to Make Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease your 8-inch round cake pan and line its bottom with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures a smooth removal. Avoid using a springform pan because the batter is quite delicate and might leak due to its light structure.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you have a silky, smooth mixture. This blend is the heart of your cake, balancing richness and moisture while setting the stage for a soft bite.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt on top of the wet mix. Gently fold these into the batter just until combined to keep the mixture light and airy without overworking the flour, which could lead to a denser texture.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form. This step is the magic behind the cloud-like fluffiness. The beaten egg whites will help the cake rise beautifully and keep it wonderfully light.
Step 5: Fold Egg Whites into Batter
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the yogurt batter in three batches. Use a gentle, sweeping motion to combine without deflating the air bubbles—this is key to maintaining the cake’s incredible lightness.
Step 6: Bake Your Cloud Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow, gentle bake ensures the center cooks through without drying out.
Step 7: Cool with Care
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cake cool inside for 10 to 15 minutes—this prevents shrinking by allowing the temperature to drop gradually. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
How to Serve Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe from lovely to stunning. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snow-like finish. For a pop of color and flavor, fresh berries or a few edible flowers are perfect. Lemon zest can also bring a fresh, aromatic highlight if you want a citrusy twist.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or a mild coffee, making it a wonderful choice for afternoon tea or brunch. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit salad is another excellent companion, offering natural sweetness and brightness that balances the cake’s subtle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests or family, consider layering the cake with a berry compote or a thin spread of lemon curd between slices. Cutting the cake into charming bite-sized cupcakes transforms it into an elegant finger food for parties. Another idea is to serve the cake in a shallow bowl alongside a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a playful homage to the original flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe keeps well when stored properly. Wrap any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and softness. Kept at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cloud cake later, it freezes quite nicely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in the freezer. When stored this way, the cake will maintain its texture for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, warm slices gently before serving. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave softens the cake and revives its fluffy texture. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out. Alternatively, serve at room temperature with your favorite garnish if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use regular plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you absolutely can! Regular plain yogurt will work just as well and still give you that lovely moist texture, though Greek yogurt adds a thicker richness that helps set the cake’s structure.
Why do I need to separate the eggs in this recipe?
The separation allows you to whip the egg whites separately, which traps air to give the cake its signature light and fluffy crumb. Mixing yolks and whites together would not create that airy texture.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is optional—it helps stabilize the egg whites so they hold their shape better. If you don’t have it, you can simply beat the egg whites without it, just make sure your bowls and utensils are very clean and dry.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, try substituting a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the cake flour. Be sure it contains baking powder or add it separately. The texture might vary slightly, but the cake should still be light and delicious.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it a perfect vegetarian dessert option.
Final Thoughts
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe is truly one of those joyous discoveries that brighten up any occasion with its elegant simplicity and delightful texture. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do eating it—sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel like a warm hug in cake form. So grab your whisk, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of this airy cloud cake bring a little extra sweetness to your day!
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Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is a delicately airy sponge cake made with Greek yogurt, giving it a tender crumb and subtle tang. Perfect for a lightly sweet dessert, it’s naturally low in oil and pairs beautifully with fruit or tea. The cake features whipped egg whites folded into a smooth batter for a cloud-like texture, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing egg whites)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Avoid using a springform pan as the batter may leak during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the batter light.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for giving the cake its fluffy texture.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the yogurt batter in three batches. Use a gentle folding technique to maintain the airiness of the egg whites and avoid deflating them.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and tap gently to release any air bubbles. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top turns lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Gradually: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cake cool inside the oven for 10–15 minutes to prevent shrinking. Then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving. Enjoy with fresh fruit or tea for a light dessert treat.
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- This cake is naturally light and mildly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with fresh fruit or tea.
- Use cake flour for the softest texture, but all-purpose flour works if sifted well.
- Do not use a springform pan to avoid batter leakage during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
