Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and appreciate cakes that are light, fluffy, and decadently indulgent, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe. This delightful dessert combines the airy texture of a cloud-like sponge with the rich, buttery goodness of homemade caramel glaze. It’s the perfect treat to brighten up any special occasion or just to savor a little moment of homemade joy. Once you try this Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, amaz’ing your friends and family with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple is the secret to this recipe’s charm. Each ingredient has a role, whether it’s creating the perfect lightness in the cake or building that irresistibly smooth caramel finish. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a tender crumb without weighing the cake down.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy height.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside the powder for perfect lift and texture.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 4 large eggs, separated: The yolks add moisture and richness; the whites whip up to create that iconic cloud-like sponginess.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the caramel glaze beautifully.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist and tender.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cake and caramel.
• ½ cup milk (or non-dairy milk): Ensures a luscious, smooth batter.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Special tip: it stabilizes the egg whites for better volume.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for a rich, velvety caramel sauce.
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream): Creates that silky caramel texture.
• Pinch of salt: A little salt in the caramel cuts through sweetness and enhances complexity.

How to Make Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This foundational step sets you up for success with a perfectly cooked and structured cake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to an even rise in your Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Whip Egg Yolks and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes, and it’s essential for creating a light batter with just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Liquids to Yolks

Stir the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, milk, and lemon juice into the yolk mixture. The lemon juice is your secret weapon here—it stabilizes the egg whites for a cloud-like cake texture.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy and tender.

Step 6: Whip Egg Whites

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Add a pinch of salt if you want extra stability. This part is critical to achieve the light, airy texture that defines the Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe.

Step 7: Incorporate Egg Whites

Gently fold your whipped egg whites into the batter, carefully maintaining the airiness. This step makes all the difference in the final fluffiness of your cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. This ensures your cake is perfectly baked—moist yet sturdy enough to hold that luscious caramel glaze.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let your cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential so the caramel glaze doesn’t melt right off.

Step 10: Make the Caramel Glaze

Now the showstopper: in a saucepan over medium heat, melt your sugar while stirring constantly. Watch carefully as the sugar transforms from granules to a golden amber liquid without burning.

Step 11: Add Butter and Cream

Stir in the butter until melted, then slowly add the cream while whisking continuously to prevent splattering. This process creates a beautiful, glossy caramel sauce perfect for drizzling.

Step 12: Thicken and Flavor

Cook your caramel sauce a bit longer until it thickens slightly, then remove it from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance. Let it cool until it’s pourable but not too runny.

Step 13: Assemble and Glaze

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the caramel glaze generously across the top, letting it cascade down the sides in those tempting ribbons that make this recipe so special.

Step 14: Slice and Serve

Cut into slices and serve immediately. Don’t be shy to add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, enhancing flavor layers and the elegant finish of your Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the smooth caramel. You can also dust a tiny pinch of sea salt on top to elevate the flavor with a touch of savory.

Side Dishes

For a delightful dessert experience, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh seasonal berries. Their bright acidity and creaminess complement the caramel’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into petite, elegant squares and stacking them into petit fours with caramel drizzled between layers. Or, serve individual mini cakes with a caramel drizzle alongside a mint sprig for a fresh pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, placing it in the refrigerator can help maintain freshness for another 3 days, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to one month. To thaw, simply leave it overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before decorating with caramel glaze.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften it and revive that freshly baked feel without melting the caramel glaze too much.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that the texture might vary slightly. Use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results to mimic the light texture of all-purpose flour.

What’s the best way to stabilize egg whites?

Adding a small amount of lemon juice or cream of tartar while beating the egg whites helps stabilize them and maintain volume, which is crucial for achieving the airy cake texture in this Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe.

Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramel glaze can be made a day ahead. Store it in a sealed container at room temperature and warm it gently before using to make it pourable again.

Is it possible to use a glass or metal pan instead of a non-stick cake pan?

Yes, either will work fine. Just make sure to grease and line the pan properly to prevent sticking, especially with this delicate, airy cake batter.

How thick should the caramel glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable so it drips beautifully down the sides of your cake, adding that iconic touch to your Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Cloud Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of light, fluffy cake paired with the rich, indulgent comfort of homemade caramel. It’s straightforward enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress at any gathering. I promise once you make it, it’ll become your go-to dessert when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and enjoy every wonderful step of baking your own caramel cloud!

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