Cloud Bread is as dreamy as it sounds—a pillowy, fluffy creation that’s equal parts nostalgic and magical. If you’re seeking a low-carb, gluten-free bread alternative or just want to wow your family with something fun, this recipe sparks curiosity and delivers with every bite. Let’s make cloud-like bread together, right from the cozy comfort of your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Feather-Light Texture: Each bite truly melts in your mouth, making Cloud Bread the ultimate treat for bread lovers and skeptics alike.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: With just eggs, mascarpone (or cream cheese), and a couple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in a snap—no fancy flours required.
- Perfect for Special Diets: Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, it’s a dream for keto and paleo eaters but still tasty enough for everyone else at the table.
- Surprisingly Versatile: Enjoy Cloud Bread plain, as a sandwich base, or dress it up with sweet or savory toppings—the sky’s truly the limit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cloud Bread is in its simplicity! Just a handful of common ingredients come together to create that iconic, soft texture and a subtle flavor that’s ready to take on both sweet and savory additions. Each component has a special role, so don’t skip or substitute blindly—your clouds depend on it.
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature; whites and yolks separated): Eggs are the backbone here, giving the bread its pillowy rise—room temperature eggs whip up fluffier, so don’t skip this step!
- 3 oz Mascarpone or Cream Cheese (softened): This adds rich creaminess and a gentle tang, helping with both flavor and structure. Let it come to room temp for the smoothest blend.
- 1/8 tsp Cream of tartar (optional): Cream of tartar stabilizes the meringue, but if you don’t have it, no stress—your whites will still whip up nicely with a little patience.
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt: Just a pinch balances the flavors and brings out the natural richness of the eggs and cheese. Don’t leave it out!
Variations
This Cloud Bread recipe is the perfect blank slate! You can easily mix things up to suit your taste buds, your pantry, or your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the results are always deliciously fluffy.
- Sweet Touch: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the yolk mixture for a breakfast treat, or try a touch of honey or keto-friendly sweetener.
- Herb & Garlic: Fold in a little chopped chive, parsley, or a pinch of garlic powder—savory Cloud Bread makes a fabulous base for sandwiches.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use a vegan cream cheese substitute to keep it dairy-free while maintaining that iconic fluff.
- Seeds for Crunch: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the tops before baking for a bakery-worthy finish and a pleasant crunch.
How to Make Cloud Bread
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spray or brush of oil. Proper prep guarantees your Cloud Bread lifts off the baking sheet as easily as, well, a cloud!
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Grab a clean, large mixing bowl and add your egg whites and cream of tartar, if you’re using it. Whip with an electric mixer until you have stiff peaks—this is the secret to that famous airy texture! You’ll know they’re ready when the meringue stands tall without drooping.
Step 3: Make the Yolky Base
In a separate bowl, beat the softened mascarpone (or cream cheese), egg yolks, and sea salt until smooth. This velvety mixture is what gives your Cloud Bread a subtle richness and keeps things tender.
Step 4: Fold, Don’t Stir!
Working in batches, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk-cheese mixture with a spatula. Use broad, gentle swoops to keep as much air in the batter as possible. This is what makes your Cloud Bread rise to fluffy perfection—patience pays off here!
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Once your batter is ready, spoon or scoop it into six even mounds on your prepared baking sheet. Gently smooth into rounds if you like. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the tops are golden and your kitchen smells like something wonderful is about to happen!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the Cloud Bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and helps each piece firm up for that classic, springy bite. Patience—just a few extra minutes—makes all the difference here!
Pro Tips for Making Cloud Bread
- Immaculately Clean Bowls: Any trace of yolk or grease can keep your whites from whipping—wipe your bowl and beaters with vinegar or lemon juice before starting for best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding, stop as soon as you stop seeing streaks of white—overmixing will deflate the batter and make your Cloud Bread less puffy.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is a little different; check for a deep golden color at the 25-minute mark, and don’t be afraid to give it a few extra minutes if needed for just the right texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let your Cloud Bread cool completely before serving—this keeps it from getting gummy and helps develop its signature springiness.
How to Serve Cloud Bread
Garnishes
Cloud Bread loves a little flair! Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast treat, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs like dill or chive for a savory bite. Fresh berries and a drizzle of honey are magical for brunch, too.
Side Dishes
This bread is wonderfully versatile—it goes well alongside a big salad, a hot bowl of tomato soup, or as a carrier for your favorite sandwich fillings. I especially love it stuffed with avocado and smoked salmon for a light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Cloud Bread into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for kids’ snack plates, or stack them to create mini “slider” buns for parties. For brunch, arrange them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin—no one will guess how easy they were to make!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cloud Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for 2–3 days. If stacking, separate the pieces with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Cloud Bread freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled rounds in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter before using.
Reheating
For best texture, pop Cloud Bread into a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F (163°C) for 4–6 minutes, just until warmed. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy rather than airy!
FAQs
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Why didn’t my Cloud Bread fluff up?
If your bread came out flat, the most common culprit is underwhipped egg whites or overmixing when combining them with the yolks and cheese. Be gentle during folding, and make sure your whites reach stiff—not soft—peaks before proceeding.
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Can I use something other than mascarpone or cream cheese?
Absolutely! Softened ricotta works in a pinch, though your bread may be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free twist, a vegan cream cheese substitute is a great option.
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Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, you can easily double (or even triple) the Cloud Bread recipe—just make sure you still whip the egg whites in batches, as a very full bowl will take longer to reach stiff peaks.
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What’s the best way to flavor Cloud Bread for different meals?
For sweet versions, mix in vanilla, a sugar substitute, or a little cocoa powder before baking. To go savory, try onion powder, Italian herbs, or grated cheese folded in with the yolks for an extra punch of flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you treat yourself to a batch of fresh Cloud Bread—there’s something so satisfying about those golden, fluffy rounds cooling on the rack. Whether you keep it classic or add your own flair, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your table. Happy baking, and may your bread always be as light as air!
Print
Cloud Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light and fluffy cloud bread recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
Egg White Mixture:
- 3 large Eggs (at room temperature; whites and yolks separated)
- 1/8 tsp Cream of tartar (optional)
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt
Mascarpone Mixture:
- 3 oz Mascarpone (or cream cheese; softened)
- 3 large Egg yolks
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Beat egg whites: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare mascarpone mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone, egg yolks, and sea salt until smooth.
- Fold in egg whites: Carefully fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture with a spatula.
- Form discs: Scoop the mixture into 6 circular discs on the parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cloud bread cool on a rack before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cloud bread disc
- Calories: Approximately 90 kcal
- Sugar: Negligible
- Sodium: Approximately 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
