Have you ever longed for a cake that feels like biting into a fluffy cloud? The Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe is exactly that—airy, moist, and just lightly sweet, making it perfect when you want something delicate yet satisfying. I love this cake because it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, yet it delivers an elegant texture that makes any occasion feel special.
This recipe shines when you’re craving a dessert that isn’t heavy but still feels indulgent. You’ll find that the tang from the yogurt adds just the right brightness, balancing the sweetness beautifully. It’s so versatile, too—I often make it for casual family teas or when friends stop by unannounced. Once you try this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to favorites as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Airy Texture: Thanks to whipped egg whites folded in gently, the cake is incredibly fluffy.
- Tangy Yogurt Flavor: Yogurt adds moisture plus a subtle tang that lifts the overall taste.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps or exotic ingredients—easy to find and easy to make.
- Versatile Dessert: Works beautifully plain or dressed up with whipped cream and fresh fruits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe are straightforward but work in harmony to give you that melt-in-the-mouth experience. I always recommend using the freshest eggs and the best quality yogurt you can find—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Plain yogurt: Greek yogurt works great for its thickness and tang, but regular plain yogurt is fine too.
- All-purpose flour: Sifting is essential to keep the batter light and lump-free.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens without overpowering the yogurt’s natural tang.
- Large eggs, separated: Whipping the whites adds extraordinary fluffiness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without changing the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle sweetness and aroma that complements the yogurt nicely.
- Baking powder: Adds lift for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor without being noticeable.
- Cream of tartar (optional): Helps stabilize egg whites so you get maximum volume.
- Heavy whipping cream (for topping): Whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla for a light, complementary finish.
- Powdered sugar (for topping): Adds sweetness to your whipped cream without graininess.
Variations
I enjoy tweaking this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Sometimes I add a hint of lemon zest for extra brightness or swap out vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note. Feel free to make it your own!
- Lemon Yogurt Variation: Adding lemon zest and a touch of juice brightens the flavor, and my family goes crazy for this fresh twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend worked great when I needed a gluten-free dessert without sacrificing fluffiness.
- Dairy-Free Substitute: You can experiment with coconut yogurt and non-dairy whipped cream; just keep an eye on texture as it may vary slightly.
- Flavor Enhancements: Mixing in a handful of fresh berries or chocolate chips before baking adds bursts of flavor I love surprising my guests with.
How to Make Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper—this makes lifting the cake out after baking a breeze and keeps the bottom from sticking, which is key for a neat presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add the egg yolks and sugar. I recommend stirring this gently until everything is well combined but without overmixing; you want it smooth but not too runny.
Step 3: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients
Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt is a small step that pays off big by keeping your batter lump-free and light. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Take your time—fold gently to avoid deflating the batter at this stage.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites to Perfection
In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with the cream of tartar (if you’re using it) until you see soft peaks. Then add a tablespoon of sugar and keep whisking until you achieve stiff peaks—this is what really gives the cake its cloud-like lift. A tip I learned: make sure no yolk gets into your whites or they won’t whip properly.
Step 5: Carefully Fold Egg Whites into Batter
Gently fold the fluffy egg whites into your batter in two or three additions. Use a spatula and fold from the bottom up, turning the bowl slowly. This step is vital—you want to maintain as much air as possible to keep the cake light and airy, so resist the urge to stir vigorously.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When it’s done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the top will have a golden hue. I usually let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to prevent it from breaking.
Pro Tips for Making Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
- Egg White Separation: I use cold eggs and separate whites when cold for easier whipping but let whites come to room temperature before whisking for maximum volume.
- Folding Technique: Folding slowly and gently with a rubber spatula preserves those precious air bubbles that make the cake fluffy.
- Parchment Lining: Lining the pan with parchment paper not only stops sticking but also helps the cake sides bake evenly without drying out.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye in the last 5 minutes since overbaking dries out this delicate cake; it should be firm but springy to the touch.
How to Serve Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the cake with lightly whipped cream that I sweeten just a bit with powdered sugar and add a splash of vanilla extract. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries make a beautiful contrast and add a fresh pop of flavor that complements the yogurt tang wonderfully. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar also works well for an extra touch.
Side Dishes
When serving this cake, I love pairing it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. It also goes beautifully alongside a simple fruit salad or a dollop of homemade jam for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit to create an elegant trifle-style dessert in a glass bowl. Another fun idea is to dust it with edible flowers or drizzle a light honey glaze on top for a delicate shine. It’s a real crowd-pleaser when presented with a bit of flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it moist. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though honestly, the cake rarely lasts that long around here because it’s so delicious!
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen slices individually, wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil, which helps preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. This cake retains its texture surprisingly well after freezing.
Reheating
If you’d like to warm up a slice, I recommend a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This refreshes the softness without drying it out. Pair with a bit of whipped cream or fresh fruit for an extra treat.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored yogurt for this cake?
It’s best to stick to plain yogurt to preserve the balance of flavors and avoid overly sweet or tangy results that can overpower the delicate cake. However, if you opt for a mild flavored yogurt like vanilla, it might work, but reduce added vanilla extract in the recipe accordingly.
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What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is optional; it stabilizes egg whites for better volume, but if you don’t have it, just whip the whites thoroughly and be careful to avoid any yolk contamination. The cake will still turn out fluffy!
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Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve swapped in a gluten-free flour blend with good results. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain structure and fluffiness.
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How do I know when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
Final Thoughts
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with elegance, turning everyday ingredients into a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. I recommend giving it a try—you’ll enjoy the baking process and be rewarded with a cake that’s light, moist, and delightfully airy. Trust me, once you master this one, it’s going to be a crowd favorite you’ll want to make over and over!
PrintLight & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is a wonderfully airy dessert made with simple ingredients like yogurt, eggs, and flour. The fluffy texture comes from whipped egg whites folded gently into the batter, resulting in a cake that’s both soft and moist. Topped with a light whipped cream frosting, this cake is perfect for an elegant yet easy-to-make treat that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize egg whites)
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Add the egg yolks (reserving the whites for later) and sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
- Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form. Gradually add a tablespoon of sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter in two or three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter to preserve the fluffiness of the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown on top. Let cool completely before adding the topping.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt for best results as it helps create a denser, more moist cake.
- Room temperature eggs will whip more easily and yield better volume.
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- This cake pairs well with fresh fruit or a light dusting of powdered sugar for serving.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the whipped cream topping to prevent it from melting.
- The optional cream of tartar helps stabilize egg whites but can be omitted if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg