This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is a dreamy dessert that’s as light as air and as tender as a cloud. With a delicate balance of tangy yogurt and subtle sweetness, this cake is the perfect treat for anyone craving a lighter yet satisfying dessert. Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is complemented by the slight tang of yogurt, making it ideal for pairing with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Cake:
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1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, separated
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize egg whites)
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For the Whipped Topping:
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1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Directions
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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.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg yolks. Add the sugar and stir until smooth.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined.
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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.
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Fold the Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two or three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Serve: Once the cake has cooled, top it with whipped cream and serve. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 160 kcal
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Fat: 6 g
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Saturated Fat: 1 g
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Cholesterol: 50 mg
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Sodium: 100 mg
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Dietary Fiber: 1 g
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Sugars: 14 g
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Protein: 4 g
A Lighter Take on Cake
This yogurt cake is the ideal dessert for those who are craving something light yet satisfying. Unlike traditional dense cakes, this one is fluffy and soft, thanks to the careful folding of whipped egg whites into the batter. The result is a texture that feels like you’re biting into a cloud—light, airy, and tender. The addition of yogurt not only imparts a slight tang to the cake but also makes it more moist without feeling heavy.
The yogurt in this recipe is the star of the show. Greek yogurt works especially well because of its thick and creamy consistency, adding richness without being too heavy. The slight tang from the yogurt pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Whether you use plain or flavored yogurt, the cake will maintain its lightness while offering a comforting sweetness.
The Importance of Whipping Egg Whites
The key to achieving the light, fluffy texture of this cloud cake lies in the egg whites. When beaten with cream of tartar, the egg whites form stiff peaks that trap air, giving the cake its lift and soft structure. It’s important to carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. This process should be done gently and in batches to prevent deflating the mixture, ensuring the cake rises properly in the oven.
By folding the egg whites into the batter, you allow the air bubbles to stay intact, resulting in a cake that is not only light and fluffy but also tender. The air incorporated in the egg whites gives the cake a unique texture that distinguishes it from other, denser cakes.
The Whipped Topping: Adding the Perfect Finish
To complement the lightness of the cake, the whipped cream topping is a perfect finishing touch. Lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with a hint of vanilla, this whipped cream adds a creamy, fluffy contrast to the airy cake. It’s easy to make and can be prepared just before serving, ensuring it’s fresh and ready to be piped onto the cake.
Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form is essential for a perfect topping. The whipped cream should be thick enough to hold its shape but still light and airy enough to match the texture of the cake. It’s important to chill the bowl and whisk before whipping to help achieve the ideal consistency. Once topped with the whipped cream, the cake becomes an indulgent treat without being overly rich.
Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Dessert
While the cake on its own is already a delight, there are numerous ways to elevate this dessert. For an added layer of flavor, top the cake with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and whipped cream, adding a refreshing burst of flavor.
Alternatively, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation. A light dusting of sugar enhances the cake’s sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavors. For an even more decadent touch, drizzle a little honey or fruit syrup over the top to create a glossy finish that adds both sweetness and visual appeal.
Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt Cloud Cake
Despite its indulgent texture, this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is relatively low in calories, with just 160 calories per serving. With 6 grams of fat and only 1 gram of saturated fat, it’s a lighter alternative to many other dessert options. The cake also provides 4 grams of protein, making it a more balanced choice than traditional sugary desserts.
The cake’s 22 grams of carbohydrates are mainly from the sugar and flour, but it also offers 1 gram of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. The slight amount of sugar (14 grams) in each serving is enough to give the cake a sweet flavor without being overly sweet, maintaining a balance that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
The yogurt adds a boost of protein and calcium, both of which are beneficial for bone health. Additionally, the whipped topping provides a small amount of fat and sugar, but it’s light enough that it doesn’t compromise the overall healthfulness of the cake.
A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, as part of a special brunch, or as a simple weeknight treat, this cake is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, light enough to satisfy without leaving you feeling overly full.
Thanks to its airy texture, the cake pairs wonderfully with other desserts as well. If you’re hosting a dessert spread, it’s an excellent option alongside fruit tarts, cookies, or other light pastries. You can easily adapt the toppings based on the season or your preferences, making this cake a versatile base for any number of flavor combinations.
Conclusion
The Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is a deliciously dreamy dessert that combines the best qualities of a sponge cake with the richness of yogurt. With its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, it’s a perfect treat for anyone looking for a lighter yet indulgent dessert. Whether served with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.