Description
Delicate Japanese cloud cake whispers elegance with its ethereal texture and light-as-air crumb. Silky smooth meringue and gentle folding techniques create a heavenly dessert that melts on your palate, inviting you to savor pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stabilizers and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Finishing:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating a round cake pan with grease and flour to ensure seamless cake release.
- Execute precise egg separation technique, placing egg whites in a pristine mixing vessel and incorporating a delicate pinch of salt. Whip the whites vigorously until they form elegant, stable peaks that maintain structural integrity.
- In a separate mixing bowl, transform egg yolks and sugar through vigorous beating until the mixture achieves a luxurious pale complexion and airy texture. Incorporate milk, oil, and vanilla extract, blending until harmoniously combined.
- Employ a fine-mesh sifter to gently introduce flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture, utilizing a gentle folding motion to integrate ingredients without compromising the mixture’s delicate structure.
- Tenderly integrate the previously whipped egg whites into the batter, executing a careful folding technique that preserves the valuable air bubbles responsible for the cake’s ethereal texture.
- Transfer the gossamer batter into the prepared cake pan, employing a spatula to create a smooth, even surface that promises uniform baking.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the cake to transform for 25-30 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean and dry.
- Initiate the cooling process by allowing the cake to rest within the pan for 10 minutes, then gracefully transition to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.
- As a final flourish, delicately dust the cake’s surface with a veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant and inviting presentation.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
- Gently fold egg whites using a spatula with a cutting motion to maintain their airy structure and prevent deflation.
- Use a light, neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola to keep the cake’s delicate flavor profile intact.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adding a touch of xanthan gum for better structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg