Aug 31 2026

Cloud Piece Cake Recipe

Time2h
Serves8

Make Cloud Piece Cake Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base

Method

Cake Base

  1. 1

    Prepare oven and pan

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; grease the paper as well.

  2. 2

    Dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Wet ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar for about 1 minute to combine. Add the milk, melted cooled butter, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.

  4. 4

    Combine batter

    Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix to keep cake light.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 22–28 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven heats unevenly.

  6. 6

    Cool

    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto the rack, remove parchment, then right-side up and cool completely (about 45 minutes) before adding the meringue topping.

Cloud Meringue Topping

  1. 7

    Prepare egg whites

    Ensure the mixing bowl and beaters are clean and completely dry. Bring egg whites to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes out of the fridge) — this helps them whip to greater volume.

  2. 8

    Whip whites with cream of tartar

    Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in the clean bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until foamy. Increase speed to medium-high and gradually add the superfine sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat.

  3. 9

    Beat to stiff peaks

    Once all sugar is incorporated, continue beating until the meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks (when you lift the beater peaks should stand straight with slightly curving tips). Beat in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest for brightness.

  4. 10

    Top the cooled cake

    Using a large spoon or offset spatula, mound the meringue onto the cooled cake to create a voluminous "cloud" — swirl and peak the surface to create soft billows. The meringue should fully cover the top and come slightly over the edge if desired for a dramatic look.

  5. 11

    Brown the meringue

    Option A - Oven: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Return the cake to the oven for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the meringue develops light golden-brown tips. Option B - Torch: Use a handheld kitchen torch to carefully brown peaks and ridges until evenly toasted. Whichever method, watch closely to avoid burning.

Finishing & Assembly

  1. 12

    Chill briefly

    Allow the meringue-topped cake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after browning, then chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to let the meringue set slightly for cleaner slices.

  2. 13

    Garnish and serve

    Dust the surface lightly with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries and mint leaves if using. Slice with a warm, clean knife (wipe between cuts) to produce neat portions.

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