Hello, dessert lovers! If you’re craving something truly indulgent yet surprisingly light, let me introduce you to this dreamy Caramel Cloud Cake. Imagine a delicate cake that melts in your mouth, with rich caramel flavors that sneak up and make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s fluffy, it’s sweet, and it’s absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love Caramel Cloud Cake
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about creating those special moments. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a cozy Sunday afternoon, bringing it out at a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this cake fits any occasion. Here’s why this Caramel Cloud Cake is a favorite:
Versatile: It’s perfect for any gathering, from casual family meals to elegant dinner parties. And when you sink your fork into the light, caramel-coated goodness, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special trips to the store—just the basics that you likely already have.
Quick and Easy: This cake doesn’t require hours in the kitchen! It’s a breeze to whip up and will impress even the most seasoned bakers.
Customizable: Add a bit of a twist with your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to make the caramel shine even more. It’s your canvas, and the possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: This cake’s balance of lightness and richness makes it perfect for everyone—from the kids to the adults. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this cake—it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the result is a cloud-like, caramel dream.
Cake Flour: This light, airy flour is key to making the cake rise beautifully and have that delicate, fluffy texture. It’s not as dense as all-purpose flour, giving the cake that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Eggs: They bring richness to the cake while helping it rise to perfection. Be sure to separate the whites from the yolks for that light, cloud-like texture.
Sugar: The sugar in the cake and the caramel adds that sweet touch we’re all craving. It’s the foundation for both the cake’s sweetness and that irresistible caramel topping.
Butter: A little butter goes a long way in this recipe, making the cake moist and rich without being too heavy.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a deep, comforting flavor that pairs so well with the caramel. It’s the secret ingredient that makes every bite more magical.
Heavy Cream: The rich, velvety cream is what gives the caramel its smooth, luscious texture.
Brown Sugar: For the caramel sauce, brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that deepens the sweetness and gives that perfect caramelization.
Baking Powder: This gives the cake the rise it needs to be light and fluffy, ensuring that it’s perfectly tender.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and cake, making each bite more flavorful.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your cake that perfect texture.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly fold in the butter and vanilla extract. Once combined, carefully fold in the dry ingredients.
Separate the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the batter. This step is key for creating that cloud-like texture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar dissolves, let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Drizzle the Caramel: Once the cake is cooled, pour the caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides. For extra flavor, top with a sprinkle of sea salt or some chopped nuts.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the caramel set for a few minutes, then slice into your cloud of sweetness and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Cloud Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few extras:
Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of raspberries or strawberries to add a pop of freshness and color.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a perfect addition to this sweet, fluffy cake.
Coffee or Tea: This cake makes for the perfect afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ice Cream: If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Caramel Cloud Cake even more delicious:
Prep Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it tightly covered at room temperature.
Salted Caramel: For an extra flavor twist, use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for a more complex flavor profile.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the cake flour.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Double the Batch: This recipe is great for making a larger batch if you’re serving a crowd. Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute eggs with a vegan option?
A1: Yes, you can use flax eggs or aquafaba as a substitute for the eggs in the cake. This will slightly alter the texture but still create a delicious dessert.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day before, and just make the caramel sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the fridge.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake without the caramel. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A5: Gently reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the softness.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan for a bit longer.
Q7: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A7: While homemade caramel has a special touch, you can certainly use store-bought caramel in a pinch!
Q8: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A8: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the cake or as a topping.
Q9: Can I make this cake without the caramel topping?
A9: Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, or you can dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
Q10: Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel?
A10: You can try using coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor, though the texture might change slightly.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend—a cake that’s as light as a cloud and packed with rich caramel goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this Caramel Cloud Cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, take that first bite—you won’t regret it!
PrintCaramel Cloud Cake
This indulgent Caramel Cloud Cake is a decadent dessert that combines a light and fluffy brown sugar chiffon cake with rich caramel whipped cream and smooth chocolate caramel ganache. A perfect balance of sweetness and texture, this cake is sure to impress on any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the caramel whipped cream:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the brown sugar chiffon cake:
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the brown sugar simple syrup:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup water
For the chocolate caramel ganache:
- 100 grams milk caramel chocolate or milk chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the caramel whipped cream:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the brown sugar until it’s golden and liquid.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in the hot cream.
Return to low heat if necessary and stir until the caramel is smooth.
Let the mixture cool completely, then stir in the vanilla and salt.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 90 minutes until the cream is very cold.
Once chilled, whip the cream until it’s thick and spreadable. - Make the brown sugar chiffon cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks.
In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until they’re frothy. Gradually add the brown sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until stiff peaks form.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining brown sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Sift in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder, and whisk until just combined.
Gently fold a third of the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Then, carefully fold the egg yolk mixture into the remaining egg whites.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Place the cake pans in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water around the pans to create a water bath.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely in the pans. - Make the chocolate caramel ganache:
Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate.
Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. - Assemble the cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of chocolate caramel ganache over the cake.
Top with the second cake layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the caramel whipped cream.
Drizzle the remaining chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. - Chill and serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the caramel whipped cream is very cold before whipping for the best texture.
- The cake is best served chilled and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add extra caramel drizzle on top if desired for more caramel flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg