Introduction
This Ultimate Chocolate Cloud Cake recipe delivers an incredibly light, flourless dessert that melts in your mouth. With its airy texture and rich chocolate flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to make. For more decadent treats, try the German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe or the Pink Paradise No-Bake M&M Snickers Cheesecake Recipe.
Ingredients
This Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake delivers an incredibly light, airy texture with deep chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth.
- 8 ounces (225 g) high quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 large eggs, separated (4 egg whites, 2 whole eggs or 5 eggs separated)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Timing
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Context: This Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for quick baking sessions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients for your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake at room temperature. This includes eggs, butter, milk, and any dairy products to ensure smooth incorporation and optimal rise.
Measure your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Sift them together to eliminate lumps and aerate the mixture.
Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the light, airy texture that defines a Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake.
Scrape down the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture when ready.
Step 3 — Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent the batter from becoming dense. The mixture should be smooth and emulsified.
Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Fold in any additional chocolate chips or melted chocolate gently with a spatula. Do not overmix—a few streaks are fine.
Step 5 — Prepare Baking Pans
Grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly, or line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy release after baking.
Divide the Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap them lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Step 6 — Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to maintain consistent temperature and rise.
Step 7 — Cool Completely
Let the Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling completely prevents the cake from breaking during handling.
For extra moisture, brush the layers with simple syrup while still warm. This step is optional but enhances the soft texture.
Step 8 — Frost and Decorate
Once completely cool, frost your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake with your preferred chocolate frosting or whipped cream. Use an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage.
Chill the frosted cake briefly to set the frosting before slicing. This makes for cleaner cuts and a more professional presentation.
Step 9 — Serve and Store
Slice your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake with a warm, clean knife for neat portions. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving again.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Greek yogurt for oil — Adds protein and moisture while reducing fat, creating a tangy, rich crumb.
- Almond flour for all-purpose flour — Lowers carbs and offers a nutty flavor, perfect for a gluten-free Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake.
- Unsweetened applesauce for sugar — Naturally sweetens with fewer calories and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Coconut oil for butter — Provides a dairy-free option with a light tropical aroma.
- Egg whites for whole eggs — Reduces cholesterol and fat while maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Dark cocoa powder for Dutch-process — Lowers sodium and offers a deeper, less processed chocolate flavor.
- Stevia or monk fruit for granulated sugar — Cuts carbs significantly without sacrificing sweetness.
- Oat milk for whole milk — Keeps the cake dairy-free and adds a mild, creamy background.

Serving Suggestions
- Pair with freshly whipped cream and seasonal berries for a classic dessert combination
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for temperature contrast
- Drizzle with salted caramel or raspberry sauce to enhance the chocolate flavor
- Accompany with espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and mint sprigs for elegant presentation
- Perfect for birthday celebrations, dinner parties, or cozy weekend treats
This Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake shines when served at room temperature to maintain its signature airy texture. For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar using a stencil for decorative patterns. The delicate crumb makes it ideal for individual portions or as a stunning centerpiece cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and makes the cake dense. Fix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ones until just combined for a truly cloud-soft texture.
- Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge, preventing proper emulsification. Fix: Bring eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature to ensure a smooth, well-aerated batter.
- Mistake: Incorrectly measuring flour, the most common cause of a dry cake. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; better yet, use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Mistake: Opening the oven door too early, causing the delicate structure to collapse. Fix: Avoid opening the door until the last 5-10 minutes of baking to test for doneness.
- Mistake: Overbaking the cake, which quickly evaporates moisture and leads to a crumbly texture. Fix: Start checking a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested time; a toothpick should have moist crumbs attached.
- Mistake: Using old baking powder or soda, resulting in a flat cake that doesn’t rise. Fix: Test your leavening agents for activity before starting to ensure maximum lift.
- Mistake: Not properly preparing the pan, causing the cake to stick and tear. Fix: Thoroughly grease the pan, line it with parchment paper, and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour.
- Mistake: Frosting the cake while it’s still warm, which melts the icing and creates a soggy layer. Fix: Let the Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake cool completely on a wire rack before applying any frosting.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
- Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For a single slice, microwave for 15-20 seconds. For the whole cake, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Proper storage ensures your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake retains its signature light and airy texture.
Conclusion
This Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake is a wonderfully light and airy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. If you love chocolate, you might also enjoy our Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Easy or our White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know your results in the comments!
PrintChocolate Cloud Cake
A rich, flourless chocolate cake that is light and airy, made by folding whipped egg whites into a dense chocolate batter, resulting in a mousse-like texture.
- Author: Dorothy Miller
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 g) high quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 large eggs, separated (4 egg whites, 2 whole eggs or 5 eggs separated)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of an 8" or 9" springform pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the chopped chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks (or 2 whole eggs plus 4 yolks) with half of the sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and the melted chocolate mixture.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and beat on high until stiff but glossy peaks form.
- Fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining egg whites carefully to keep the batter airy and mousse-like.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and cool in the pan. Optionally, top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
1. Be careful not to overmix when folding egg whites to keep the cake light and airy.
2. Using high quality chocolate improves the depth of flavor.
3. For extra flavor, espresso powder or instant coffee can be added to intensify the chocolate taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
FAQs
What makes this Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake so light and airy?
The cake gets its cloud-like texture from whipped egg whites folded into the batter. This technique creates a delicate crumb that is incredibly soft and fluffy.
Can I make this Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its signature soft texture.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Use natural, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor in your Cloud Soft Chocolate Cake. It provides a rich chocolate taste that complements the light texture perfectly.



