Cloud Bread Recipe

This Cloud Bread is a delightful, airy treat that looks just like a fluffy cloud and melts in your mouth with every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create these magical, pillowy bread domes that are sure to impress everyone at your table. It’s the perfect sweet treat when you’re craving something unique yet incredibly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: These puffy, cloud-like domes make for an Instagram-worthy treat that will have everyone asking for your secret.
• Just 5 Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry right now!
• Quick Kitchen Project: From start to finish, you’ll have beautiful cloud bread in under an hour – perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
• Customizable: Change up the flavors and colors to match any occasion or mood.
• Fun Baking Activity: Kids and adults alike will love watching these magical clouds rise in the oven!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Egg Whites: The star ingredient that creates that incredible airy texture. The proteins in egg whites trap air bubbles when whipped, giving this bread its cloud-like appearance.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize those egg whites for the perfect texture.
• Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient that helps absorb moisture and gives your cloud bread structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Food Coloring: Completely optional but turns your clouds into pastel dreams! Just a few drops will transform them into colorful treats.

Variations

Want to experiment with your cloud bread? Here are some delicious variations:

• Citrus Cloud: Swap vanilla for a splash of lemon extract and add a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• Almond Joy: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the light texture.
• Chocolate Cloud: Fold in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Birthday Clouds: Add rainbow sprinkles to the mixture just before baking for a festive celebration treat.
• Savory Version: Skip the sugar and vanilla, add a pinch of salt and some herbs for a savory cloud bread that pairs well with cream cheese.

How to Make Cloud Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from any grease or water – this will help your egg whites whip properly.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Begin whisking your egg whites until they become frothy and bubbly. You can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or do it manually with a whisk if you’re up for an arm workout!

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract (or your choice of flavoring), and food coloring if using. Continue whisking until the mixture forms stiff peaks – when you lift your whisk, the mixture should stand tall without drooping.

Step 4: Form Your Clouds

Using a spatula, gently form the mixture into two dome shapes on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Take care to shape them nicely, as they’ll mostly maintain this shape during baking. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to stabilize.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the outside develops a slight golden hue (or a colored golden tint if you’ve used food coloring). The outside should be slightly firm to the touch, but the inside will remain soft and marshmallow-like.

Pro Tips for Making Cloud Bread

• Room Temperature Egg Whites: They’ll whip up better and create more volume.
• Super Clean Equipment: Any trace of fat will prevent your egg whites from reaching stiff peaks, so make sure your bowl and beaters are spotlessly clean.
• Patience with Whipping: Don’t rush this step – properly whipped egg whites are the foundation of successful cloud bread.
• Gentle Shaping: Use a light touch when forming your domes to preserve all those air bubbles you’ve worked so hard to create.
• Watch Closely While Baking: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your clouds to prevent over-browning.

How to Serve

Cloud bread is best enjoyed immediately after it comes out of the oven while it’s at its fluffiest. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sweet Serving Ideas:

• Dust with a light coating of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness
• Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a delightful breakfast treat
• Serve alongside ice cream as a unique dessert component

Presentation Tips:

• For a wow factor, bring it to the table still on the parchment paper and cut portions at the table
• Serve on colorful plates that contrast with your cloud bread color
• Add a sprig of mint or a few berries for a picture-perfect presentation

Make Ahead and Storage

Immediate Enjoyment

Cloud bread is definitely a “live in the moment” treat! It’s at its absolute best when enjoyed within 30 minutes of coming out of the oven.

Short-term Storage

If you absolutely must save it, place it in an airtight container for up to an hour, but be prepared for it to deflate and lose its magical texture. The taste will still be good, but the cloud-like quality diminishes quickly.

Freezing

Unfortunately, cloud bread doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate structure. This is definitely a treat to make and enjoy in the moment!

Reheating

Reheating isn’t recommended as it can cause the bread to further deflate and become rubbery.

FAQs

Why did my cloud bread deflate after baking?
This is actually normal! Cloud bread is similar to a soufflé in that it will begin to deflate shortly after removing from the oven. That’s why it’s best enjoyed immediately. Make sure you’re whipping your egg whites to stiff peaks and not opening the oven door during baking to maximize your cloud time.

Can I make cloud bread without sugar?
While you can reduce the sugar, eliminating it completely will affect both the taste and structure. The sugar helps stabilize the egg whites. If you’re looking for a less sweet version, you could try reducing the sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and adding a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the egg whites.

Is cloud bread gluten-free?
Yes! One of the greatest things about cloud bread is that it contains no flour, making it naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your cornstarch is processed in a gluten-free facility if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Can I make smaller individual cloud breads instead of two large ones?
Absolutely! Instead of forming two large domes, you can create 4-6 smaller ones. Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes and watch them closely. This makes for cute individual servings that are perfect for a special brunch or tea party.

Final Thoughts

Cloud Bread is one of those magical recipes that proves baking can be both simple and extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients and some whisking power, you can create a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The ephemeral nature of these fluffy clouds makes the experience all the more special – it’s truly about enjoying the moment! So the next time you want to bring a bit of whimsy to your table or simply impress friends with minimal effort, whip up a batch of these cloud-like treats and watch faces light up with wonder.

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