This light and airy cake gets its name from its incredibly soft and fluffy texture. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and oil.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting (Optional): In a large bowl, cream together the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream frosting (if using) and decorate as desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra fluffiness, sift the flour before measuring.
- To make a vanilla cake, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- To make a chocolate cake, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- For a more intense flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Get creative with your frosting! Try adding different flavorings like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon.
- Decorate with fresh berries, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.
Enjoy your delicious and fluffy cloud cake!