Chocolate Cloud Cake

17/11/2023

The Chocolate Cloud Cake, also known as cloud cake or chocolate cloud cake, is a soft and rich dessert that enchants with its light texture and intense chocolate note. Here is the recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients

250 g of good quality dark chocolate
150 g of unsalted butter
6 large eggs, separated
1 pinch of salt
150 g of granulated sugar (plus a little extra for sprinkling)
2 tablespoons of orange or coffee liqueur (optional)
Powdered sugar for decorating
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Preparation

Chocolate and butter preparation: Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line the bottom of a 23 cm diameter springform pan with parchment paper. Chop the chocolate and cut the butter into pieces. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring thoroughly until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
Egg whipping: Separate the yolks from the whites. In a bowl, beat the yolks with half of the sugar until they become light and frothy. You could add the chosen liqueur at this step if you wish.
Incorporating the chocolate: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped yolks.
Whipping the egg whites: In a large clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until small peaks form. Gradually add the rest of the sugar while continuing to whip until you get a shiny and firm meringue.
Incorporating the egg whites: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, working with a spatula and upward motions to avoid deflating the mixture.
Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently level the surface. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when the center seems slightly moist but stable, and the edges are dry and slightly pulled away from the edge of the pan.
Cooling: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, remove the rim of the pan.
Decoration: Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar and, if you wish, accompany with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Curiosity

The Cloud Cake gets its name from the incredibly light consistency that recalls a cloud. It is a dessert very much appreciated for its simplicity and for the contrast between the crunchy crust and the soft and moist heart.

Moreover, if you wish to stay within the Italian theme, you might opt for pairing it with artisanal fiordilatte ice cream or homemade pastry creams flavored with vanilla or Italian liqueurs like Amaretto. Enjoy your meal!