Ingredients (Keto & Simple)
All ingredients are low-carb and keto-approved.
🥚 Main Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese or mascarpone, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but recommended)
🌬️ Structure & Stability
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
🧈 For the Pan
- Butter or coconut oil
- Parchment paper
🧠 What Is a Keto Cloud Cake?
A keto cloud cake is:
- Flourless
- Sugar-free
- Very low in carbs
- Naturally light and airy
It relies on whipped egg whites instead of flour for structure. This is why technique matters more than ingredients—gentle folding and proper whipping are the keys to success.
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 160°C / 325°F.
Line the bottom of a 7–8 inch (18–20 cm) springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
👉 This cake is delicate, so proper pan preparation is essential.
🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a large bowl, add:
- Softened cream cheese
- Powdered erythritol
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest (if using)
Beat until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
Set aside.
🥚 Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean, dry bowl, add:
- Egg whites
- Cream of tartar (or lemon juice)
- Salt
Using a mixer, whip until stiff peaks form.
👉 Stiff peaks mean the whites stand up firmly when the whisk is lifted.
🚫 Do not overwhip—dry whites will collapse when folded.
☁️ Step 4: Fold Gently (Most Important Step)
Add one-third of the whipped egg whites to the cream cheese mixture.
Fold gently to loosen the base.
Then add the remaining whites in two additions, folding slowly with a spatula using a bottom-to-top motion.
👉 Never stir—folding preserves the air.
🫗 Step 5: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Smooth the top gently without pressing down.
Tap the pan once or twice lightly to remove large air bubbles.
🔥 Step 6: Bake Low and Slow
Bake at 160°C / 325°F for 40–50 minutes.
The cake is ready when:
- The top is lightly golden
- The center is set but still slightly jiggly
- A toothpick comes out mostly clean
🚫 Do not open the oven during baking.
🧊 Step 7: Cool Slowly (Prevents Collapse)
Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door slightly open for 20 minutes.
Then remove and cool completely at room temperature.
Finally, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing.
👉 Slow cooling keeps the cake fluffy.
🧁 Texture & Flavor Profile
- Texture: Airy, soft, cloud-like
- Flavor: Mild, creamy, lightly sweet
- Finish: Melts in the mouth
- Sweetness: Balanced, not overpowering
This cake feels light but satisfying.
🌈 Keto-Friendly Variations
🍋 Lemon Cloud Cake
Add extra lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
🍫 Chocolate Keto Cloud Cake
Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream cheese base.
🥥 Coconut Version
Add 1–2 tablespoons coconut cream and coconut extract.
🍓 Berry Topping (Keto)
Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries (in moderation).
🍽️ How to Serve Keto Cloud Cake
Serve:
- Plain (it’s perfect on its own)
- With whipped keto cream
- With sugar-free berry sauce
- Lightly dusted with powdered erythritol
Best served chilled or slightly cool.
📦 Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerate covered up to 4 days
- Do not freeze (texture changes)
- Store in an airtight container
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Eggs must be room temperature
- Use powdered sweetener for smooth texture
- Fold slowly and gently
- Bake at low temperature
- Cool gradually
❗ Troubleshooting
❌ Cake Collapsed
- Egg whites overwhipped
- Oven opened too early
- Cooled too fast
❌ Cake Too Dense
- Whites not whipped enough
- Overmixed batter
❌ Grainy Texture
- Sweetener not powdered
❤️ Why This Cake Is Perfect for Keto
- Very low net carbs
- No flour or sugar
- High in healthy fats
- Naturally gluten-free
- Elegant yet simple
It’s proof that keto desserts can be light and beautiful.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Keto Cloud Cake (Gâteau Nuage Céto) is a celebration of simplicity and technique. With just a few ingredients and careful handling, you get a dessert that’s airy, elegant, and completely keto-friendly.