Light Fluffy Cloud Cake (Printable Version)

Tender cloud-like cake with yogurt, vanilla, and lemon zest for a subtle tang and delightful fluffiness.

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 160 grams all-purpose flour, unbleached
02 - 10 grams baking powder
03 - 2 grams fine sea salt
04 - 150 grams granulated sugar (preferably superfine)

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 170 grams plain full-fat Greek yogurt
07 - 80 milliliters vegetable oil
08 - 5 milliliters pure vanilla extract

→ Optional

09 - Zest of one medium fresh lemon

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease an 20 cm round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
02 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk the eggs, yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and consistent. If using, fold in the lemon zest now.
04 - Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula, gently combining until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
05 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
06 - Place the pan on the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
07 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow the structure to set, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Once cooled, optionally dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or lightly sweetened whipped cream as desired.

# Notes:

01 - Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification and airy texture.
02 - For a taller cake, fold in stiffly beaten egg whites at the final step before baking.
03 - The cake’s flavor and texture improve when rested for 24 hours.