The Caramel Cloud Cake is an extraordinary dessert that combines a light and airy brown sugar chiffon cake with luscious layers of caramel chocolate ganache and a creamy caramel whipped cream frosting. Unlike traditional caramel cakes, which can be heavy, this one is soft, light, and fluffy with a delicate caramel flavor that’s sure to impress. Perfect for celebrations, this cake offers the best of both worlds: a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful caramel twist.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Caramel Whipped Cream
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½ cup light brown sugar (100g)
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3 cups heavy cream (720g), chilled and divided
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1 tsp vanilla
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¼ tsp salt
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For the Brown Sugar Chiffon Cake
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5 large eggs, separated
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½ cup light brown sugar (100g); divided
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⅓ cup whole milk (80g)
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3 tbsp vegetable oil (35g)
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2 tsp vanilla
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½ cup flour (65g)
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¼ cup cornstarch (40g)
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp baking powder
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For the Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
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⅓ cup brown sugar (65g)
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⅓ cup water (80g)
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For the Chocolate Caramel Ganache
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100g milk caramel chocolate (or milk chocolate)
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½ cup heavy cream (120g)
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Directions
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Prepare the Caramel Whipped Cream: Start by melting the brown sugar on low heat until it becomes smooth. Add in warm heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Once the caramel is fully mixed, allow it to cool. Add the remaining cold heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then refrigerate for at least 90 minutes. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
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Make the Brown Sugar Chiffon Cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two 8″ cake pans. Whisk egg whites with ¼ cup of brown sugar until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla. Sift in flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and gently combine. Fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture carefully. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 20-22 minutes.
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Prepare the Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, simmer water and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.
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Make the Chocolate Caramel Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until warm, pour over chopped chocolate, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and shiny, then refrigerate until it thickens but remains pourable.
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Assemble the Cake: Once all components are ready and cooled, cut each cake into two layers, creating four layers total. Brush each layer with the brown sugar syrup. Spread a layer of the caramel whipped cream, then pour a layer of ganache over it. Repeat the process for all layers, finishing by covering the entire cake with whipped cream. Decorate with the remaining ganache swirls.
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Chill and Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrients
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Calories: 350-400 kcal (per slice)
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 35g
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Protein: 4g
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Cholesterol: 70mg
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Sodium: 180mg
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Potassium: 220mg
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Calcium: 5% DV
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Iron: 10% DV
The Art of Chiffon Cake: Light and Airy Perfection
At the heart of the Caramel Cloud Cake lies the brown sugar chiffon cake. Chiffon cakes are known for their light, airy texture, which is achieved by separating the egg yolks from the whites. The egg whites are whipped into stiff peaks, creating a meringue-like structure that helps to give the cake its fluffiness. The egg yolk mixture, made with brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, forms the base of the cake, while the meringue helps to lighten the batter and create the signature softness.
The addition of brown sugar to the chiffon cake gives it a subtle caramel flavor, which enhances the overall theme of the dessert. The cake is tender, yet sturdy enough to hold up the rich caramel whipped cream and ganache layers. The result is a cake that is not too dense, but perfectly satisfying in every bite. The chiffon cake provides the ideal base for the decadent fillings and toppings, ensuring that the cake remains balanced, with every layer contributing to the overall experience.
Caramel Whipped Cream: The Creamy Dream Layer
What makes this cake truly special is the caramel whipped cream that fills the layers and tops the cake. The caramel flavor in the whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dessert without overwhelming it. The process of making the caramel whipped cream involves melting brown sugar and mixing it with warm heavy cream. Once this caramel mixture is cooled, cold heavy cream is added along with vanilla and salt. The result is a light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth whipped cream that holds its shape and adds a luscious mouthfeel to each bite.
The caramel whipped cream is used generously between the layers of chiffon cake, providing a creamy and dreamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the firm, light cake. This whipped cream is also spread over the top of the cake, creating a smooth and velvety finish that complements the rich ganache and enhances the caramel flavor. The balance between the caramel whipped cream and the chiffon cake is what makes this dessert truly indulgent yet light at the same time.
The Velvety Chocolate Caramel Ganache
To complement the brown sugar chiffon cake and caramel whipped cream, the Caramel Cloud Cake is layered with a smooth and velvety chocolate caramel ganache. This ganache is made by combining milk caramel chocolate (or regular milk chocolate) with heavy cream, which is heated until warm and then poured over the chopped chocolate. After letting it sit for a few minutes, the mixture is stirred until it becomes smooth and shiny, creating a glossy ganache.
The ganache is spread between the layers of cake, adding a rich, chocolatey flavor that balances out the sweetness of the caramel components. The chocolate caramel ganache serves as the perfect contrast to the lightness of the chiffon cake and whipped cream, adding a layer of richness and depth to the overall dessert. The combination of the caramel and chocolate flavors in this ganache enhances the caramel theme of the cake while introducing a new layer of indulgence.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Adding Moisture and Flavor
One of the keys to achieving the perfect texture in the Caramel Cloud Cake is the brown sugar simple syrup that is brushed onto the layers of chiffon cake. This syrup is made by simmering water and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a syrup that is both sweet and slightly caramelized. Once the syrup cools, it is brushed over the cake layers to add moisture and flavor.
The simple syrup not only ensures that the chiffon cake stays moist but also enhances the caramel flavor throughout the cake. As the cake absorbs the syrup, it becomes even more tender and flavorful, allowing the caramel whipped cream and ganache to meld perfectly with the cake. This simple addition elevates the texture and taste of the cake, making each bite even more satisfying.
Assembling the Cake: A Layered Work of Art
Assembling the Caramel Cloud Cake is an important step in achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. The cake is cut into four layers after baking, and each layer is carefully brushed with brown sugar syrup to enhance the flavor and moisture. After that, a layer of caramel whipped cream is spread over the first layer of cake, followed by a layer of chocolate caramel ganache. This process is repeated until all the layers are stacked and the entire cake is covered with whipped cream.
Once assembled, the cake is refrigerated for at least an hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. The final result is a beautifully layered cake with a smooth, creamy exterior and a rich, indulgent interior. The ganache swirls on top add a decorative touch, making the cake not only delicious but visually stunning as well.
The Beauty of Caramel Cloud Cake for Special Occasions
The Caramel Cloud Cake is the perfect dessert for any special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday celebration, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of the event. Its elegant layers and glossy ganache make it a showstopper that will impress your guests, while the light and fluffy texture ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice without feeling overwhelmed by heaviness.
The balance of flavors—from the subtle caramel in the chiffon cake and whipped cream to the rich chocolate ganache—makes this cake a versatile choice that can please a wide range of palates. Its sophisticated yet approachable nature makes it suitable for both casual gatherings and formal events.
Storing and Serving the Cake
The Caramel Cloud Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days after it is assembled, and it can even be made a day ahead of time. Keeping it chilled helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Before serving, be sure to let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come to life. This cake is best served slightly chilled, ensuring the whipped cream holds its structure and the ganache remains smooth and glossy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Caramel Cloud Cake is a dessert that combines elegance, richness, and lightness in a way that few cakes do. Its airy brown sugar chiffon cake, complemented by layers of caramel whipped cream and chocolate caramel ganache, offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake is sure to impress. The Caramel Cloud Cake is a delightful way to experience the indulgent flavors of caramel and chocolate in a light, airy format, making it a dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.