This cloud bread recipe whips egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar into stiff peaks, then bakes them into soft, pillowy rounds with a texture closer to a marshmallow than traditional bread. This easy fluffy low-carb bread takes about 45 minutes and has gone viral for its light, almost impossibly airy texture.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Bread, snack
Why You’ll Love This Cloud Bread
- This cloud bread recipe has almost no carbs, since it relies on whipped egg whites instead of flour.
- The texture is genuinely unlike anything else — soft, light, and slightly springy.
- Just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.
- Fun to make and watch rise into fluffy, cloud-like rounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring, optional
How to Make Cloud Bread
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the egg whites into a bowl. Beat with cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the cornstarch and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks briefly, then gently fold into the egg white mixture until just combined.
- Dollop mounds of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spreading into rounds.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and set but still light.
- Let cool completely before removing from the parchment.
Tips for the Best Cloud Bread
- Fold the egg yolks in gently for this cloud bread recipe — overmixing will deflate the whipped whites and flatten the texture.
- Make sure your mixing bowl is completely grease-free, or the egg whites won’t whip to stiff peaks.
- Let the cloud bread cool fully before handling, since it’s delicate while warm.
- Spread the mounds evenly for consistent baking across all the rounds.
Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or herbs for a savory version.
- Tint with food coloring for a fun, colorful presentation.
- Use as a low-carb sandwich bread alternative once cooled.
How to Store It
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days — cloud bread is best enjoyed within a day or two, since it can deflate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called cloud bread?
It’s named for its light, airy, almost weightless texture, similar to a soft cloud or marshmallow, which comes from whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks.
Is cloud bread actually bread?
Not in the traditional sense — this cloud bread recipe contains no flour and relies on whipped egg whites for structure, giving it a texture closer to a soft meringue.
Why did my cloud bread deflate?
This usually happens if the egg whites weren’t whipped to stiff enough peaks, or if the yolks were folded in too aggressively, knocking out the air.
Can I use cloud bread as a sandwich bread?
Yes, once fully cooled, cloud bread works as a light, low-carb alternative to sandwich bread.