Save I discovered cloud bread by accident on a Tuesday morning when my usual grocery run left me with cottage cheese, eggs, and a handful of blueberries but no flour. My kitchen felt like a puzzle to solve, and somehow folding whipped egg whites into a cloud of cottage cheese and watching it transform into something pillowy and light felt like a small kitchen miracle. That first bite was so unexpectedly airy and satisfying that I've been making these fluffy rounds ever since, especially when I want something that feels indulgent but leaves me energized instead of sluggish.
I made a batch for my sister's book club last month, expecting polite nibbling, but people actually asked for the recipe before they left. One guest said it reminded her of the fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes she'd tried years ago, and suddenly everyone was debating whether cloud bread was the low-carb answer to their breakfast prayers. Watching people genuinely enjoy something so simple and wholesome made me realize that sometimes the best dishes are the ones that surprise you with how good they taste.
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Ingredients
- Eggs, separated: The egg whites need to be completely free of yolk because even a trace of fat will prevent them from reaching those stiff, glossy peaks that give cloud bread its characteristic lift.
- Cottage cheese, drained and blended: Draining is non-negotiable; excess moisture will make your clouds dense and heavy instead of airy, so press it well or use a fine-mesh strainer.
- Cornstarch: This tiny amount helps stabilize the structure without adding heaviness, though some people skip it entirely with good results.
- Cream of tartar: This ingredient sounds mysterious but it's your secret weapon for getting egg whites to peak perfection by stabilizing the foam.
- Powdered sweetener: Use whatever you have on hand; erythritol, monk fruit, or even a touch of honey works beautifully depending on your preference.
- Vanilla and lemon zest: These are optional but they add depth that transforms cloud bread from simple to memorable.
- Fresh blueberries: Pat them dry before folding to reduce excess moisture, and use the freshest ones you can find for the best burst of flavor.
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Instructions
- Set yourself up for success:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, because cloud bread is delicate and needs a gentle bake at a lower temperature. This slow heat keeps the insides creamy while the outsides turn golden.
- Make your cottage cheese smooth:
- Blend your well-drained cottage cheese until it's completely lump-free; this is where a food processor shines, though an immersion blender works fine too. Any lumps will create density pockets instead of clouds.
- Whip your egg whites:
- In a clean, completely dry bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form that stand up straight when you lift the beaters. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer, and you'll know you're done when the mixture looks glossy and stable.
- Combine the egg yolks with cottage cheese:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yolks, blended cottage cheese, cornstarch, sweetener, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture should feel creamy and homogeneous before you fold anything into it.
- Fold gently and thoughtfully:
- Pour the yolk mixture into the egg whites and fold using a spatula with a gentle, slow hand—treat it like you're folding a treasure. Use a J-stroke motion, cutting down the middle, scraping along the bottom, and folding over the top to preserve all those precious air bubbles.
- Add your blueberries with care:
- Fold in the blueberries last, making sure they're evenly distributed but not crushed; pat them dry first to prevent extra moisture. If you add them too early, they'll sink to the bottom or stain the entire batter.
- Scoop and space:
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop rounded portions onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. They'll spread slightly as they bake, so don't crowd them or they'll merge into one fluffy cloud instead of staying individual.
- Bake with patience:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the texture feels set when you gently press it. They should look like little golden clouds, slightly puffed and cooked through but still soft.
- Cool with restraint:
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, as they firm up during cooling and become sturdier. Resist the urge to eat one straight from the oven; they're delicate while warm.
Pin it There's a quiet magic in pulling these cloud-like rounds from the oven and watching them glisten under the kitchen light, knowing that something so ethereal came from such simple ingredients. My partner called them edible clouds the first time, and that name somehow stuck in our kitchen.
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Texture and Taste Unveiled
Cloud bread walks this wonderful line between custardy and fluffy, with a slight crumb on the outside and a soft, pillowy interior that practically melts. The cottage cheese adds a subtle creaminess that's almost imperceptible but changes everything about how satisfying these are; each bite feels richer than something so light should be. The blueberries burst with tartness against the mild sweetness, and if you added lemon zest, you'll catch that brightness lingering on your palate.
Making It Your Own
I've experimented with different berry combinations, and raspberries create a slightly more tart cloud, while strawberries make everything sweeter and more subtle. Lemon zest became my favorite variation because the brightness cuts through the dairy richness in a way that feels almost refreshing. You can also play with the sweetener ratio depending on your preferences; some batches I make barely sweet, others more dessert-like.
Storage and Serving
These are genuinely best on the day you make them when they're still warm or at room temperature, but they'll hold in an airtight container for up to two days if you need them to. They're delicious plain, but a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or even a light dusting of cinnamon transforms them into something special. Think of them as a blank canvas for whatever topping feels right in that moment.
- Pair them with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a creamy contrast to the airiness.
- A honey drizzle brings out the subtle sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavor.
- These shine at breakfast, but honestly, they're equally welcome as a 3 p.m. snack or light dessert.
Pin it Cloud bread proved to me that sometimes the most rewarding kitchen moments come from working with what you have rather than what a recipe demands. These little pillows of wholesome indulgence have become my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but nourishes instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the bread fluffy and airy?
Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks adds air into the batter, creating the light, fluffy texture when baked.
- → Can I substitute blueberries with other fruits?
Yes, fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries can be used as alternatives to add natural sweetness and fruitiness.
- → How should the cottage cheese be prepared before mixing?
Drain excess moisture from the cottage cheese and blend it until smooth to ensure a creamy, consistent batter.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it uses cornstarch instead of flour and contains no gluten ingredients; however, verify that cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- → What is the best way to store this bread?
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I add extra sweetness without overpowering the flavors?
Use a mild powdered sweetener or add a drizzle of honey after baking for gentle sweetness without masking the natural flavors.