Cotton Cake – Ultra-Soft, Light & Fluffy Cloud-Like Dessert

This Cotton Cake is incredibly light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft — just like cotton! Known for its delicate crumb and cloud-like texture, this cake is a cross between sponge cake and chiffon cake, making it perfect for tea time, birthdays, and elegant desserts. With its subtle sweetness and tender structure, cotton cake is simple, refined, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients List

6 large eggs, separated
1 cup cake flour
¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
½ cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar or lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Egg Yolk Batter:
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, oil, vanilla, and half the sugar until smooth. Sift in cake flour and mix gently.
Whip Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar and whip until soft peaks form.
Fold Batter:
Gently fold whipped egg whites into yolk batter in three additions until combined.
Bake in Water Bath:
Pour batter into pan. Place pan into a larger pan filled with hot water. Bake for 55–65 minutes.
Cool:
Remove and let cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use room-temperature eggs for better volume.
Fold gently to maintain airiness.
Bake using a water bath for moisture.
Cool upside down to prevent collapsing.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Cotton Cake: Add lemon zest and juice.
Chocolate Cotton Cake: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.
Matcha Cotton Cake: Add 1 tablespoon matcha powder.
Vanilla Bean Cotton Cake: Add vanilla bean paste.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Calories: 190
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called cotton cake?
Because of its ultra-soft, fluffy, cotton-like texture.

2. Can I bake cotton cake without a water bath?
Water bath is recommended for moist texture and crack prevention.

3. How do I store cotton cake?
Store airtight at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

4. Can I freeze cotton cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.

This Cotton Cake is delicate, light, and perfectly fluffy — an elegant dessert that melts in your mouth.