🍋 Mediterranean Cloud Cake
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely ground almond flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: powdered coconut sugar or sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round pan with parchment and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Prepare the Base Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, honey, olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
- Whip Egg Whites:
- In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold into the yolk mixture in 3 additions, keeping the batter airy.
- Bake:
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden and set (it will puff up like a cloud).
- Let cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Dust with a little powdered coconut sugar or sliced almonds.
- Serve plain or with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt or honey drizzle.
🌿 Mediterranean Diet Notes
- Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats and a delicate flavor.
- Greek yogurt gives moisture, protein, and probiotics.
- Honey replaces refined sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Almond flour keeps it gluten-free and nutrient-dense.
🍓 Optional Variations
- Lemon Cloud Cake: Add more zest and a touch of lemon juice.
- Chocolate Cloud Cake: Add 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Berry Cloud Cake: Fold in ½ cup blueberries or raspberries before baking.
Would you like me to create a beautiful Mediterranean-style image of this Cloud Cake — soft and airy, with lemons and olive oil styling for a cookbook or Facebook post?
