Fluffy Cloud Cupcakes

Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 20-25 mins | Yields: 10-12 cupcakes

Ingredients

The Egg Yolk Base:

3 Large egg yolks
20g Caster sugar
40g Vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
45g Milk (room temperature)
60g Cake flour (sifted)
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

The Meringue:

3 Large egg whites (chilled)
40g Caster sugar
1/4 tsp Lemon juice or Cream of Tartar (helps stability)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a cupcake tray with paper liners.

2. Create the Yolk Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 20g sugar until pale. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla, whisking until well combined. Sift in the cake flour and whisk gently until the batter is smooth with no lumps. Set aside.

3. Whip the Meringue

In a separate, clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites and lemon juice on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the 40g sugar in three batches. Continue beating until stiff peaks form (the peaks should stand straight up when you lift the beaters).

4. The Gentle Fold

This is the most important part! Take 1/3 of the meringue and stir it into the egg yolk batter to lighten it. Then, gently fold the remaining meringue into the batter using a spatula. Use a “cut and fold” motion so you don’t deflate the air bubbles. Stop as soon as the color is uniform.

5. Bake to Perfection

Scoop the batter into the liners until they are about 80% full. Tap the tray on the counter once to pop large bubbles. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden and spring back when touched.

Pro-Tips for Success

Don’t Grease: Don’t grease the paper liners; the cake needs to “climb” the walls of the liner to stay tall.
The Sift: Sifting the flour is mandatory for that “5-minute melt” texture shown in your photo.
Cooling: These may shrink slightly as they cool; this is normal for chiffon cakes!