Cloud Bread Recipe: The Viral 3-Ingredient Bread That's Light as Air

Cloud Bread lives up to its name - it's impossibly light, fluffy, and airy, like eating a sweet, bread-flavored cloud. This viral TikTok recipe uses just three ingredients (eggs, cream cheese, sugar) to create something that shouldn't work but absolutely does. Whether you're looking for low-carb bread alternatives or just want to try the trend, Cloud Bread is worth the hype.

What is Cloud Bread?

Cloud Bread is a meringue-based bread alternative that's naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. When you whip egg whites into stiff peaks and gently fold in cream cheese and sugar, then bake it, you get pillowy soft bread with a slightly sweet, almost marshmallow-like texture.

Why it went viral:

• Just 3 ingredients: Eggs, cream cheese, sugar
• Naturally low-carb: About 1g net carbs per piece
• Fun to make: Whipping egg whites is satisfying
• Cloud-like texture: Unlike any other bread
• Visually appealing: Golden, puffy, photogenic
• Versatile: Works for sweet or savory applications

The recipe tapped into keto diet trends while also appealing to anyone who wanted to try something fun and different.

Classic Cloud Bread Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 8-10 pieces)

The essentials:

• 3 large eggs, separated (room temperature works best)
• 3 oz (6 tbsp) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional but helps stabilize egg whites)
• Pinch of salt

Optional additions:

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp baking powder (for extra rise)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (yes, low temperature!)
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
3. Separate eggs very carefully - no yolk in the whites!

Important: Even a tiny bit of yolk prevents egg whites from whipping properly.

Step 2: Make the Yolk Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks with softened cream cheese
2. Beat until completely smooth with no lumps
3. Add 1 tbsp of the sugar
4. Mix until incorporated
5. Set aside

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

1. In a very clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed
2. When frothy, add cream of tartar and pinch of salt
3. Gradually add remaining 2 tbsp sugar
4. Continue beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form
5. The whites should stand up straight when you lift the beater

This is crucial: Underwhipped whites collapse during baking. You want stiff peaks!

Step 4: Fold Together

1. Add 1/3 of the egg whites to the yolk mixture
2. Gently fold together to lighten the mixture
3. Add remaining egg whites
4. Fold very gently until just combined
5. Don't overmix - streaks of white are okay!

Folding technique: Use a spatula to cut down the center, across the bottom, and up the side. Rotate bowl and repeat. Gentle is key.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

1. Spoon or pipe mixture onto prepared baking sheets
2. Make 8-10 mounds (about 1/2 cup each)
3. Gently smooth tops with back of spoon
4. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown
5. They should be set and slightly crispy on outside
6. Let cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack

Step 6: Cool Completely

1. Allow to cool completely before storing
2. They'll firm up slightly as they cool
3. Best eaten same day, but last 2-3 days in airtight container

Pro Tips for Perfect Cloud Bread

Egg White Success

Room temperature eggs: Whip faster and achieve better volume

Clean equipment: Any grease prevents proper whipping. Wipe bowl with lemon juice if unsure.

Fresh eggs: Older eggs actually whip better! The whites are less viscous.

Don't rush: Take your time whipping to stiff peaks. This is the foundation of cloud bread.

Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and prevents deflating. Worth using.

Cream Cheese Tips

Must be softened: Cold cream cheese creates lumps that won't incorporate smoothly.

Full-fat works best: Low-fat cream cheese creates different texture.

Beat it well: No lumps should remain before folding in egg whites.

Folding Technique

Gentle is everything: Vigorous mixing deflates all those air bubbles you worked to create.

Some streaks okay: Don't overmix trying to get perfectly uniform color.

Use spatula, not whisk: A wide spatula helps fold without deflating.

Work quickly but carefully: The longer you take, the more air escapes.

Baking Secrets

Low temperature: High heat would deflate the bread. 300°F is perfect.

Don't open the oven: Opening releases heat and can cause collapse.

They should be golden: Pale cloud bread means underbaked and will deflate.

Cool on the pan first: Moving them immediately can cause breakage.

Savory Cloud Bread Variations

Everything Bagel Cloud Bread

Before baking, sprinkle with:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Optional: add 1/2 tsp garlic powder to yolk mixture

Serve with: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado

Garlic Herb Cloud Bread

Add to yolk mixture:

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Use as: Sandwich bread, burger buns, pizza crust

Cheddar Jalapeño Cloud Bread

Fold in after combining:

• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 jalapeño, diced fine

Serve with: Chili, soup, as breakfast sandwich base

Rosemary Sea Salt

Add to yolk mixture:

• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Reduce sugar to 1 tbsp
• Sprinkle with sea salt before baking

Perfect alongside cheap soup recipes.

Sweet Cloud Bread Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Cloud Bread

• Add 1 tsp cinnamon to yolk mixture
• Brush baked bread with butter
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture

Serve: For breakfast or dessert

Chocolate Cloud Bread

Add to yolk mixture:

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• Increase sugar to 4 tbsp
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Serve with: Whipped cream, berries, or as dessert

Lemon Poppy Seed

Add to yolk mixture:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1/2 tsp lemon extract

Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice

Vanilla Almond

Add to yolk mixture:

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• Sliced almonds on top before baking

These sweet versions pair nicely with quick breakfast ideas.

How to Use Cloud Bread

As Sandwich Bread

• Slice horizontally to make thinner
• Toast lightly for more structure
• Works best with lighter fillings
• Not sturdy enough for heavy, wet sandwiches

As Burger Buns

• Make larger rounds (6 instead of 10)
• Press down slightly before baking for flatter shape
• Toast before using for stability
• Best with lighter burgers or veggie burgers

As Pizza Crust

• Spread mixture into 8-inch rounds
• Prebake, then top with sauce and toppings
• Bake until cheese melts
• More like flatbread pizza than traditional crust

For Breakfast

• Top with butter and jam
• Spread with peanut butter
• Use as base for eggs benedict
• Toast and eat with coffee

As Dessert

• Layer with whipped cream and berries
• Use as shortcake substitute
• Spread with Nutella
• Top with ice cream

Nutritional Information

Cloud Bread is popular in low-carb diets:

Per piece (recipe makes 10):

• Calories: 50-60
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 2g
• Net carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Compare to regular bread (1 slice):

• Calories: 70-100
• Carbs: 13-20g
• Net carbs: 12-19g

For keto dieters, cloud bread is a game-changer.

Common Questions

Why didn't my cloud bread rise?

Egg whites weren't whipped to stiff peaks, or you deflated them while folding. Make sure you whip until very stiff.

Why is my cloud bread eggy?

This is normal - it's basically a flavored meringue. The cream cheese and sugar help, but there's still egg flavor. Not suitable for those who dislike eggs.

How long does cloud bread last?

2-3 days in airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration makes it soggy. Don't freeze - texture suffers.

Can I make cloud bread dairy-free?

Try using coconut cream in place of cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still works.

Why is my cloud bread flat?

Underwhipped egg whites, or overmixed when folding. Be patient whipping, gentle folding.

Troubleshooting

Too Dense

• Egg whites underwhipped
• Overmixed when folding
• Oven temperature too low
• Not baked long enough

Collapsed After Baking

• Underbaked (should be golden brown)
• Opened oven during baking
• Egg whites not whipped enough initially

Too Eggy

• This is somewhat unavoidable
• Try vanilla or almond extract to mask
• Savory versions with herbs help
• Toast before serving

Won't Hold Together

• Overbaked (dried out)
• Not enough cream cheese
• Egg whites overwhipped to dry peaks

Budget Breakdown

Cloud Bread is economical:

Cost per batch (makes 10):

• Eggs (3): $0.75
• Cream cheese (3 oz): $1.50
• Sugar: $0.10
• Total: $2.35

Per piece: $0.24

Much cheaper than low-carb specialty breads from stores (which cost $6-8 per loaf).

The TikTok Impact

Cloud Bread became one of TikTok's biggest baking trends. The satisfying process of whipping egg whites, the transformation in the oven, and the impossibly light final product made for perfect content.

Why it worked on TikTok:

• Visual transformation (liquid to fluffy clouds)
• ASMR-friendly (whipping sounds, gentle folding)
• Quick video format (the process is fast)
• Achievable results (everyone could succeed)
• Health halo (low-carb appeal)

The trend introduced millions to basic meringue techniques without them realizing they were learning baking fundamentals.

Is Cloud Bread "Real" Bread?

Let's be honest: Cloud Bread is more like sweet meringue than traditional bread. It doesn't have yeast, gluten, or the structure of real bread. But that's okay - it's its own thing.

What it is:

• Low-carb alternative to bread
• Fun baking project
• Unique texture experience
• Versatile base for toppings

What it isn't:

• Traditional bread replacement
• Sturdy enough for all sandwiches
• Savory like bread (even savory versions have sweetness)
• Replicating bread flavor/texture exactly

Set appropriate expectations and you'll love it for what it is.

Making It Work for You

Cloud Bread won't replace bread entirely, but it fills a niche:

When to use it:

• Low-carb or keto diet days
• Light breakfast or snack
• Fun weekend baking project
• Unique dessert base
• When you want something different

When not to use it:

• Heavy sandwiches
• When you need substantial bread
• If you dislike egg flavor
• When you want authentic bread experience

For more quick and easy recipe ideas, explore 15-minute meals.

The Verdict

Cloud Bread is a legitimate viral trend that delivers on its promise. It's easy, fun, genuinely low-carb, and creates something unique. While it won't replace your favorite sourdough, it has earned its place in the recipe rotation.

The whimsy of eating bread that's literally lighter than air, combined with the satisfaction of creating it from just three ingredients, makes Cloud Bread worth trying at least once.

Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with flavors and find your perfect cloud.

Now grab those eggs and get whisking. Your fluffy clouds await.

Happy baking!