3 Ingredient Easy Cloud Bread Recipe
3 Ingredient Easy Cloud Bread Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 52 calories per serving. Recipe by JCPenney on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $7.18 total, $1.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 grams Corn Starch (fine corn starch)
- 30 grams Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
- 3 large Egg Whites (separated from large eggs, room temperature)
- 1 drop Pink Gel Food Coloring (gel‑based, food‑safe)
Instructions
Measure dry ingredients
Place an empty bowl on the kitchen scale, tare to zero, add 10 g corn starch, tare again, then add 30 g white sugar.
Time: PT2M
Separate egg whites
Crack three large eggs into a small bowl, pull out the yolks with clean fingers, and transfer only the whites to a large, dry mixing bowl.
Time: PT3M
Whip egg whites to soft peaks
Attach the whisk to the stand mixer, start on low speed, and whip the egg whites until soft peaks form (the peaks should just barely hold.)
Time: PT2M
Incorporate dry ingredients
Sift the measured corn starch and sugar over the soft‑peaked whites, adding about a third at a time while the mixer runs, then let the mixture whip a little more before adding the rest.
Time: PT3M
Whip to stiff peaks
Continue mixing until stiff peaks form – the peaks should stand straight up without drooping.
Time: PT2M
Add pink color
Place a single drop of pink gel food coloring on the tip of a knife and swirl it into the batter until evenly pink.
Time: PT1M
Shape on silicone mat
Lay a non‑stick silicone baking mat on a baking sheet, spoon the pink batter onto the mat, and shape each portion into a small dome.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F, then bake the domes for 25 minutes until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and serve
Remove the cloud bread from the oven, let cool on the mat for 5 minutes, then serve while still fluffy.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 52
- Protein
- 2.5g
- Carbohydrates
- 9.5g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Corn Starch: Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Powdered Sugar, Honey (use less)
- Instead of Egg Whites: Pasteurized egg whites, Aquafaba (3 tbsp)
- Instead of Pink Gel Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring, Natural beet juice
Equipment Needed
- Kitchen Scale
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Knife (optional)
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks
- Gradual incorporation of dry ingredients while maintaining aeration
- Baking at the correct temperature without opening the oven early
Chef Tips from the Video
- Weigh all ingredients for consistency, especially the small amounts of corn starch and sugar
- Sift the dry mixture to avoid lumps that can deflate the batter
- A drop of gel food coloring gives vibrant color without adding extra liquid
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand whisk works but requires more effort.
Troubleshooting
Egg whites do not reach stiff peaks
Make sure the bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry; add a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the foam.
Batter collapses after baking
Do not over‑mix after adding the dry ingredients and bake immediately after achieving stiff peaks.
Cloud bread is dense or gummy
Whip the egg whites fully to stiff peaks and avoid over‑baking; a shorter bake time keeps the interior airy.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip the egg whites and fold in the dry ingredients, then refrigerate the batter for up to 2 hours before baking
- Baked cloud bread can be stored in an airtight container and reheated briefly in a 300°F oven for a soft texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cloud bread in modern American internet food culture?
Cloud bread exploded as a viral internet trend in 2020, celebrated for its ultra‑light texture and low‑carb profile. It became popular on TikTok and Instagram as a gluten‑free alternative to traditional bread, often dyed or flavored for visual appeal.
How did the pink version of cloud bread become popular, and what does the color represent in the trend?
The pink variant gained traction as creators added gel food coloring to make the airy loaf visually striking, especially for social‑media posts. The pastel pink evokes a playful, candy‑like aesthetic that aligns with the “cotton‑candy” taste many describe.
What are the traditional regional variations of cloud bread in the United States, if any?
While cloud bread itself is a modern invention, regional twists include adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or incorporating cheese for a savory take. The pink version is a contemporary twist rather than a regional tradition.
What occasions or celebrations is cloud bread traditionally associated with in contemporary American culture?
Cloud bread is often featured at brunches, birthday parties, and themed Instagram photo shoots because of its light texture and eye‑catching colors. It’s also a popular low‑carb snack for fitness‑focused gatherings.
How does cloud bread fit into the broader low‑carb and gluten‑free cuisine trends in American cooking?
Cloud bread uses egg whites and a small amount of corn starch, eliminating wheat flour, making it a staple for low‑carb, gluten‑free diets. Its high protein from egg whites aligns with the growing demand for protein‑rich, low‑carb alternatives.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cloud bread versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are egg whites, a small amount of starch (corn, potato, or tapioca), and a sweetener. Substitutes include using pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba for vegans, and powdered sugar or honey in place of granulated sugar.
What other American dishes pair well with pink cloud bread?
Pink cloud bread pairs nicely with fresh fruit compotes, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey. It also works as a base for light sandwich fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese for a brunch twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pink cloud bread?
Common errors include using a bowl that isn’t completely dry, under‑whipping the egg whites, over‑mixing after adding the dry ingredients, and opening the oven too early, all of which can cause the bread to collapse.
Why does this cloud bread recipe use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups?
Because the recipe relies on very small quantities (10 g corn starch, 30 g sugar), a kitchen scale provides the precision needed for consistent texture, whereas cup measurements would be too imprecise.
What does the YouTube channel JCPenney specialize in, and how does its style influence this cloud bread tutorial?
The YouTube channel JCPenney’s "Style and Substance" series focuses on practical home‑cooking tips, product showcases, and easy‑to‑follow recipes. Its emphasis on kitchen essentials (scale, mixer, silicone mat) shapes the tutorial to highlight tools that make the cloud bread process simple and reliable.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
