Name: Taro Ube Cloud Cake: Light, Fluffy Bliss for Sweet Celebrations
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cake Flour (Substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.); 1 cup Cooked, Mashed Taro (Be sure to cool it before adding to the batter.); ½ cup Ube Halaya (ube jam) (Use high-quality ube powder dissolved in milk as a replacement.); 5 Eggs (Essential for leavening and structure.); ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the cake while stabilizing the egg whites.); ½ cup Whole Milk (Swap in coconut milk for a tropical touch.); ¼ cup Vegetable Oil (Adds moisture without altering the cake’s flavor.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances the overall flavor profile.); 1 tsp Cream of Tartar (Stabilizes egg whites for stiff peaks.); ½ tsp Salt (Balances and enhances flavor.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Whipped to soft peaks.); ½ cup Ube Halaya (ube jam) (Gently folded into the whipped cream.)

The moment I took my first bite of Taro Ube Cloud Cake, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. This chiffon cake melds the unique flavors of taro and ube into a dessert experience that feels like a sweet embrace. Its airy, light texture and pastel lavender hue make it achingly beautiful, perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. Plus, this vegetarian delight is not only stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time—so there’s no stress when bringing friends together for a tasty get-together. If you’re ready to elevate your dessert game and impress your loved ones, let’s dive into the world of this cloud-like creation! What will you pair this dreamy cake with?

Why Is Taro Ube Cloud Cake Amazing?

Light, Airy Texture: Each bite feels like you’re indulging in a fluffy cloud of flavor.

Unique Flavor Fusion: The combination of taro and ube creates a sweet, nutty taste that’s delightful and unexpected.

Visually Stunning: With its pastel lavender hue, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering, making it perfect for celebrations.

Easy to Prepare Ahead: Bake now and serve later! This cake can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Versatile Toppings: Get creative with toppings like fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream, or try adding macapuno for an extra twist!

Whether you serve it at a special event or an intimate gathering, the Taro Ube Cloud Cake is sure to impress!

Taro Ube Cloud Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

Cake Flour – Provides structure for the cake; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Cooked, Mashed Taro – Contributes a subtle, nutty flavor and moisture; be sure to cool it before adding to the batter.
Ube Halaya (ube jam) – Adds a unique sweetness and vibrant color; you can use high-quality ube powder dissolved in milk as a replacement.
Eggs – Essential for leavening and structure, they help create a meringue when whipped.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while stabilizing the egg whites during meringue preparation.
Whole Milk – Provides moisture and richness; swap in coconut milk for a tropical touch.
Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture without altering the cake’s flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites to achieve those stiff peaks in the meringue.
Salt – Balances and enhances the flavor.

For the Topping

Heavy Cream – Whipped to soft peaks; this creates a light, creamy layer over the cake.
Ube Halaya (ube jam) – Gently folded into the whipped cream for that perfect touch of sweetness.

Indulge in the delightful experience of baking the Taro Ube Cloud Cake, a decadent yet light chiffon treat perfect for any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Taro Ube Cloud Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). It’s crucial not to grease the chiffon pan, as the batter needs to cling to the sides while baking to rise properly. This step sets the stage for a perfectly fluffy Taro Ube Cloud Cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, ½ cup of granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, cooled mashed taro, and ube halaya until smooth and well combined. This vibrant mixture will be the base for your cloud cake, infusing it with that delightful taro and ube flavor.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites
In a separate clean, dry bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the egg whites and a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the cream of tartar, continuing to beat until soft peaks form. Then, slowly mix in the remaining sugar, whipping until the mixture reaches stiff peaks—a key element for achieving the airy texture of the Taro Ube Cloud Cake.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold one-third of the whipped meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Carefully add the remaining meringue, folding until no streaks remain. This delicate process helps maintain the lightness, resulting in a cake that truly embodies cloud-like bliss.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the ungreased chiffon pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Place it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake, as moisture is vital in this Taro Ube Cloud Cake.

Step 6: Cool Upside Down
Once baked, immediately invert the pan to cool completely. This method helps preserve the cake’s height and fluffy texture as it cools. Allow it to sit in this position for about an hour before releasing the cake from the pan, revealing its beautiful shape.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently fold in the ube halaya for a creamy and sweet topping. This luscious blend adds a delightful finish to your Taro Ube Cloud Cake, making it irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Generously spread the ube halaya whipped topping over the top, smoothing it out for an even finish. Slice and serve your stunning Taro Ube Cloud Cake to share the joy of this delightful dessert with friends and family!

What to Serve with Taro Ube Cloud Cake

Enhance your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the ethereal nature of this chiffon cake.

Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of color and tartness, balancing the cake’s sweetness.
Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy coconut ice cream enhances the tropical notes and provides a contrast in texture to the fluffy cake.
Mango Puree: Drizzling smooth mango puree over the cake introduces a vibrant tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with ube.
Green Tea: A cup of freshly brewed green tea brings a gentle earthiness, enhancing the unique flavors of taro and ube.
Whipped Cream: Serve extra whipped cream on the side for those who want an extra creamy touch with each slice of cake.
Macapuno: Adding some sweet macapuno (coconut sport) as a topping can enhance the flavor profile, offering a chewy texture.
Toasted Almonds: A sprinkle of toasted almond slices provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the cake’s soft crumb.
Lychee Cocktail: Pair with a light lychee cocktail to elevate the experience. The floral notes of lychee enhance the cake’s unique flavor.
Mochi Ice Cream: For something fun, serve alongside colorful mochi ice cream balls to add a chewy, delightful contrast.
Jasmine Tea: The subtle floral notes of jasmine tea complement the cake’s ingredients, making each bite a more aromatic experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Taro Ube Cloud Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake up to 3 days in advance by baking it and letting it cool completely, then store it lightly covered in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, the ube halaya whipped topping can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. To maintain the cake’s delightful texture, ensure it is fully cooled and inverted properly during storage. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the chilled topping over the cake, slice, and enjoy this dreamy dessert!

Expert Tips for Taro Ube Cloud Cake

Perfect Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are extremely stiff for the best rise; under-beaten egg whites can lead to a dense cake.
Gentle Folding: Be very gentle when folding the meringue into the yolk mixture. Rough handling can deflate the airy texture critical to the Taro Ube Cloud Cake.
Use a Cold Bowl: For whipping egg whites, use a clean, cold bowl to help achieve maximum volume; any fat residue can hinder the whipping process.
Bake Timing: Keep an eye on the cake during baking. A quick test by touching lightly should make it spring back, indicating it’s ready to come out.
Cool Properly: Always cool the cake upside down—this helps maintain its height and fluffy texture, keeping your cloud cake light and airy!

How to Store and Freeze Taro Ube Cloud Cake

Fridge: Store the Taro Ube Cloud Cake lightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moisture and delicate texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: To enjoy your frozen cake, simply transfer it to the fridge and thaw overnight before serving. Enjoy the cloud-like bliss all over again!

Reheating: If desired, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without compromising the cake’s airy texture.

Taro Ube Cloud Cake: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this airy delight to suit your tastes!

Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will allow everyone to enjoy the cake without worry.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk in place of whole milk for a deliciously creamy dairy-free option. The result will still be rich and flavorful!
More Color: Swirl in some matcha powder to the batter for a striking green-purple marble effect that’s sure to impress. It adds a nice earthy flavor too!
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped macapuno to the whipped topping for a unique texture and a hint of coconut sweetness, enhancing every bite.
Savory Twist: For a surprising flavor combination, sprinkle grated sharp cheddar or queso de bola on top. The savory notes will play wonderfully against the sweet cake.
Enhanced Sweetness: Drizzle honey or agave nectar over the ube halaya topping for an extra touch of sweetness, turning this dessert into an irresistible indulgence.
Fruit Flavor Boost: Top the cake with fresh fruits like strawberries or mango for a burst of color and freshness that complements the sweet flavors beautifully.
Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or lime zest to the batter for a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the richness of the ube and taro.

As you explore these variations, don’t forget to check out my Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake or perhaps a simple yet delightful White Cake Wow to inspire other sweet creations!

Taro Ube Cloud Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of taro should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! When choosing taro, look for firm, unblemished roots with smooth skin. Avoid any that have dark spots or feel soft, as they may be past their prime. The best taro for this recipe should be cooked and mashed until smooth, offering the delightful nutty flavor that makes this cake special.

How should I store the Taro Ube Cloud Cake?
Store the Taro Ube Cloud Cake lightly covered in the refrigerator to preserve its moisture and delicate texture for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped correctly or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge!

Can I freeze Taro Ube Cloud Cake?
Very! This cake can be frozen up to 1 month. To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before serving. This allows the cake to regain its lovely texture!

What if my cake doesn’t rise as expected?
Not to worry. If your Taro Ube Cloud Cake doesn’t rise, it may be due to under-whipped egg whites or excessive mixing after folding in the meringue. Make sure to beat those egg whites until they reach stiff peaks, and be gentle when combining mixtures so that you maintain that lovely airy texture.

Is Taro Ube Cloud Cake suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This delightful dessert is vegetarian-friendly due to its focus on plant-based ingredients. Just ensure that any substitutes, like coconut milk instead of whole milk, align with your dietary preferences.

Can I customize the flavors of the cake?
Yes, you can! I often enjoy adding matcha powder to the yolk mixture for a unique green and purple swirl. You could also experiment with different toppings, such as adding chopped macapuno or even a hint of grated cheese, for an adventurous touch to your cloud cake. The more, the merrier!