Cloud bread, also known as oopsie bread, air bread, or cloud bun, has become a popular alternative to traditional bread, especially for those following keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or grain-free diets. This article provides a comprehensive guide to making keto cloud bread loaf, exploring various recipes, ingredient substitutions, tips, and tricks to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Introduction
Imagine a bread that is carb-less, light, fluffy, and airy. Cloud bread offers a unique experience, providing a soft, sponge-like consistency that resembles biting into an actual cloud. While it lacks the chewiness and density of regular bread, its neutral taste makes it a versatile option for various toppings and spreads.
What is Cloud Bread?
Cloud bread is a bread alternative that is very low in carbs. Most recipes involve Eggs (yolks and whites), a creamy fat source (like cream cheese, cottage cheese, or coconut cream), and leavening (like cream of tartar or baking powder). It’s also known as oopsie bread, air bread, or a cloud bun.
The Original Cloud Bread
The original recipe for cloud bread or oopsie bread started a lot time ago with Dr.Atkins for a low-carb diet. It was a fluffy bread, more like a sandwich bun and it’s main ingredient was eggs and cream cheese.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Eggs: Both egg yolks and whites are essential for cloud bread. The whites, when whipped to stiff peaks, create the signature fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: This provides a sturdy, fat-rich base. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for a smooth texture. Alternatives include cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or coconut cream.
- Cream of Tartar: This acidic powder stabilizes the egg whites, helping them maintain their firm peaks and adding to the bread's fluffiness. Baking powder can also be used.
- Optional Ingredients: Salt, sweetener (stevia, honey), and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cinnamon) can be added to enhance the flavor.
Basic Cloud Bread Recipe
This 3 ingredient cloud bread recipe has no sugar or sweetener, and it’s made without cornstarch. And this time, I used cream of tartar instead of baking powder-which makes the texture even fluffier!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated
- 3 Tbsp full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ tsp cream of tartar, (or baking powder)
- Optional Additions: ⅛ tsp salt, 2-3 tsp sweetener of choice, (honey, stevia, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment and transfer to the oven to preheat. (So the bread will begin cooking as soon as it touches the pan.)
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate egg yolks and whites into 2 different bowls. (I find it easiest to do this with my hands.)
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. (You don’t want any lumps, so it’s very important that the cream cheese is room temperature!) Add egg yolks (and optional salt and/or sweetener), beating until combined.
- Whip egg whites: To the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and cream of tartar. Whip with a whisk attachment on high speed, until stiff peaks form. (Or you can whip using a hand mixer.)
- Fold mixtures: GENTLY fold yolk mixture into whipped whites with a spatula, just barely mixing to combine-until you have a cohesive, pale-yellow mixture. (Don’t overmix because you want the meringue mixture to stay fluffy!)
- Shape the bread: Carefully remove pans from oven. Spoon dollops of mixture onto preheated pans, using the back of a spoon (or a spatula) to flatten them out slightly and form your bread “rounds.” Aim for circles that are 4-5 inches across and about ¾ of an inch tall. (Leave some space between rounds!)
- Bake: Bake 15-20 minutes at 300°F (150°C), until firm.
- Cool: Remove from oven once firmed up and lightly golden brown. The center should NOT be soft or jiggly-they should be set and cooked through completely. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying, or transfer to a large plastic bag or airtight tupperware to store.
Cloud Bread Loaf Recipe
I was the first person to create the cloud bread into an actual loaf of bread. That’s what I did back in 2016, I published my adaption to Cloud Bread which also included whey protein powder to provide a bit more substance. It produces a fluffy cloud bread recipe like no other that you can truly use as sandwich bread!
Ingredients
- Egg whites
- Greek yogurt
- Water
- Egg white powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350F (177C).
- Whisk egg whites: In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add in the water and egg white powder. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in yogurt: Now, add in the yogurt and gently fold it into the fluffy egg whites.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a lined loaf pan and bake for 35 minutes or until golden on top.
- Cool and enjoy: This bread is best to be eaten fresh out of the oven.
Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread
My easy cloud bread with cottage cheese has fluffy and airy texture. During my 10+ years on a low carb diet, I have made my fair share of cloud bread recipes. Today I decided to try something new: Instead of using the classic cloud bread ingredient cream cheese, I swapped it out with cottage cheese. It worked a treat!
Ingredients
- Low fat cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Cream of Tartar
- Olive oil
- Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 300 Fahrenheit / 150 Celsius (electric). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease the parchment lightly with oil (don't miss this step!).
- Separate eggs: Separate the eggs.
- Whip egg whites: Beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar in a large, clean bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Take your time and whip for at least 2 minutes to achieve small, sturdy air bubbles.
- Blend yolk mixture: Ideally using a blender, whip the egg yolks with the cottage cheese, olive oil and seasonings until COMPLETELY smooth and creamy.
- Fold mixtures: Carefully and gradually fold the egg whites into the cottage cheese mixture with a spatula. Use a folding motion to incorporate, taking care to keep the air bubbles intact.
- Shape the bread: Scoop the mixture into 6 circular disks onto the parchment paper, leaving space around each round as the batter spreads a little during baking.
- Bake: Bake around 25-35 minutes until golden. Test for doneness by gently pressing onto the top of the bread. It should feel springy.
Keto Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Cloud Bread
This keto cottage cheese cinnamon swirl cloud bread will be your new favorite keto bread recipe the next time you’re ready to bake!
Ingredients
- Egg whites
- Egg yolks
- Cottage Cheese
- Allulose
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven at 300 degrees F.
- Whip egg whites: Place your egg whites in a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with vinegar and whip until stiff peaks. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
- Combine yolk mixture: Place the egg yolks in a bowl with the remaining ingredients and whisk and stir well to combine. You can also just add these ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Fold mixtures: Fold in a small amount of egg yolk mixture into the egg white mixture a little at a time until it's all incorporated.
- Prepare loaf pan: Pour this into a parchment lined and greased 9 by 5 loaf pan.
- Add cinnamon swirl: Stir together the cinnamon swirl ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top of the bread. Use a knife to make swirls through the bread.
- Bake: Bake on the middle shelf of oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick or skewer stick in the center comes out clean and it's golden brown.
- Cool: Shut the oven off but do not open the door and allow it to stay 10 more minutes in the oven. Enjoy warm, toasted with a little butter!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cloud Bread
- Achieving Stiff Peaks: Whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form is crucial for fluffy cloud bread. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and whip the egg whites on medium speed and then on high speed for at least 5 minutes.
- Clean Equipment: Ensure that the bowl and whisk attachment are clean and free of any grease or oil, as these can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- Gentle Folding: When folding the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites, do it gently to avoid deflating the meringue.
- Baking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the oven. Monitor the bread closely and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cooling: Allow the cloud bread to cool down completely before storing it to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Seasoning: Cloud bread has a neutral taste, so don't hesitate to add seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt.
- Sweetener: Use stevia or another sugar-free sweetener for a sweeter version.
- Cheese: Mix in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a cheesy kick.
- Flour: For a more traditional bread texture, add 2-3 tablespoons of almond flour or a tablespoon of coconut flour.
- Cottage Cheese: Instead of cottage cheese, use cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta.
- Flavor tweaks: Use onion powder instead of garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwiches: Use cloud bread as a low-carb alternative for sandwiches.
- Toast: Toast cloud bread and top with butter, avocado, or egg salad.
- Pizza: Use cloud bread as a base for keto-friendly pizzas.
- Sides: Serve cloud bread as a side to keto soups or to mop up sauces.
- Sweet Toppings: Top cloud bread with nut butter, jelly, whipped cream, or sugar-free jam.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cloud bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is possible, the texture of cloud bread may change, becoming soggy and wet. If freezing, use a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each piece.
Troubleshooting
- Flat Cloud Bread: The most common reason for flat cloud bread is underwhipped egg whites. Ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form.
- Eggy Taste: Overmixing the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites can result in an overly eggy taste.
- Bread Sticks to Parchment Paper: Mist the parchment paper with cooking oil to prevent the cloud bread from sticking.
Is Cloud Bread Healthy?
This no carb cloud bread contains 3g fat and almost no carbs, making it an ideal bread option a low carb diet or keto lifestyle. Plus, it’s a naturally grain free and gluten free bread option that’s suitable for those with a food sensitivity. However, that means this keto cloud bread is missing the whole grains and fiber found in regular bread.
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