Cloud Bread Three Ingredients – The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Recipe Guide

Looking for a fun, fluffy, and ridiculously easy recipe to try at home? If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen the pastel-hued, cottony-soft cloud bread. But here’s the kicker — you only need three ingredients to make it. That’s right: no flour, no yeast, no dairy — just simple staples you already have at home.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about cloud bread three ingredients, including the science behind its fluff, how to make it perfectly every time, and even how it stacks up against traditional bread and cloud dough. Whether you’re experimenting in the kitchen or hunting for a gluten-free bread alternative, this guide is for you.

Don’t miss our low salt cookies guide if you’re watching sodium. Now, let’s get into the fluffy details.

What Is Cloud Bread and Why It’s Going Viral

Origins and Popularity on Social Media

Cloud bread isn’t new — it originally started as a low-carb bread substitute popular among keto dieters in the early 2000s. But the version we’re seeing on social media today is different: it’s bright, puffy, and airy, more dessert than sandwich bread. This new twist exploded in popularity in 2020 thanks to viral TikTok videos showing the colorful bread tearing like cotton candy.

Its appeal? The visual effect. Cloud bread has a soft, spongy texture and is often tinted with food coloring for dramatic effect. It’s also gluten-free and flourless, which makes it ideal for people with dietary restrictions.

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Cloud Bread vs. Traditional Bread: Key Differences

Let’s break down how cloud bread differs from the classic loaf of bread we all know:

Feature	Cloud Bread	Traditional Bread
Ingredients	Egg whites, sugar, cornstarch	Flour, water, yeast
Texture	Light, fluffy, and airy	Dense, chewy
Gluten-Free	Yes	Usually not
Rise Mechanism	Whipped egg whites (no yeast)	Yeast fermentation
Calories (per slice)	~30–50	~80–120
Preparation Time	~20 minutes	1–2 hours (with proofing)

Cloud bread is essentially a baked meringue. That makes it more of a sweet treat or novelty snack than a direct bread replacement, though some folks do use it in place of sandwich bread on keto diets.

Understanding the Cloud Bread Three Ingredients

Egg Whites: The Fluff Factor

The first ingredient in cloud bread three ingredients is the humble egg white — and it’s arguably the most important. Why? Because it creates the structure and signature fluff of cloud bread. When whipped, egg whites transform into stiff peaks, trapping air and building the soft, airy base.

This process is called denaturation, where proteins unfold and reorganize to form a stable foam. Think meringue — that’s exactly what you’re aiming for when making cloud bread.

Tips for whipping egg whites:

• Use room temperature eggs to get maximum volume.
• Make sure your bowl is completely grease-free (even a drop of yolk will ruin the foam).
• Add a tiny bit of cream of tartar for extra stability (optional).

The egg whites in cloud bread three ingredients aren’t just filler — they’re the engine that makes the bread rise.

Sugar: Sweetness and Structure

Next up in the cloud bread three ingredients lineup: sugar. While it’s often optional in savory breads, sugar here is essential. Why?

Sugar plays two roles:

1. Flavor: It balances the eggy taste and enhances the dessert-like quality of cloud bread.
2. Stability: Sugar helps stiffen the meringue, making the foam more stable and less likely to collapse during baking.

You don’t need much — usually around 1 tablespoon per 3 egg whites — but it makes all the difference in both taste and texture.

Want to reduce sugar? You can try a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit, especially if you’re aiming for a keto cloud bread version.

Cornstarch: The Secret Stabilizer

The third and final player in the cloud bread three ingredients recipe is cornstarch. You might not think of cornstarch as a bread ingredient, but in this case, it’s crucial.

Cornstarch helps:

• Bind the meringue, giving it more structure.
• Prevent the bread from flattening after baking.
• Add a silky texture when you bite into it.

Some recipes may use cream cheese or baking powder instead, but pure, three-ingredient cloud bread sticks to cornstarch. It’s what gives the bread its cloud-like integrity without making it rubbery or wet inside.

Ingredient Ratio Table

Ingredient	Purpose	Common Measurement
Egg Whites	Base, volume, fluffiness	3 large egg whites
Sugar	Sweetness, foam stability	1 tablespoon
Cornstarch	Binding, structure	1 tablespoon

Want to try other low-ingredient recipes? Check out our Dubai Chocolate Cookies

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3-Ingredient Cloud Bread

Equipment You’ll Need

Before diving into the magic of cloud bread three ingredients, gather the right tools. This isn’t complicated baking — in fact, it’s one of the simplest methods out there. But using the right equipment makes a big difference.

Essential kitchen tools:

• 2 medium to large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer (manual whisking is tough here!)
• Measuring spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper

Cloud bread’s signature fluff depends on air — so a mixer is non-negotiable unless you’ve got serious arm stamina.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Timing

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make cloud bread three ingredients with ease.

Step 1: Separate Your Eggs (2 minutes)

Carefully separate 3 large egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites — even a tiny drop can prevent proper whipping.

Pro Tip: Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then transfer to the mixing bowl. That way, if you mess one up, you don’t lose them all.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites (5–7 minutes)

Using a clean mixer, start beating the egg whites on medium speed. After about 1–2 minutes, you’ll notice soft peaks forming.

Gradually add:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sifted

Continue beating until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the mixture holds its shape like marshmallow fluff.

Step 3: Shape the Dough (2 minutes)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spatula to scoop the mixture into a dome shape on the tray. Don’t flatten it — the height helps with the cloud effect.

Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring and swirl it in for a rainbow look.

Step 4: Bake (25 minutes)

Place in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Bake for 25 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden and set.

The outside should feel crisp, and the inside should be pillowy and soft.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy (10 minutes)

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before lifting. This helps it firm up slightly without collapsing.

Enjoy as-is or drizzle with honey, fruit, or whipped cream.

Quick Recipe Table

Step	What to Do	Time
Step 1	Separate 3 egg whites	2 min
Step 2	Whip whites with sugar + cornstarch	5–7 min
Step 3	Shape mixture on baking tray	2 min
Step 4	Bake at 300°F	25 min
Step 5	Cool before serving	10 min

Looking for inspiration? Try Puff Pastry & Strawberries — another easy and elegant dessert!

Recap

You’ve just created cloud bread three ingredients from scratch — and all it took was 30 minutes. Up next, we’ll share pro-level tricks to help you avoid common mistakes and get a fluffier loaf every time.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Cloud Bread

How to Whip Egg Whites Correctly

If there’s one place where the cloud bread three ingredients recipe can go wrong, it’s the egg whites. Getting them to the right consistency is everything. Here’s how to whip egg whites like a pro:

1. Start with clean equipment: Any grease or yolk ruins the foam.
2. Room temperature eggs work best: They whip faster and hold more air.
3. Use a metal or glass bowl: Plastic can retain oils, even after washing.
4. Add sugar gradually: Dumping sugar all at once can deflate your mixture.
5. Stop at stiff peaks: If you go too far, the whites get grainy and dry.

You’ll know they’re ready when you lift the whisk and the peak stands straight without bending. That’s the sweet spot for your cloud bread three ingredients success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though it’s a simple recipe, cloud bread can go sideways fast. Avoid these cloud bread killers:

1. Under-whipping the eggs

If your peaks are soft or wet, the bread won’t hold shape and will flatten during baking.

2. Over-mixing after adding ingredients

Once sugar and cornstarch are in, mix just enough to combine. Overdoing it can break down the foam.

3. Opening the oven too early

Resist the urge to peek. Sudden temperature drops cause cloud bread to collapse. Wait until at least 20 minutes into baking before checking.

4. Using too much sugar

It makes the batter too heavy. Stick to 1 tablespoon per 3 egg whites for perfect balance.

5. Skipping parchment paper

Cloud bread can stick easily. Parchment paper ensures a clean release and helps hold its shape.

Quick Fix Table: Avoid These Common Issues

Mistake	Problem Caused	Quick Fix
Egg whites not whipped enough	Bread collapses or flattens	Whip until firm, glossy peaks
Over-mixing after sugar	Foam breaks down	Fold gently, don’t beat
Opening oven too soon	Bread deflates	Bake undisturbed for 25 mins
Wrong sugar ratio	Too wet or heavy texture	Use exact measurement
No parchment	Bread sticks or tears apart	Always line the tray

Bonus Tip: Add Flavors or Color

While the original cloud bread three ingredients is neutral, you can easily customize it with:

• Vanilla or almond extract for extra aroma
• A drop of lemon juice for brightness
• Food coloring for a fun rainbow twist

Just be sure to add these at the soft peak stage so they don’t ruin the foam.

Want even more baking creativity? Don’t miss our easy recipe for puff pastry & strawberries — another viral favorite.

Variations of Cloud Bread Using the Same 3 Ingredients

Keto-Friendly and Low-Sugar Versions

If you’re watching carbs or sugar intake, you’ll be happy to know that cloud bread three ingredients can easily be modified to fit a keto lifestyle.

Swap it like this:

• Replace sugar with erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia (choose powdered forms for better mixing).
• Keep the egg whites and cornstarch the same.
• Optional: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese to improve flavor and richness.

This variation is perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet, and it still delivers that iconic fluffiness. In fact, it was originally called “Oopsie bread” in keto circles long before it went viral on TikTok!

Colorful and Flavored Cloud Bread Options

Cloud bread doesn’t have to be white or plain. In fact, one reason the cloud bread three ingredients recipe went viral was its bold colors and unique flavors.

Try these flavor options:

• Vanilla extract: For a sweet aroma and bakery-style flavor
• Almond or coconut extract: Great with fruit toppings
• Cinnamon or cocoa powder: Adds warmth and richness (replace a bit of cornstarch)
• Lemon or orange zest: Adds brightness and color naturally

Color it creatively:

Add a few drops of gel food coloring at the soft peak stage and fold gently to create pastel pink, electric blue, or even rainbow cloud bread.

You can also layer different colors by separating your batter and tinting each portion. Stack or swirl for a stunning tie-dye effect — perfect for birthdays or themed brunches.

Want more viral recipe makeovers? Discover great ideas like these Dubai Chocolate Cookies that are trending now!

Storage and Shelf Life of Cloud Bread

Best Storage Techniques

While cloud bread is best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers — you just need to treat them gently.

Here’s how to store your cloud bread three ingredients creations:

• Room Temperature (up to 1 day): Keep in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. Perfect if you plan to eat it within hours.
• Refrigerator (2–3 days): Store in a sealed container lined with parchment paper. Note: It may lose some of its airy texture but will still taste great.
• Freezer (up to 1 month): Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 5–7 minutes.

Never microwave cloud bread — it turns rubbery and ruins the delicate structure.

How Long Cloud Bread Lasts Without Preservatives

Since cloud bread three ingredients has no preservatives, its shelf life is short compared to store-bought options.

Storage Method	Lifespan	Notes
Room Temperature	1 day	Best texture within 6 hours
Refrigerator	2–3 days	Loses fluff, but edible
Freezer	Up to 1 month	Reheat in oven, not microwave

To keep the texture light, always let your bread come to room temperature before serving.

Cloud bread is a low-fuss, low-commitment recipe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save some for later.

Nutritional Breakdown of Cloud Bread

Calories and Macros Per Serving

The best part about the cloud bread three ingredients recipe? It’s as light in calories as it is in texture.

Let’s break down the basic nutrition per serving (based on one medium cloud bread made with 3 egg whites, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch):

Nutrient	Approx. Amount (per serving)
Calories	35–45 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	2–4g
Sugars	~2g
Fat	0g
Fiber	0g
Gluten	0g (naturally gluten-free)

Since there’s no flour, butter, or oil, cloud bread is naturally fat-free and low-carb, making it a smart pick for low-calorie or gluten-sensitive diets.

If you make a keto version using erythritol instead of sugar, carbs drop to nearly zero — ideal for people following ketogenic or diabetic-friendly plans.

Is It Healthier Than Regular Bread?

Let’s compare a single slice of cloud bread three ingredients to white sandwich bread:

Category	Cloud Bread	White Bread
Calories	35–45	80–100
Carbs	2–4g	12–15g
Sugar	~2g	~3g
Fat	0g	1–2g
Protein	~6g (from egg)	~2–3g
Gluten-Free	Yes	No
Fiber	0g	0.5–1g
Preservatives	None	Yes (usually)

Cloud bread wins for low calorie and high protein value, but it lacks fiber and other nutrients found in whole grain breads. It also won’t keep you full as long since it lacks complex carbs.

That said, for anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or just looking to enjoy a lighter alternative, cloud bread makes a smart substitute. It’s a great snack, breakfast base, or sweet treat when you need something different.

Need more smart swaps? Don’t miss our breakdown of low-salt cookies to stay on track with your goals.

Fun Ways to Serve Cloud Bread

Sweet Pairings and Breakfast Ideas

While cloud bread three ingredients is tasty on its own, it becomes magic when paired creatively. Here’s how to elevate your fluffy masterpiece for breakfast or dessert:

🍓 Top with fruit and honey

Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. It tastes like French toast — without the carbs.

🍦 Use as a dessert base

Want a gluten-free sundae base? Cloud bread pairs beautifully with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even low-sugar ice cream.

☕ Serve with coffee or tea

Toast your cloud bread lightly and spread almond butter or cinnamon cream cheese. It’s a dreamy companion to a hot latte.

🥣 Mini breakfast sandwich

Use two pieces to make a morning sandwich with eggs, avocado, or turkey bacon. It’s lighter than a bagel, but just as satisfying.

Savory Uses and Snack Options

While cloud bread three ingredients leans sweet, it can also handle savory flavor pairings with just a little tweaking.

🧀 Make a “cloudwich”

Add deli meat, cheese, and arugula between two slices. It’s ideal for lunchboxes or light bites.

🍕 Mini cloud pizzas

Bake your cloud bread in a round shape. Top with marinara and mozzarella, then broil for a quick gluten-free pizza.

🥑 Avocado toast remix

Spread mashed avocado on a toasted cloud bread slice. Sprinkle with chili flakes or feta for a healthy snack.

🥚 Egg salad or tuna melts

Turn it into an open-faced melt with egg salad, chicken salad, or tuna. Bake for a few minutes and enjoy gooey deliciousness.

Cloud bread is as versatile as your imagination allows. Its airy texture and neutral base let it swing from sweet to savory with ease.

Cloud Bread vs. Cloud Dough vs. Basic Bread

Ingredients Breakdown

All three might sound similar, but they’re very different in ingredients, usage, and structure.

Type	Main Ingredients	Edible?	Purpose
Cloud Bread	Egg whites, sugar, cornstarch	Yes	Edible, snack/dessert
Cloud Dough	Conditioner + cornstarch OR flour + oil	No (non-edible)	Sensory play (kids)
Basic Bread	Flour, yeast, water, salt	Yes	Staple food, sandwiches

The cloud bread three ingredients recipe is baked and edible. Cloud dough, often confused due to its name, is not meant for eating — it’s used for kid-friendly sensory play.

Functional and Culinary Differences

Feature	Cloud Bread	Cloud Dough	Traditional Bread
Texture	Fluffy, airy	Soft, moldable	Chewy, dense
Prep Time	~30 min total	5–10 min (no baking)	2+ hours (with proofing)
Tools Needed	Mixer, oven	Bowl, hands	Mixer, proofing bowl
Taste	Sweet or neutral	Not edible	Savory or sweet
Diet Suitability	Gluten-free, low-carb	N/A	Depends on ingredients

So next time someone asks, “What are the three ingredients in cloud dough?” — now you know it’s not for eating, but cloud bread three ingredients definitely is!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the three ingredients to make a cloud?

In the context of baking, “cloud” refers to cloud bread, which is made using three simple ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch. These work together to create a fluffy, light texture that resembles a cloud when baked. Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks gives the volume, while sugar adds sweetness and stability, and cornstarch binds everything together.

What are the three ingredients in cloud dough?

Cloud dough is not edible and is used for sensory play. The basic three ingredients for DIY cloud dough are typically:

1. Hair conditioner
2. Cornstarch
3. Optional coloring or essential oils

This mix creates a soft, moldable texture that kids love, but unlike cloud bread three ingredients, cloud dough should never be eaten.

How to Make Cloud Bread Recipe (3-Ingredients)?

To make cloud bread, simply:

1. Whip 3 egg whites until foamy.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch while beating.
3. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
4. Shape into a dome on parchment paper and bake at 300°F for 25 minutes.

It’s that easy — no flour, no yeast, no dairy!

What are the three ingredients in bread?

Traditional bread typically includes these three main ingredients:

1. Flour
2. Water
3. Yeast

Salt is often added for taste, but the essential components are flour (for structure), water (to form dough), and yeast (for rise). Unlike cloud bread three ingredients, traditional bread contains gluten and requires proofing.

What are the three basic ingredients of bread?

Again, the core trio in classic bread-making is:

• Flour
• Water
• Yeast

These create a chewy, structured loaf. In contrast, cloud bread three ingredients skips all of that, relying on egg whites for lift and a cake-like softness.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hopping on the viral TikTok trend or simply searching for a low-carb, gluten-free bread substitute, the cloud bread three ingredients recipe offers a fun, easy, and surprisingly satisfying solution. With just egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, you can whip up a pillowy, cloud-like treat in under 30 minutes.

From breakfast bases to dessert pairings, this recipe adapts to sweet or savory — and its visual appeal is just the icing on the cake. So grab those eggs, heat the oven, and float away on your own little edible cloud.

Looking for more creative dessert ideas? Check out our recipe for The Ultimate Guide to Banana Bread Cookies: Your New Favorite Treat — it’s another sweet twist on a classic.