Richard Sax's Chocolate Cloud Cake | Genius Recipes

Richard Sax's poofy soufflé of a chocolate cake intentionally caves in the center, leaving a craggy, wafer-like rim behind and a mousse-y hollow that you fill up with cold whipped cream. The effect is dramatic, bold and impossibly delicious. SUBSCRIBE TO FOOD52 ►► f52.co/2HN7Dp8
Serves: 8 to 12
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Cake:
8 ounces (225g) best-quality bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
6 large eggs
1 cup (200g) sugar
2 tablespoons cognac or Grand Marnier (optional)
Finely grated zest of 1 orange (about 1 tablespoon; optional)
Whipped Cream:
1 1/2 cups (355g) heavy cream, very cold
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder and/or bittersweet chocolate shavings, for topping
FULL RECIPE ►► f52.co/2zSRXht
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ABOUT FOOD52
As a one-stop shop for joyful living, Food52 connects discerning home cooks with the interests they're passionate about via award-winning food and lifestyle content across platforms. We provide our audience with the recipes and solutions they crave to eat thoughtfully, live joyfully, entertain beautifully, and travel differently.

[@victorspencer5874]

Your outfit, the lighting of the kitchen, the colors of the cake, and the music somehow all go together perfectly. Watching and listening sent me to another realm of relaxation. It was hypnotic. This video is a gem...

[@food52]

Thanks, Victor -- glad you enjoyed this video!

[@anadahling]

I agree. I felt like I was watching an ASMR video.

[@tracischeelk29]

She's sweet and funny. I laughed when she made fun of herself taking a drink while she was waiting for the egg whites to finish. Her voice, vibe, teaching, authenticity and music is very relaxing.

[@L.Spencer]

Reminds me of Daisy from Downton Abbey.

[@pennyf9886]

I made this cake 2 days ago and It is sinfully divine. Crispy, fudgy & luscious! Goes well with vanilla ice cream too.

[@johnscanlan9335]

Is it possible to improve on perfection? Well it appears the answer is yes! After making this delicious Chocolate Cloud Cake about five times, I made a slight change to the recipe. After baking the cake itself according to this recipe and allowing it to almost come to room temperature, I added a layer of easy-to-make raspberry sauce to the top of the cake and then refrigerating it for several hours before adding the fresh whipped cream topping just at serving time. OMG it's unbelievably delicious! FYI the raspberry sauce is very easy to make: pour a 12 oz. bag of frozen raspberries in a pot with three-quarters of a cup of sugar (6 oz.) and a cup of water. Bring that mixture to a boil while stirring almost constantly. Add a slurry mixture of two tablespoons of tapioca flour and four tablespoons of water to the boiling raspberry sauce. Turn off the heat and stir occasionally while the sauce cools. That's it!

[@catmum11]

Beautifully done video...no special effects, no goofy music, clear, calm and delightful. Also I love your dress!

[@food52]

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed!

[@saltchillf3541]

Yes 👍🏼 video and 👗😍

[@ankitasaxena5891]

I AGREE

[@Souldesouse]

I was wondering what’s drawing me to this channel, and you said it all👍🏼

[@seraeggobutterworth5247]

Made this for dinner with my MIL on Mother’s Day and it was freaking amazing. It’s like pavlova and brownies had a baby... A sweet, delicious baby... 😋

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Pavlova + brownies is a great way to describe this cake :)

[@MrLlieno]

You should host all the videos/have your own channel. It’s so hard to find KZbin cooking hosts that aren’t annoying AND actually elaborate on their recipes/explain beyond the ingredient list.

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Kristen's tutorial, Sam! You can find more of her videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2PShId-j8hkj5o

[@leeman7003]

Made this recently - and it was absolutely delicious. Used the best chocolate I could find, and it definitely was the worth it. I used rum and a bit of vanilla as the flavoring. It took much longer to whip the egg whites to a glossy meringue, and so be patient. It was a bit of a guessing game to decide when the cake was done - I stopped baking when the cake had souffléd and surface was cracked. There was still a bit of wobble, but I figured that under-baking was better than over-baking. I'm glad that I took it out when I did - next time I'll take a temperature to guage doness. The cake is light as a dream - but still intensely chocolately. I served it with bourbon whipped cream and it was superb. A keeper!

[@johnscanlan9335]

OMG!!!! I made this cake today and I just had a slice for dessert and it is AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! It is so light and not overly sweet. I really felt like I was eating dessert at a fancy restaurant in Vienna. What a sophisticated taste!

[@Ad-Lo]

🤣🤣🤣 crying air bubbles! I love how serious you are with your silliness!

[@siriusstar9582]

Yes, I was swept away by the gentle mood and watched the entire process of creativity happening before me. Thank you.

[@saibgassanov3378]

This video was surprisingly calming and... almost serene I would say. Very nice and refreshing. Thank you

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@cnsummers4086]

I agree! I cannot stand for the sensory overload and gimmicks. This is calm cooking at its best 😊

[@gigig2492]

I love the look of your kitchen, and your sweet nature shines through in this video! 2 minutes in hit the Subscribe button. Thanks!

[@food52]

Thanks -- glad you enjoyed the video! Welcome to our channel!

[@trekadouble757]

Wow there is everything I want in a cooling video: explaining where the recipe came from, how to do the cake with good explanations, and a lot of tips. Thanks!

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed, Treka!

[@mercedessalvatierra4389]

Perfect cake for those allergic to yeast!! Thank you!!

[@food52]

Yes, glad you enjoyed Mercedes!

[@KenDanieli]

99% cakes aren't made with yeast

[@Elysian_s]

In love with this cake!

[@raz8015]

Finally I can say thank you to KZbin for recommending me a worth watching video , thank

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed, RAZ!

[@jot9561]

I tried this and it’s really good and quite pretty. Like a huge soufflé! The fact that it’s low carb is just amazing! Thank you!

[@judichristopher4604]

I LOVE the little (light bulb) quote ... This is an already great video... but he extra quotes makes it even better!!! Thank you so much for sharing this great video.

[@Ksyusha1]

Made it yesterday . Amazing ! Didn’t have a fresh orange, so instead added 1 tsp of pure orange extract ( and 2 Tbsp cognac) to a chocolate mix . Whipped heavy cream with powdered sugar and Madagascar bourbon pure vanilla extract. Since the whole cake wasn’t to be eaten right away cut a few slices and covered them with a whipped cream , leaving the rest of the cake in a fridge w/out cream .

[@food52]

Thanks for sharing, Oksana -- glad you enjoyed the recipe!

[@tapiture3720]

The key to this recipe is using high quality couverture melting chocolate. That’s where all the wonderful flavor comes from!

[@food52]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MrJackKnightSays]

This is one of my go to desserts, the other one is Nigella Lawson’s Cappuccino Pavlova, which I recommend as a Genius Recipe for you lovely people.

[@food52]

Thanks for the recommendation, Jack!

[@donnapuckett4992]

You remind me some much of me, it's kind of like, fining my twin! I love your outfit, it looks so relaxing and soft! You are so down to Earth, very good! Thanks for sharing!

[@reem_maz]

Her voice is soothing and all things about the video from the colors, the pace of it and the melty smooth chocolate is making me relax

[@food52]

Thanks Reem -- glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lynnraasakka]

I have his desserts cookbook and will keep it forever!

[@janejulien9250]

Thankyou for the recipe...I enjoyed watching you do it as well

[@CutTheCrapAndKissMe]

I’ve made this cake twice now. It’s definitely one of my favourites. It’s soooo tasty!

[@food52]

We're so glad you enjoyed, Estephany!

[@adopt-a-pet1968]

Thank you for sharing this recipe... I think it will be my ultimate favourite

[@heavenmosley8966]

Looks amazing

[@markdcmountp]

That looks SO delicious! I want it right now!😋

[@rbagentful]

This looks pretty amazing and your calm and relaxed instruction without all the unnessary narratives is a breath of fresh air. And the with that sip of coffee while waiting for the merengue to create soft peeks is funny. I like your video production. Simple and to the point. Thank you and I'm so glad to have found your channel. Looking forward to more videos from you. I can't wait make this and will let you know.

[@sundawg911]

the type of cake i love. I do not like the sponge cakes but this is where its at.

[@Lorna7777]

Made this absolutely amazing 🤩 thank you!! Five stars ✨

[@lindablack7438]

Heaven meets earth

[@bml3408]

This was so relaxing. Definitely making this soon

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Bee! Let us know how it goes when you try it!

[@julias6688]

I really love your aesthetic. Thanks for the great video

[@swarooparajpurohit4909]

This kitchen is so wabi sabi, I love it!

[@cat_pb]

so delicious !

[@catherinekim1860]

This.cake.is.delicious!

[@jdrigot]

Looks wonderful, can't wait to make this.

[@food52]

Thanks Julie! Let us know how it goes once you try it!

[@reshmapatel325]

Thank you sooooo much for putting it into grams. I really struggle with American measurements. So THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! .

[@HugsXO]

Such a great video. Thanks for sharing this amazing dessert. The folding in of the fluffy eggs with the rich chocolate definately puts a person in a different state of mind. I love making a sponge cake, it has folding!!!!😍 It's the little things in life that make me happy. Can't wait too make after I recover from surgery. I wish you well.

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Let us know if you try this recipe, and good luck with your recovery!

[@AaronGatapia]

LOL I love this lady! She always seems vaguely surprised by what she’s doing and you can’t convince me there isn’t alcohol inside that flask, but somehow that just adds to the charm.

[@bridgettleigh2912]

She is pregnant

[@Phyllyps-Levine]

Thank you!

[@eviekins7496]

so basically a chocolate pavlova minus the cornstarch!! love it

[@ILOLnumber1]

OMG. I need to make this!!!

[@food52]

Haha yes! Let us know how it goes!

[@ElizabethTucker]

Be still my heart!!! Seriously yummm.......

[@food52]

We agree, Elizabeth!

[@EduardoCachucho]

BEST cake ever! Be forewarned, it's very rich, so a small slice goes a long way

[@paulajohnson6943]

Makes me want to make one NOW!

[@food52]

Haha you should! Let us know if you try it Paula!

[@yas-ob4hd]

love this whole video

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@ultraviolet9677]

I've been looking for this video for awhile now, coz I wanna try this recipe from Richard Sax recipe book.

[@leilamaia8305]

Lovely 🤗🤗🤗abraço de São Paulo Brasil

[@cozyvamp]

Now, that's my idea of a cake. I hate oversweet, greasy frostings. Unadorned chocolate cake of any kind with a topping of whipped cream is my idea of heaven. Thanks for this!

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@GoddessOfWhine]

I'm tried the recipe and it works. Just a few things to note. If you are watching your sugar intake, I suggest reducing the sugar that goes into the cake batter by half. I used 55% chocolate and the overall sweetness was just fine. in case it was not mentioned, please wait for the cake to cool and then you can add the whipped cream as if you put the whipped cream on the hot cake, it will melt. also I noticed I didn't have the cracking effect after I removed it from the oven. I did notice it after the cake was cooled.

[@food52]

Thanks for sharing -- these are great tips!

[@maryrose4712]

@ Goddessof Whine Hi there, you seem like u know what u r talking about. Hope u can advise me, could this be made the day before, if so, how and where would I store it, fridge or counter top? Wrapped in cling film and add cream before serving? Thank you.

[@anamitic5952]

Predivna!❤

[@theresahutch1]

I made this cake and it was a hit! Thanks for sharing :)

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed, Theresa!

[@lovejoy3307]

I just found this channel on my Roku! I feel like I've missed out on sooo much 🥺🥺 Nevertheless I love this show it's so refreshing and actually inspired me to cook🤣

[@laurahiser8601]

Oh yum!

[@janepriscillawatin2541]

Wow nice

[@hafsa4808]

Richard Sax=Genius

[@food52]

We agree!

[@zeinakheir2149]

Thanks

[@applepie4462]

YUM!

[@CrystalJ7]

this is exquisite and so easy to make....become a firm family favourite!! great with raspberries and cream :-)

[@daisukevideo]

I love making cakes. The other day, I made it with the recipe of Gateau chocolate from a cake shop called KEN'S CAFE Tokyo. It was very rich, delicious and very satisfying! The video was also very helpful ♬ Thank you! With love from Japan :)

[@erikadowdy686]

It’s like a chocolate marshmallow cake

[@mimoochodom2684]

YUM!!

[@sulviamahbub4103]

Sweet chocolate baked egg

[@katelee3956]

Looks amazing! I was wondering if it would be possible to do mini versions of this, either pipe it on like a mini pav, or in muffin tins? ❤❤❤

[@missraslan1523]

I love your eyes and you are wonderful to listen to

[@Julierue]

Easy to make vegan: convert chicken egg to aqua faba, cow butter to plant butter and cow cream to soy or nut whipping cream. Amazing.

[@BeeBumper]

I use a similar technique for a cheesecake, you mix 4 egg whites until stiff and fold into the cream cheese and cream mixture. Make a soft fluffy cheese cake soooo good.

[@food52]

That sounds delicious -- thanks for sharing!

[@Adrienne000]

Who is this woman? She is so good at her job

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed, adrienne! Kristen is our resident Genius Recipe hunter, and you can find more of her videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2PShId-j8hkj5o

[@marshadailey1845]

Good

[@nyleah411]

I thought she was wearing washi tape on a string...and I thought what a great idea for scrapbooking, and planner page decorating! Totally doing that!!

[@annahagel5602]

Does anyone else get total Karlie Kloss vibes

[@clairepiper7141]

ugh. please no. Mrs. Kushner, ugh

[@manuhally]

Just a quick note regarding melting the chocolate...the reason you said it was dangerous for water to get in when you are melting it --is because the water and/or steam can cause the melting chocolate to "seize up and lump up" making it difficult to use...if this happens it can be salvaged DEPENDING on the recipe you are making, just thought I would clarify for all of us who LOVE to bake! Thanks

[@Luu-luu]

You look like Payton Kennedy the actress that plays Betty on Grey's Anatomy. Great recipe and video

[@janepriscillawatin2541]

Wow

[@richrnndz2]

I think I'm a little bit intimidated by whipping merengue, but I have to try this recipe for sure!!!😍😍😍

[@food52]

Hi Ricardo, it's easier than you think! Let us know if you try it!

[@Artzenflowers]

Okay, cool recipe, but I’m smitten with the bowls you use with the spouts, are they available on the site to purchase?

[@DavidMcFarner]

You are so cute and cool... I love this beautiful cake and will make it ASAP!! 👍

[@food52]

Thanks David -- let us know how it goes!

[@saraengelbrecht2636]

yummmmm!

[@food52]

Yes, we agree Sara!

[@raneemnader9740]

Isn’t this just a large chocolate soufflé

[@santiagodsl]

I'd say yes.

[@Geenine44]

We call them sponge cakes in NZ

[@cat_pb]

soufflé is a little bit more spongy and delicate

[@KenDanieli]

Not a cake at all.

[@ABlueDahlia]

I want that wisk.

[@joealtmaier9271]

Looks great! I always smile at the 'fold carefully!' warnings. As if, after 20 minutes of creating microscopic foamy bubbles, you could destroy them my mixing. Just go ahead and dump the chocolate into the whites, and use your mixer.

[@homodeus8713]

I want to come and sit in your kitchen for a tasting and a chat, then beam myself back home...

[@clQss]

hello! could you also add 1/2 cup of almond flour to this cake? going to try this recipe for easter weekend. thank you!

[@charleskerry845]

I do not know what it is, the music in the background ,or your calming voice, the video was very calming . I think my blood pressure went down.

[@sannalatif2742]

looks like food52 is where its at since the BA kitchen has been dismantled

[@quinnbautista706]

Looks fantastic! Just wondering though, if would there be any flavor benefit to adding a tiny amount of salt? Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

[@valf156115]

Quinn Bautista definitively! Salt should be an ingredient in all recipes, try a 1/2 teaspoon here

[@lisahinton9682]

@@valf156115 Don't add salt if using salted butter, though this recipe calls for unsalted butter. And I always try all recipes exactly as is the first time. You never know - it may be just exactly right. It is Michael Sax's recipe, after all, for goodness sake. And if you don't know who he was, he was a giant in the all-things-food industry.

[@valf156115]

Lisa Hinton yes agreed but all baked goods (all food!) need salt, even if just half a teaspoon. It tastes bland otherwise.

[@EduardoCachucho]

I tried out this with salted butter and it worked really well, I'd even be tempted to add some flaked salt on the cream next time.

[@jenf777]

Ah oh, this looked so good I could not wait to make it. But, my cake came out nothing like this. The only thing I changed was I used coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. The cake did not rise up or get that cool crispy crust. It was thick, dense and about 1/2 inch tall. Tasted okay but sat like a rock!!!

[@Randomtandem376]

Yeah coconut sugar will def do that. Honestly I prefer to put sugar in a blender and make caster sugar. The finer it is the better it works. If it’s coarse it will fall

[@nicksnape4860]

Hi is the sugar caster sugar or normal granulated. Thanks

[@lord_n7000]

How long do I put the chocolate part in the oven for and what temp

[@1111atreides]

I rarely subscribe based off of one recipe (that I haven't even made (yet)) but girl, you did it. If Zooey Dechanel had a cooking channel, this would be it. But I'm ruthless. Impress me.

[@food52]

Welcome! Glad you enjoyed Kristen's video!

[@Sorana44]

😋😋😋

[@TheBeautyanna]

Can I do sugar free! Right? Xylitol or stevia! Flourless cake! Awesome

[@grandmother8809]

Oh my goodness, I could easily make a sugar free version of this using erythritol in place of sugar. Truly genius. 😱

[@food52]

Let us know if you try it!

[@JohnnyCatFitz]

Uh oh, is that substitute one of the laxative inducing ones 🙃

[@aarnavkembhavi2820]

It's like a more complex pavlova

[@alyssarandom2636]

is this bariatric friendly?

[@ma.pamelapatawaran9503]

Any advice why I cant get the crust? I got it right on the first and second try. But doing this on my third and fourth just gives me this caky inside with no crust. 😭 Why

[@Jacnin]

Beautiful. Thanks. Can any of this be made ahead?

[@food52]

Yes! From Kristen: "As long as your kitchen isn’t too humid, it will hold fine at room temp if you want to bake the day before (just let cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap). And we discovered it freezes great if you want to hold it longer than that!"