Cloud Bread Recipe: The Viral 3-Ingredient Low-Carb Bread That Melts in Your Mouth

Get ready to fall in love with the fluffiest, most magical bread you’ve ever made! This cloud bread recipe creates impossibly light, airy bread rounds using just three simple ingredients—eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar. The result? Pillowy soft bread that literally melts in your mouth like a cloud, with a subtle tangy flavor and a texture that’s somewhere between bread, soufflé, and meringue. It’s no wonder this easy cloud bread has taken TikTok and Pinterest by storm!

Cloud bread is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle who misses the joy of sandwiches and toast. Use these fluffy rounds as burger buns, sandwich bread, breakfast toast, or even as a base for mini pizzas. They’re incredibly versatile and can be made sweet or savory depending on your needs. The best part? They bake in just 30 minutes and require no special baking skills—if you can separate eggs and use a mixer, you can make perfect cloud bread!

This keto cloud bread recipe is ideal for meal prep, quick breakfasts, lunch sandwiches, or anytime you’re craving bread without the carbs and gluten. They photograph beautifully with their golden tops and pillowy appearance, making them Pinterest gold. Whether you’re strictly low-carb or just looking for a fun, lighter alternative to traditional bread, this cloud bread will become your new obsession.

History / Background

Cloud bread, also known as oopsie bread or no-carb bread, has an interesting history rooted in the low-carbohydrate diet movement. The recipe first gained popularity in the early 2000s during the Atkins diet craze when people were desperately searching for bread alternatives that wouldn’t derail their low-carb lifestyle. The original concept was simple: create a bread-like vehicle for sandwiches using primarily eggs and cream cheese, ingredients that are naturally low in carbohydrates.

The name “cloud bread” perfectly captures the essence of this ethereal creation—it’s light as a cloud, fluffy as a cloud, and practically floats off your plate. While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, the recipe appeared in various low-carb and keto communities online throughout the 2000s and 2010s. However, it truly exploded in popularity around 2020-2021 when TikTok users discovered the recipe and began sharing mesmerizing videos of the bread’s fluffy, jiggly texture.

What makes cloud bread special in the world of alternative breads is its simplicity and surprising success. Unlike many gluten-free or low-carb bread recipes that require expensive specialty flours, gums, and complicated techniques, cloud bread relies on the natural properties of whipped egg whites to create structure and lift. It’s essentially a savory meringue with cream cheese added for richness, flavor, and a more bread-like texture.

The viral nature of this keto-friendly cloud bread represents a beautiful intersection of health-conscious eating and internet food culture. It proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing creativity or enjoyment in the kitchen. The recipe has evolved over time with countless variations—some add baking powder for extra lift, others incorporate various seasonings, and creative home cooks have adapted it for both savory and sweet applications.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fluffy cloud bread recipe is about to change your low-carb life! It delivers the satisfaction of bread without the guilt, carbs, or gluten, and it’s so easy that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

Here’s why this cloud bread will become your new staple:

• Only 3 basic ingredients – Eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar—that’s literally all you need for basic cloud bread
• Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly – With less than 1g of carbs per piece, it fits perfectly into keto and low-carb meal plans
• Gluten-free and grain-free – Safe for celiac disease and gluten sensitivities without any special flours
• Ready in 30 minutes – From mixing bowl to cooling rack, you’ll have fresh “bread” in half an hour
• Budget-friendly – Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator
• Incredibly versatile – Make it savory for sandwiches or sweet for breakfast—endless possibilities
• Light and airy texture – That signature fluffy, cloud-like consistency makes every bite feel special
• Kid-friendly fun – Children love the jiggly texture and watching them puff up in the oven
• Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch on Sunday for sandwiches all week long
• Foolproof recipe – Hard to mess up if you follow the simple steps

Ingredient Notes

Eggs: The foundation of cloud bread! You’ll need to separate the yolks from the whites, as they serve different purposes. The egg whites are whipped into stiff peaks to create that signature airy, cloud-like texture—they’re what make this bread possible. The yolks are mixed with cream cheese to add richness, color, and binding. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results, as they whip to greater volume than cold eggs. Make sure not a single drop of yolk gets into the whites or they won’t whip properly!

Cream Cheese: This adds richness, tang, and helps bind the ingredients together while giving cloud bread a more substantial, bread-like texture than plain egg whites alone. Full-fat cream cheese works best—low-fat versions have added stabilizers that can affect texture. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the egg yolks. You can substitute with mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version (though the texture will be slightly different).

Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is crucial for stabilizing the egg whites as you whip them, helping them hold their volume and preventing collapse. It’s an acidic powder that strengthens the protein bonds in egg whites, making them more stable during mixing and baking. You’ll find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute with an equal amount of white vinegar or lemon juice, though cream of tartar works best. Don’t skip this ingredient—it’s essential for success!

Optional Seasonings: While not required, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. For savory cloud bread, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (like Italian seasoning), or everything bagel seasoning. For sweet cloud bread, add a touch of vanilla extract and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia to the cream cheese mixture.

Equipment Needed

• Two mixing bowls (medium to large) – One for egg whites, one for the cream cheese mixture
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Essential for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks; doing this by hand is extremely difficult
• Rubber spatula – For gently folding the mixtures together without deflating the whites
• Baking sheet – A large rimmed baking sheet to hold all your cloud bread rounds
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal
• Measuring spoons – For accurate measurements of cream of tartar
• Egg separator or small bowl – For cleanly separating yolks from whites
• Spoon or ice cream scoop – For portioning the batter onto the baking sheet
• Cooling rack – To cool the cloud bread after baking
• Clean, dry towel – For wiping the mixing bowl to ensure it’s grease-free before whipping egg whites

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Tips & Variations

Everything Bagel Cloud Bread: Mix everything bagel seasoning into the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle more on top before baking for a delicious bagel-flavored version perfect for breakfast sandwiches.

Cinnamon Sugar Cloud Bread: Add cinnamon and a keto-friendly sweetener to the cream cheese mixture, then dust with more cinnamon sweetener after baking for a breakfast treat.

Pizza Cloud Bread: Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the base recipe, then top unbaked rounds with a spoonful of marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni before baking.

Jalapeño Cheddar: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture for spicy, cheesy cloud bread perfect for burgers.

Herb Garden: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano to the cream cheese mixture for aromatic, savory cloud bread.

Chocolate Cloud Bread: Add unsweetened cocoa powder and keto sweetener to the cream cheese mixture for a dessert-like cloud bread that’s perfect for sweet sandwiches or eaten plain.

Pumpkin Spice: Mix in pumpkin puree (just 1-2 tablespoons) and pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version—perfect for the autumn months.

Add Psyllium Husk: Mix in ½-1 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder to the cream cheese mixture for added fiber and a slightly more bread-like texture.

Pro Chef Tips

The egg white bowl must be spotless: Even the tiniest amount of fat, oil, or egg yolk will prevent your egg whites from achieving stiff peaks. Before starting, wipe your mixing bowl and beaters with white vinegar or lemon juice on a paper towel, then dry completely. This removes any invisible grease residue.

Separate eggs when cold, whip when warm: Cold eggs separate more cleanly with less risk of breaking the yolk. However, room temperature egg whites whip to greater volume. Separate your eggs straight from the fridge, then let the whites sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before whipping.

Know your peaks: “Stiff peaks” means when you lift the beaters, the egg white peaks stand straight up without curling over at all. If the peaks droop or curl, keep beating. Under-whipped whites will result in flat, dense cloud bread.

Fold, don’t stir: Use a gentle folding motion—cut down through the center with your spatula, scrape along the bottom, and fold up and over. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat. This preserves the air bubbles you worked so hard to create. Stirring or mixing vigorously will deflate everything.

Uniform size matters: Try to make all your cloud bread rounds roughly the same size and thickness. This ensures even baking—smaller or thinner pieces will overcook while larger ones are underdone. Using an ice cream scoop helps create uniform portions.

Low and slow wins the race: The 300°F temperature might seem unusually low, but it’s intentional. Higher heat will brown the outside too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. The slow baking allows the entire round to cook through evenly while developing that golden color.

Don’t open the oven door: Resist the urge to peek! Opening the oven door causes temperature fluctuations that can make your cloud bread collapse. Trust the timer and only check after 25 minutes.

The cooling period is part of cooking: Cloud bread continues to firm up as it cools due to the coagulation of the egg proteins. What seems too soft when hot will be perfect once cool. Always let them cool completely before judging texture or storing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not whipping egg whites enough: This is the #1 mistake! Under-whipped egg whites don’t have enough structure to support the cloud bread, resulting in flat, dense rounds instead of fluffy clouds. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form and hold their shape completely. This typically takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Getting yolk in the egg whites: Even the smallest amount of egg yolk (which contains fat) will prevent the whites from whipping properly. If any yolk gets into your whites, use a piece of eggshell to scoop it out, or start over with fresh eggs. It’s better to waste one egg than ruin the whole batch.

Overmixing when folding: Once you combine the cream cheese mixture with the whipped whites, you need to work gently and quickly. Overmixing deflates all those air bubbles, resulting in flat, pancake-like cloud bread. Stop folding as soon as you no longer see large streaks of white—a few small streaks are perfectly fine.

Baking at too high a temperature: Many people try to speed things up by baking at 350°F or higher, but this causes the outside to brown and set while the inside remains undercooked and gooey. Stick with 300°F for perfectly cooked cloud bread with even color and texture throughout.

Not letting them cool completely: Cloud bread is very soft and delicate when hot. If you try to use them immediately out of the oven, they’ll tear and fall apart. The cooling period allows them to firm up and develop a more bread-like texture. Always wait at least 15 minutes before handling.

Storage & Meal Prep

Room Temperature Storage: Cloud bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they’ll gradually lose some of their texture and become slightly rubbery. This is fine if you plan to use them quickly.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep cloud bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The texture will become more firm and slightly rubbery when cold, but they still work great for sandwiches.

Bringing Back Softness: If your refrigerated cloud bread has become too firm, place it on a plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften. Don’t overdo it or it will become soggy. You can also toast it lightly to refresh the texture.

Meal Prep Strategy: Cloud bread is perfect for weekly meal prep! Make a double or triple batch on Sunday, store in the refrigerator, and use throughout the week for sandwiches, burgers, or breakfast toast. Having low-carb bread on hand makes sticking to your diet so much easier.

Texture Changes: Be aware that cloud bread texture changes over time. Freshly made cloud bread is light, airy, and tender. Day 2-3, it becomes slightly denser and more resilient—actually better for sandwiches that need to hold up to heavy fillings. By day 4-5, it’s quite firm but still usable.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Complete Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter, form the rounds on the baking sheet, and refrigerate covered for up to 2 hours before baking. This is perfect when entertaining—prep earlier in the day and bake fresh when needed. The batter will deflate slightly but will still puff up when baked.

Freezing Baked Cloud Bread: Cloud bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, place rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. This is the best way to always have low-carb bread on hand!

Thawing and Reheating: Remove frozen cloud bread from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To refresh the texture, toast in a toaster or toaster oven for 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also microwave for 20-30 seconds, though this makes them softer rather than crispy.

Freezing Unbaked Batter: I don’t recommend freezing the unbaked batter as the egg whites will deflate completely and won’t bake up properly after thawing. Always bake first, then freeze.

Best Freezing Practice: For best results, slightly underbake your cloud bread (pull them out when just set but barely golden) if you plan to freeze them. This prevents them from drying out when reheated. They’ll finish cooking when you toast or warm them later.

Serving Suggestions

Cloud bread is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere you’d use regular bread:

Sandwich Base: Use cloud bread for any sandwich—turkey and cheese, BLT, egg salad, tuna salad, or deli meat and vegetables. The neutral flavor complements any filling.

Burger Buns: These make fantastic low-carb burger buns! Use two rounds per burger—one on bottom, one on top. They hold up well to juicy burgers without falling apart.

Breakfast Toast: Top with butter, cream cheese, avocado, nut butter, or sugar-free jam for a satisfying breakfast toast that’s keto-friendly.

Mini Pizzas: Use cloud bread rounds as individual pizza bases. Top with marinara, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then broil until bubbly.

Breadsticks: Cut cloud bread into strips after baking and serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.

Eggs Benedict Base: Use cloud bread instead of English muffins as the base for eggs Benedict—it’s delicious and keeps the meal low-carb.

Sliders: The perfect size for mini sliders at parties! Make pulled pork, chicken, or beef sliders using cloud bread as the bun.

French Toast Alternative: Dip sweet cloud bread in an egg mixture and pan-fry for a low-carb French toast experience.

FAQs Section

Why did my cloud bread turn out flat and dense?
Flat cloud bread usually means the egg whites weren’t whipped enough or were deflated during folding. Make sure you beat the whites to very stiff peaks—they should stand up straight when you lift the beaters. When folding, use a gentle hand and stop as soon as combined. Under-whipping is the most common culprit.

Can I make cloud bread without cream of tartar?
Yes, though it works best with it. Substitute an equal amount (¼ teaspoon) of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice. These acids serve the same purpose of stabilizing the egg whites. In a pinch, you can omit it entirely, but your cloud bread may be slightly less stable and more prone to deflating.

Is cloud bread supposed to be eggy tasting?
Cloud bread does have a subtle egg flavor since eggs are the main ingredient, but it shouldn’t taste strongly eggy. The cream cheese helps mellow the egg flavor. Adding seasonings like garlic powder, herbs, or everything bagel seasoning masks any egg taste. Most people find the flavor mild and pleasant, especially when used with flavorful sandwich fillings.

Can I make cloud bread dairy-free?
It’s challenging but possible. Replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative (like Kite Hill or Tofutti). The texture will be slightly different but still workable. Make sure your dairy-free cream cheese is the thick, spreadable kind, not a liquid substitute. Some people use Greek yogurt alternatives, though these produce a tangier result.

Why is my cloud bread wet or soggy in the middle?
This usually means it needs more baking time or the oven temperature was too high, causing the outside to brown before the inside cooked through. Cloud bread should bake at 300°F for the full 25-30 minutes until firm when touched. If the outside is browning too fast, reduce temperature to 275°F and extend baking time.

How do I know when cloud bread is done baking?
Cloud bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and feels firm (not jiggly or wet) when gently pressed with your finger. It should hold its shape when touched. If it feels mushy or soft in the center, it needs more time. Remember, it will firm up more as it cools.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Absolutely! A stand mixer with the whisk attachment works beautifully for whipping egg whites. Start on medium-low speed, then gradually increase to medium-high once the whites become foamy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes to reach stiff peaks. Watch closely to avoid over-whipping.

Conclusion

And there you have it—everything you need to know about making perfect fluffy cloud bread at home! This magical 3-ingredient recipe proves that you don’t need traditional flour or tons of complicated ingredients to enjoy bread on a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch, burger buns for dinner, or breakfast toast for lazy weekend mornings, this easy cloud bread recipe delivers that bread satisfaction you’ve been craving without derailing your healthy eating goals.

The beauty of this keto cloud bread is its incredible versatility. Keep a batch in your freezer and you’ll always have low-carb bread ready whenever you need it. Experiment with different seasonings and flavorings to keep things interesting—savory for lunch, sweet for breakfast, or loaded with cheese and herbs for a special treat. Once you master the basic technique of whipping egg whites and folding gently, you’ll be making perfect cloud bread every single time.

I’d love to hear about your cloud bread adventures! Did you make it savory or sweet? What did you use it for—sandwiches, burgers, or something creative? Drop a comment below and share your experience, and don’t forget to snap a photo of your fluffy cloud bread and pin it to your Pinterest boards so you can make it again and again! If this recipe helped you enjoy bread again on your keto journey, please share it with your low-carb friends who need this in their lives.

Happy baking, and here’s to enjoying bread without the carbs—fluffy, delicious, cloud-like bread that makes healthy eating feel like anything but a sacrifice!