Light, Fluffy, and Rich — The Ultimate Cloud-Like Dessert
Indulge in the delicate texture of a Japanese-style cotton cake, where airy softness meets deep chocolate richness. This Chocolate Cotton Cake is a dreamy cross between a soufflé, sponge cake, and custard — so tender it melts in your mouth.
With a gentle crumb, subtle sweetness, and a whisper of cocoa, this cake is baked in a water bath to preserve its signature fluffiness. And with a sprinkle of chocolate chips, every bite holds a surprise.
Perfect for tea time, dessert, or a special breakfast, this cake is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
🍫 Chocolate Cotton Cake
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling)
Oven Temp: 170°C (340°F)
🧾 Ingredients
🥛 Wet & Dry Base
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) milk
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 70 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 10 g (1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 4 egg yolks
🌬️ Meringue
- 4 egg whites, at room temperature
- 70 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- ⅓ tsp salt
- ½ tsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)
🍫 Add-In
- 30 g (¼ cup) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
💡 Tip: A springform pan works best for easy removal.
2. Make the Yolk Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Sift in the flour and mix until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the egg yolks and whisk until fully incorporated. Set aside.
3. Separate & Split the Batter
- Divide the yolk mixture into two equal portions.
- Portion 1 (Vanilla): Leave as-is.
- Portion 2 (Chocolate): Sift in the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
4. Whip the Meringue
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with salt and lemon juice until soft peaks begin to form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat.
- Whip until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and holds a peak (but not dry).
✅ Pro Tip: Use room-temperature egg whites — they whip higher and more stable.
5. Fold in the Meringue
- Gently fold half of the meringue into each batter (vanilla and chocolate) to lighten them.
- Then, carefully fold each flavored batter back into the remaining meringue — one at a time, alternating between vanilla and chocolate.
🎨 For a marbled effect: Don’t overmix — swirls should remain visible.
6. Assemble & Add Chocolate Chips
- Pour the dark chocolate batter into the prepared pan.
- Top with the vanilla batter.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
✨ Optional: Use a toothpick to gently swirl for a marbled look.
7. Bake in a Water Bath
- Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish.
- Pour hot water into the outer dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
- Carefully transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
🚫 Keep the oven closed — sudden temperature drops can cause collapse.
8. Cool & Serve
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cake cool inside for 1 hour (prevents sinking).
- Remove from oven, then chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours — this enhances the cotton-soft texture.
- Run a knife around the edge, release the springform, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
🍰 Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with fresh berries or whipped cream
- Pair with coffee, matcha tea, or hot chocolate
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat gently for best texture
💡 Why This Cake Works
- Water bath = even heat, no browning, ultra-moist crumb
- Meringue base = light, soufflé-like lift
- Cocoa + chocolate chips = rich flavor with melty surprises
- Chilling = firms the texture, enhances the “cotton” sensation
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Cake That Floats on Your Tongue
This Chocolate Cotton Cake isn’t just dessert — it’s an experience.
With its cloud-like fluffiness, delicate sweetness, and hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.
So whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself,
Take a bite…
And let your taste buds float away.
Soft as air. Rich as chocolate. Heavenly in every bite.
