Caramel Cloud Cake Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Sponge Cake

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - 4 large eggs, separated
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - ¼ cup whole milk
08 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Caramel Whipped Cream

09 - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
10 - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

→ Caramel Glaze

11 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
12 - ¼ cup water
13 - ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Optional Garnish

15 - Caramel shards
16 - Whipped cream swirls
17 - A sprinkle of sea salt

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla, milk, and oil.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
05 - Fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, then gently fold in the egg whites in batches to maintain the airiness.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
07 - In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold in the caramel sauce until well combined. Chill until ready to use.
08 - In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the warm cream (it will bubble vigorously) and stir until smooth. Stir in the butter and let the glaze cool slightly before using.
09 - Place one sponge layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of caramel whipped cream over it. Top with the second sponge layer.
10 - Pour the caramel glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a polished look.
11 - Top with caramel shards, whipped cream swirls, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Homemade caramel sauce offers a richer flavor compared to store-bought.
02 - Refrigerating the cake ensures the layers set properly before slicing.