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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination of ingredients will give the fritters their light, airy texture. The cornstarch plays a key role in creating that fluffy mouthfeel.
2. Separate the Eggs
In two separate bowls, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Be careful not to get any yolk into the whites, as this can affect the fluffiness of the batter.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In the bowl with the egg yolks, whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using). This mixture will add richness and flavor to the fritters.
4. Whisk the Egg Whites
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving the cloud-like texture of the fritters. The fluffier the egg whites, the lighter the fritters will be!
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can cause the batter to lose some of its fluffiness.
6. Fold in the Whipped Cream
Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the batter. This step is what takes the texture of the fritters to another level—light and airy, just like clouds. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as its airiness is what creates the delicate texture.
7. Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot enough for frying (about 350°F or 175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready.
8. Fry the Fritters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry the fritters in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and puffed up.
9. Drain and Serve
Once the fritters are golden and crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
10. Finish with Powdered Sugar
While the fritters are still warm, dust them with a generous amount of powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch. You can also serve them with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh fruit for added flavor.
Tips for the Fluffiest Cloud Fritters:
- Be Gentle with the Batter: The key to fluffy fritters is not overmixing the batter. Gently fold in the whipped cream and avoid stirring too vigorously.
- Ensure Stiff Egg Whites: Be sure to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. This helps create that airy texture that makes these fritters “cloud-like.”
- Right Temperature for Oil: If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and be greasy. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
- Custom Flavor Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. A splash of almond extract or a few chocolate chips could also be fun additions.
Why This Recipe Works:
Cloud fritters are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The fluffiness comes from the whipped egg whites and whipped cream, which help give these fritters their signature texture. The cornstarch in the batter ensures that they’re light without being overly greasy, and the frying process creates a crisp, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. The result is a bite-sized piece of heaven!
Serving Suggestions:
Cloud fritters can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. They’re fantastic on their own, dusted with powdered sugar, but can also be paired with fresh berries, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, or a scoop of ice cream. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a side of whipped cream or a warm caramel sauce.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet breakfast, a fun brunch treat, or a delightful dessert, these cloud fritters are guaranteed to impress. So go ahead—whip up a batch of these fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth fritters and experience the joy of a truly heavenly dessert!
