How to Make Cotton Cake
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper (bottom and sides).
Wrap the outside of the pan tightly in aluminum foil—this prevents water from leaking in during the water bath.
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler method), melt together the cream cheese, butter, and milk.
Stir until smooth and silky.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cake flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Whisk gently until smooth and lump-free.
Add the egg yolks, one at a time, and stir until completely incorporated.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
You should now have a smooth, glossy batter.
4. Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, add the egg whites and lemon juice.
Whip until foamy, then gradually add the sugar.
Beat until the mixture forms soft to medium peaks—not stiff.
This is the key to maintaining that soft, “cottony” texture.
5. Combine the Mixtures
Add one-third of the whipped egg whites to the cream cheese batter and gently fold.
Continue adding in two more additions, folding slowly to avoid deflating the mixture.
The final batter should look light, airy, and even.
6. Bake with a Water Bath
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cake pan.
Bake for 60–70 minutes at 320°F (160°C).
If the top browns too quickly, tent lightly with foil.
Turn off the oven and let the cake sit inside for 10 minutes to prevent cracking.
7. Cool Gently
Remove the cake from the oven, then from the water bath.
Let it cool completely in the pan before removing.
The cake may shrink slightly—that’s normal for cotton cakes.
Serving Suggestions
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Dust with powdered sugar
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Top with fresh berries
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Serve with whipped cream
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Pair with green tea, jasmine tea, or a mild coffee
Cotton cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days.
