Introduction

If you've ever dreamed of eating actual clouds, bubblegum cloud slices are as close as you'll get. These whimsical treats combine the light, airy texture of fluffy marshmallow with the playful flavor of bubblegum, creating something that's equal parts dessert and nostalgia. Unlike dense, heavy candies, bubblegum cloud slices are almost weightless on your tongue, melting into pure sugary bliss with each bite. The magic happens when you whip egg whites and sugar into glossy peaks, then fold in bubblegum flavoring and pink food coloring to create a cloud-like mixture that bakes into pillowy soft slices. These Instagram-worthy treats look impressive enough for special occasions, yet they're surprisingly simple to make using just a handful of ingredients. They're perfect for children's parties, bridal showers, gender reveals, or anyone who loves playful, colorful desserts. Bubblegum cloud slices also make outstanding homemade gifts when packaged in decorative boxes with tissue paper. The best part? Once you master this recipe, you'll realize how easy it is to create professional-looking treats that taste absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon bubblegum flavoring extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pink food coloring (gel color preferred)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Additional bubblegum flavoring for coating (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it extends slightly above the edges for easy removal. This low temperature is essential for creating fluffy, marshmallow-like clouds without browning them. The slow baking process creates a light, airy texture.

Step 2: Bring Eggs to Room Temperature Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature—this is crucial for achieving maximum volume when whipping. If your eggs are straight from the refrigerator, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to warm them slightly. Room-temperature whites whip up faster and create more stable, voluminous peaks.

Step 3: Create the Meringue Base In a large, clean bowl (glass or stainless steel work best), combine the room-temperature egg whites and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat for about 2 minutes until soft peaks form. The cream of tartar stabilizes the meringue and prevents it from becoming grainy.

Step 4: Add Sugar Gradually With the mixer still running on medium-high speed, add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow incorporation process, called "creaming," ensures the sugar fully dissolves and creates glossy, stable peaks. This step takes about 5-7 minutes total. Don't rush it.

Step 5: Incorporate Flavorings and Color Once stiff peaks form, add the salt, bubblegum flavoring extract, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until fully incorporated. Add the pink food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing gently until you reach your desired shade of pink. Gel coloring produces more vibrant results than liquid food coloring. The mixture should look glossy, fluffy, and pink.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan Pour the meringue mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it evenly to create a uniform thickness of about 1 inch. Work gently to maintain the airiness of the mixture. The surface should look fluffy and cloud-like.

Step 7: Bake Low and Slow Bake for 60-90 minutes at 200°F until the surface is set and the mixture feels dry to the touch. The edges may turn very slightly golden, but the center should remain white or pale pink. The longer, slower bake creates that characteristic light, fluffy texture. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this releases heat and can cause the clouds to deflate.

Step 8: Cool Completely Remove from the oven and let the bubblegum cloud mixture cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This allows it to set properly and become easier to cut. Once cooled, transfer the entire slab to a cutting board using the parchment paper as a guide.

Step 9: Cut into Slices Using a sharp, lightly oiled knife or pizza cutter, cut the cooled mixture into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Wipe the knife between cuts to prevent sticking and create clean edges. The pieces should have that characteristic light, airy texture that almost dissolves on your tongue.

Step 10: Dust and Store If desired, dust each slice lightly with powdered sugar for a finished look, or roll edges in additional bubblegum flavoring powder for extra flavor. Arrange on a serving plate or store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

Achieve Maximum Volume For the fluffiest clouds, ensure your mixing bowl is absolutely clean and free of any fat or oil, which can prevent proper whipping. Even a tiny amount of egg yolk mixed with whites will reduce volume, so separate eggs carefully over separate bowls before adding whites to the mixer bowl.

Create Rainbow Cloud Slices Divide the meringue into multiple bowls and tint each with different food coloring—pink, purple, blue, and yellow create beautiful pastels. Layer them in the baking pan, swirling gently to create a rainbow effect. This variation is perfect for parties and looks stunning.

Add Shimmer and Sparkle Mix edible glitter or shimmer dust into the meringue before baking, or sprinkle on top of the finished slices. Edible luster dust creates an elegant, sophisticated look perfect for special occasions.

Make Different Flavors Replace bubblegum flavoring with cotton candy, cherry, strawberry, or watermelon extract. Each creates a unique variation while maintaining the same fluffy texture. Adjust food coloring to match your chosen flavor.

Create Striped Clouds Pour half the meringue into the pan, drizzle with a different color of meringue, then top with the remaining mixture. Swirl gently with a toothpick to create marble or stripe patterns. This creates visually stunning slices.

Make Mini Cloud Bites Pipe the meringue into small mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet using a pastry bag. Bake at 200°F for 45-60 minutes to create individual cloud-shaped candies. These are perfect for topping desserts or serving as bite-sized treats.

Add Texture Elements Fold crushed bubblegum pieces or freeze-dried strawberries into the meringue just before pouring into the pan. This adds bursts of flavor and texture that make the clouds even more interesting.

Make Them Egg-Free Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg white substitute—use 12 tablespoons of aquafaba instead of 4 egg whites. The result will be slightly different but still produce beautiful, fluffy clouds.

How to Serve & Storage

Serve bubblegum cloud slices chilled or at room temperature with afternoon tea, milk, or as a playful dessert at children's parties. These treats are light enough to enjoy guilt-free and whimsical enough to bring smiles to any face. Arrange them on a cake stand or decorative platter for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Storing at Room Temperature Place finished slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight. Humidity is the enemy of meringue-based treats, so avoid storing near the stovetop or in kitchens with high moisture. They'll keep for up to 1 week at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage While not necessary, storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container can extend shelf life to 10-14 days. The cooler temperature keeps them firmer and preserves the flavoring. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving if you prefer them at room temperature.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage Bubblegum cloud slices freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature for about 2-3 hours before serving. The texture remains light and fluffy after thawing.

Gift-Giving Presentation Package these colorful treats in decorative boxes, clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or mason jars with tissue paper. Include a label with the flavor and storage instructions. Homemade bubblegum cloud slices make memorable gifts for friends, family, and coworkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't my meringue whip up properly? This usually happens when egg whites aren't at room temperature, the bowl contains even a trace of fat or grease, or you used old eggs. Ensure all equipment is completely clean, use fresh eggs at room temperature, and add cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture. These factors are essential for successful meringue.

Can I use pasteurized eggs instead of raw eggs? Yes, pasteurized eggs are a safer option if you're concerned about raw eggs. They whip up similarly to regular eggs and will produce beautiful meringue. Pasteurized eggs are available at most grocery stores and are ideal for this recipe.

What if my clouds collapsed or became gooey during baking? Collapsing usually indicates the oven temperature was too high or the door was opened frequently. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is actually at 200°F. Gooey centers mean the baking time wasn't long enough—bake for the full 90 minutes if needed.

Can I make these without bubblegum flavoring? Yes, substitute with cotton candy flavoring, cherry extract, strawberry extract, or even vanilla extract. Adjust food coloring to match your chosen flavor. The clouds will have a different taste but maintain the same light, fluffy texture.

Why are my clouds sticky on the outside? Stickiness indicates humidity has affected the finished product. Store them in an airtight container with a desiccant packet (like those found in vitamin bottles) to absorb moisture. Avoid storing near open windows or in humid kitchens.