Castella cake, also known as Kasutera, is a popular Japanese sponge cake with a moist and delicate texture. Here’s a simple recipe for making Castella cake:
Castella Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Eggs:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs using an electric mixer until they become frothy.
Add Sugar:
Gradually add the sugar to the beaten eggs while continuing to beat. Beat until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color.
Warm the Milk:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it’s just about to simmer. Remove it from heat and add the honey, stirring to dissolve. Let it cool slightly.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and baking powder.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture, folding gently until just combined.
Add Milk Mixture:
Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the batter, continuing to fold gently.
Add Oil and Optional Vanilla:
Add the vegetable oil (and vanilla extract if using), and gently fold until well combined.
Pour into Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice the Castella cake into squares or rectangles and serve.
This Castella cake is a delightful treat with a sweet and subtle flavor. It’s often enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea. Feel free to experiment with additional flavorings or toppings according to your preferences. Enjoy!
