Image Credit: Mama’s Cooking Recipes
Hello, baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of Japanese baking with the soft, fluffy, and utterly delightful Castella Cake. Follow these steps to create a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Let’s make this fun and enjoyable!
## Ingredients
– 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
– 110g sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons honey
– 100g strong flour
## Preparation Time
– **Preparation:** 20 minutes
– **Cooking:** 55 minutes
– **Total:** 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 12 hours resting time)
## Directions
### Step 1: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
1. **Prepare a Water Bath:**
– Place a large metal bowl over a pot of boiling water to create a water bath.
2. **Beat Eggs and Sugar:**
– In the metal bowl, break 4 medium eggs and add 110g of sugar.
– Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for 6 minutes. The volume of the beaten eggs should increase by about 4 times. Enjoy watching it fluff up like magic!
### Step 2: Add Honey
3. **Incorporate Honey:**
– Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the egg mixture.
– Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Feel free to do a little happy dance while you mix!
### Step 3: Sift and Fold in Flour
4. **Sift and Mix Flour:**
– Sift 1/3 of the 100g of strong flour into the egg mixture.
– Lightly beat on medium speed. Repeat this process with the remaining flour in two more additions, beating until just blended each time. Be careful not to over mix, or the cake might lose its fluffiness.
### Step 4: Prepare the Mold
5. **Prepare the Baking Mold:**
– Line a mold with parchment paper.
– Pour the batter into the mold.
– Use a skewer to draw a zigzag line through the batter to remove any large air bubbles. This helps ensure a uniform texture. Remember, a little wiggle here and there is perfectly fine!
### Step 5: Bake the Cake
6. **First Bake:**
– Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
– Bake the cake for 10-15 minutes until the top is a deep brown. Quickly cover with kitchen paper to prevent it from burning.
7. **Lower Temperature:**
– Lower the oven temperature to 170°C (340°F) and continue baking. The total baking time should be about 55 minutes.
– Use a skewer to test if the cake is done. When it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
### Step 6: Cool and Wrap
8. **Cool the Cake:**
– Remove the cake from the pan and immediately cover the surface with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in.
9. **Moisture Magic:**
– Turn the cake onto a flat plate while it’s still hot.
– Place it in a plastic bag and leave it for 12 hours. This resting period is crucial for achieving that moist texture Castella Cake is famous for.
### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
10. **Trim and Serve:**
– Before serving, trim the sides of the cake for a neat appearance.
– Serve with tea or coffee and a spoonful of Chantilly cream for an extra touch of decadence.
## Cooking Tips
– **Sifting the Flour:** Ensure you sift the flour to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth batter.
– **Mixing:** Be gentle when mixing to maintain the airiness of the batter.
## Nutritional Benefits
– This cake is light and less sweet, making it a perfect treat for those who prefer delicate flavors.
## Dietary Information
– This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
## Storage Tips
– Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– The fluffy texture and delicate sweetness make it an irresistible treat.
– It’s a fun and engaging recipe to make, perfect for baking with family and friends.
## Conclusion
Enjoy this delightful Castella Cake that’s sure to impress with its fluffiness and moist texture. Don’t forget to share your baking experience with friends and family. Happy baking!
