Desserts > Cake > Japanese Desserts

Castella Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch square cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow.

3. Sift the cake flour and salt together and add it to the egg mixture. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated.

4. Add the honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

6. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

8. Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
325°F (160°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 95mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cake flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or corn syrup.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or melted butter.

Variations:
- Matcha Castella Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to the flour mixture and mix well.
- Chocolate Castella Cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture and mix well.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow. This will ensure a fluffy and light cake.
- Sift the flour and salt together to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter in the cake pan to ensure even baking.

Storage Instructions:
Store the Castella Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the Castella Cake, place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Castella Cake on a cake stand or plate. Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh fruit.

Garnishes:
Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

Pairings:
Green tea or coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or whipped cream.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake sinks in the middle, it may be undercooked. Bake the cake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- If the cake is too dry, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to use fresh eggs and store the cake in an airtight container to avoid contamination.

Food History:
Castella Cake is a Japanese sponge cake that was introduced to Japan by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century.

Flavor Profiles:
Castella Cake is a light and fluffy sponge cake with a subtle sweetness from the honey.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Castella Cake as a dessert or snack. It can also be served as a breakfast or brunch item.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Sweet, Moist, Spongy, Rich