Desserts > Japanese Donuts

Castella Donuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- Donut pan
- Electric mixer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until frothy.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar and honey while continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and pale.
5. Add the vegetable oil and milk to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Grease the donut pan with cooking spray and fill each mold with the batter.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
9. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
10. Remove the donuts from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Dust the donuts with powdered sugar before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 6 donuts

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cake flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with melted butter or coconut oil.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.

Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Top the donuts with chocolate glaze or fruit jam.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to beat the eggs until frothy to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough and dense donuts.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to fill the donut molds for a neater appearance.

Storage instructions:
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the donuts on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the donuts are too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the batter.
- If the donuts are too dense, reduce the amount of flour by 1-2 tablespoons.
- If the donuts are too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.

Food safety advice:
- Use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.
- Wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw eggs.

Food history:
Castella is a Japanese sponge cake that was introduced by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century. It is made with sugar, flour, eggs, and honey, and has a light and fluffy texture.

Flavor profiles:
Castella donuts are sweet and slightly nutty, with a delicate honey flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the donuts as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Sweet, Fluffy, Buttery, Rich, Spongy