Fluffy Castella Sponge Cake: A Light and Delicious Treat

Introduction

Castella cake, a Japanese dessert, is renowned for its light, fluffy texture and rich flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this cake is perfect for tea time or as a delightful dessert. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This can take about 8-10 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.

1. Heat the Milk and Butter:

• In a small saucepan, heat the milk and melted butter together until just warm. If using honey, add it to the warm mixture.

1. Combine Mixtures:

• Gently fold the warm milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Be careful not to deflate the eggs.

1. Sift in the Flour:

• Sift the flour and salt over the batter. Gently fold it in until fully combined, taking care not to overmix.

1. Pour and Smooth:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

1. Bake the Cake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

1. Cool the Cake:

• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve. It can be enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips

• For added flavor, experiment with a splash of almond or lemon extract.
• This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Fluffy Castella sponge cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Its light texture and subtle sweetness make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy each fluffy slice!