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
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gently fold the warm milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Be careful not to deflate the eggs.
- Sift in the Flour:
- Sift the flour and salt over the batter. Gently fold it in until fully combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour and Smooth:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
