Introduction:
Castella, also known as Kasutera, is a traditional Japanese sponge cake that has its origins in Portuguese colonial history.
Introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, it has evolved into a beloved treat in Japan. This cake is known for its light and airy texture, with a slightly sweet, soft, and spongy crumb. It is typically made with just a few simple
ingredients:
eggs, sugar, flour, and honey, which contribute to its characteristic moistness and subtle sweetness. Castella is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack with tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
130 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons warm water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
A pinch of salt
Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and doubles in volume (about 5–7 minutes).
This step is crucial to getting the light, airy texture of the cake.
Add the honey and vanilla: In a small bowl, dissolve the honey in warm water.
Add this honey-water mixture and vanilla extract (if using) to the egg-sugar mixture, and mix until combined.
Sift the flour:
Sift the flour into the egg mixture in small batches. Gently fold the flour into the batter using a spatula.
Be careful not to deflate the batter.
Continue until all the flour is incorporated.
Pour into the pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any large air bubbles.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a light golden brown color on top.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or rectangles before serving.
Description:
Castella cake is renowned for its smooth, moist texture that melts in the mouth. The flavor is delicate and subtly sweet, with a slight honey aroma that complements its sponginess. Its fine crumb and tender layers make it a delightful snack or dessert, especially when served with a cup of green tea or coffee. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat.
Tips:
Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them whip better and increases the volume of the batter.
Don’t Overmix: When folding the flour into the batter, be gentle to avoid deflating the whipped eggs. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Honey Substitute: If you prefer, you can replace honey with sugar, but it may slightly affect the flavor and texture.
Storage: Castella can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Variations:
Matcha Castella: Add 1–2 tablespoons of matcha (green tea powder) to the flour for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.
Chocolate Castella: Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melt chocolate and fold it into the batter for a chocolatey version.
Citrus Flavor: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrusy taste.
Coffee Flavor: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder in the warm water along with honey for a coffee-flavored Castella.
Correction:
If the texture of the cake isn’t as light or fluffy as expected, it could be due to underbeating the egg-sugar mixture or overmixing the flour. Ensure the egg mixture is beaten until it becomes thick and pale, and fold in the flour gently without deflating the batter.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your homemade Castella cake with a cup of tea, coffee, or even on its own. Its delicate sweetness and soft texture make it a delightful treat for any time of day!