Castella Cake Recipe: The Perfect Japanese Honey Sponge Cake
Castella cake, a Japanese honey sponge cake, is a classic dessert that has captured the hearts of many worldwide. Its delicate texture, lightly sweet flavor, and honeyed aroma make it the perfect treat for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making a fluffy, moist Castella cake that can be enjoyed with tea or on its own. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake will impress anyone who tries it.
What Is Castella Cake?
Castella, or “Kasutera” as it’s known in Japan, is a traditional sponge cake with a soft, light texture and a mild sweetness. The cake’s history dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries introduced it to Japan. The Japanese adapted the recipe over time, replacing some ingredients to suit local tastes. Today, Castella cake is a beloved treat in Japan, often enjoyed with tea and given as gifts.
The cake’s name, Castella, is derived from the Portuguese word for “castle,” referring to its origins. Castella cake has a rich, honey flavor and is known for its moist and airy texture, which is achieved by carefully beating the eggs and folding the flour into the batter. With only a few ingredients—eggs, sugar, flour, honey, and milk—it’s simple yet incredibly delicious.
Ingredients for Castella Cake
For this Castella cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large eggs: Eggs are the base of the batter, helping create the fluffy texture.
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and contributes to the cake’s lightness.
- ⅔ cup bread flour (sifted): Bread flour helps create the right structure for the cake, contributing to its soft and airy texture.
- 2 tbsp honey: Honey adds sweetness and a subtle floral flavor.
- 2 tbsp warm milk: The milk helps to keep the batter moist and tender.
These simple ingredients come together to create a cake that’s soft, moist, and perfectly sweet. With the right technique, you can make a Castella cake that rivals any you might find in a Japanese bakery.
How to Make Castella Cake
Follow these easy steps to bake a traditional Castella cake that will wow your guests.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C). This temperature will allow the cake to bake slowly, ensuring it doesn’t brown too quickly and remains soft throughout. While the oven is heating, prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This step will help the cake slide out easily once it’s done baking.
Step 2: Beat Eggs & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes pale and thick. The eggs and sugar should form a light, fluffy mixture that leaves a trail when you lift the beaters.
The key to a successful Castella cake is getting this egg mixture to the right consistency. The air incorporated during this step will help give the cake its light texture.
Step 3: Add Honey & Milk
In a separate small bowl, mix the honey and warm milk together until the honey dissolves. Gently fold this honey-milk mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter as you mix, as maintaining the airiness is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Sift the bread flour over the egg mixture in small batches. Use a spatula to gently fold in the flour, being careful to avoid stirring too vigorously. You want to maintain the lightness of the batter while incorporating all the flour. This step is essential for creating a soft, tender cake.
Step 5: Bake
Once the batter is fully mixed, pour it into your prepared loaf pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles that might be trapped in the batter. This ensures a smooth, even texture in the finished cake.
Bake the cake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be springy to the touch and slightly puffed up.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
After baking, let the Castella cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s fully cooled, carefully remove it from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Slice the cake into even pieces, and serve with a hot cup of tea for the perfect pairing.
Enjoy the soft, honey-flavored texture and the subtle sweetness of this beautiful cake. You can also wrap it up to keep it fresh for a few days, though it’s usually best enjoyed on the same day it’s made.
Tips for the Best Castella Cake
Making Castella cake requires a bit of technique, but with the following tips, you can perfect the recipe every time:
1. Use Room Temperature Eggs
For the best results, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you begin. Cold eggs can be harder to beat to the right consistency, which may result in a denser cake. Allow your eggs to sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.
2. Sift the Flour
Sifting the bread flour is important because it helps to remove any lumps and ensures the flour is evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will result in a smoother, fluffier cake.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When folding in the flour or mixing the honey and milk into the egg mixture, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a dense cake. Gentle folding is the key to maintaining the cake’s airy texture.
4. Tap the Pan
After pouring the batter into the pan, tapping it gently on the counter helps remove any air bubbles. This ensures a smooth, even texture without large air pockets in the cake.
5. Use a Loaf Pan
The traditional shape for Castella cake is a loaf pan, which gives the cake its classic rectangular shape. Using this shape will also ensure the cake bakes evenly.
6. Allow the Cake to Cool Completely
Let the cake cool fully before slicing it. Cooling allows the cake to firm up and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Store Castella Cake
Castella cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it for later if needed. After it’s completely cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, though the texture may become slightly denser.
Why You Should Try Castella Cake
Castella cake offers the perfect balance of lightness, sweetness, and flavor. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, yet the result is a sophisticated and delicious cake. Whether you’re looking for a cake to pair with your afternoon tea or a simple dessert to impress guests, Castella cake is a fantastic choice.
The cake’s versatility also makes it a great option for experimenting with flavors. For example, you could add a dash of vanilla extract or experiment with different types of honey for subtle variations on the classic recipe.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour is recommended for Castella cake due to its higher protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour if needed. The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.
2. Can I add other flavors to the Castella cake?
Yes! You can easily experiment with adding flavors like vanilla, matcha, or even citrus zest to the batter. Just be sure not to overdo it, as the subtle honey flavor is key to a traditional Castella cake.
3. Can I make this cake in a different pan?
While a loaf pan is the traditional choice, you can make Castella cake in other types of pans, such as round or square. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the pan size.
4. How can I make Castella cake without honey?
If you’re looking to make a Castella cake without honey, you can replace the honey with an equal amount of sugar or another sweetener. The flavor will be different, but it will still be a soft and delicious cake.
5. Can I freeze Castella cake?
Yes, you can freeze Castella cake. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to a month. Let it thaw before serving.
This Castella cake recipe is a true delight. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to make this classic Japanese honey sponge cake with ease. It’s a perfect treat for tea time or any special occasion!