Taiwanese Castella Cake, also known as “Hanjuku Cake,” is a delightful and airy dessert that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. With its soft, fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor, this cake is a perfect treat for coffee breaks or cozy gatherings. What sets it apart is its unique combination of simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this recipe not just for its taste but for the experience it brings. The process of whipping up a Taiwanese Castella Cake is therapeutic; the gentle folding of the batter, the way it rises in the oven, and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen are all part of the magic. I remember the first time I made this cake; it was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something comforting. As I watched it rise, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Sharing it with friends and family brought joy to their faces, and I knew I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen.
Tips and Tricks
To achieve the perfect Taiwanese Castella Cake, consider these tips:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better emulsification.
2. Sifting: Sift the flour to remove any lumps and to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cake.
3. Water Bath: Baking the cake using a water bath helps maintain moisture and provides even cooking, preventing the top from cracking.
4. Cool Upside Down: Always cool the cake upside down to maintain its fluffy structure.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. The cake can also be baked a day ahead. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors:
1. Matcha Castella Cake: Add matcha powder for an earthy flavor.
2. Chocolate Castella Cake: Mix in cocoa powder for a rich twist.
3. Fruit-Infused: Fold in pureed fruits like mango or strawberry for a fruity twist.
How to Serve
Serve your Taiwanese Castella Cake as a simple dessert or with a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce. Slice it into rectangles for a neat presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this cake with green tea or a light oolong tea to complement its subtle sweetness. For those who prefer a sweeter option, a cup of coffee or a dessert wine, like Moscato, would enhance the flavors beautifully. Slices of seasonal fruit, such as strawberries or kiwi, can also make a lovely side dish.
How to Store
To store leftovers, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For freezing, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Equipment Needed
You will need:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: To whip the egg whites efficiently.
- Baking Pan: An 8-inch round or square pan works well.
- Roasting Pan: For the water bath method.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this cake vegan, substitute eggs with aquafaba (chickpea water) and use almond or soy milk instead of dairy. For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Always check labels to ensure no cross-contamination for allergen-friendly options.
Seasonal Adaptations
During the summer, incorporate fresh berries into the batter for a refreshing flavor. In the fall, consider adding pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a seasonal twist. In winter, a hint of peppermint extract could create a festive cake.
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the flour? Yes, but for best results, use cake flour for a lighter texture.
What if my cake cracks? This may happen due to uneven baking temperatures. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and use a water bath.
How can I make it sweeter? Adjust the sugar to your taste, but do so in small increments to maintain the cake’s texture.
Taiwanese Castella Cake
Taiwanese Castella Cake, also known as “Hanjuku Cake,” is a delightful and airy dessert that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 120g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 60ml (1/4 cup) whole milk, room temperature
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the milk and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined.
- Sift the flour and salt into the mixture and fold gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool upside down for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve as desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 126Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 123mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Taiwanese Castella Cake is a delightful dessert that is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or savoring it alone with a cup of tea, this cake is bound to bring a smile to your face. Embrace the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of this fluffy, sweet treat!
