Japanese Castella (Kasutera) is a traditional sponge cake that originated from Portuguese merchants in Japan during the 16th century. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert with a soft, bouncy texture and a subtly sweet flavor. The cake’s delicate crumb and golden-brown top make it a favorite in Japanese tea houses, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of green tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey, mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)