The first step in making Castella is preparing your baking tin. Traditionally, a square or rectangular tin is used, often around 8 inches by 8 inches or 9 inches by 9 inches. Make sure to line the tin with parchment paper on all sides, allowing the paper to overhang slightly, which will help you easily remove the cake after baking.
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and place a shallow pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. This creates a gentle steam effect that helps the cake bake slowly and evenly, maintaining its softness.
Step 2: Make the Honey Syrup
In a small bowl, combine the honey and water. Heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop just until the honey dissolves into the water. Stir well and set aside. This honey syrup will be used later to brush on top of the cake to keep it moist and add flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until they become light and fluffy and have doubled in volume. This step is crucial for achieving the airy, soft texture of the Castella cake, so take your time.
While mixing, gradually add the sugar in three parts, allowing the sugar to dissolve fully into the eggs. Once the mixture is pale and smooth, add the honey and vanilla extract (if using). Beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour. Gradually fold the sifted flour into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter. The goal is to mix the flour into the batter without losing the airiness you’ve worked hard to achieve.
Once the flour is fully incorporated, add the melted butter and warm water to the batter. Mix them in gently until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Tap the tin on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. This helps ensure that the cake rises evenly and doesn’t have holes in it.
Place the cake tin in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will have a slight jiggle but should be set when touched lightly.
Tip: If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 5: Cooling the Cake
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the tin using the overhanging parchment paper. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Brush with Honey Syrup
Once the cake has cooled completely, use a pastry brush to gently coat the top of the cake with the honey syrup you prepared earlier. This adds a lovely shine and extra flavor to the cake. Allow the syrup to soak into the cake, which will keep it moist.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Castella cake is ready, it’s time to slice and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into even slices. Castella is often enjoyed in small, square pieces, but feel free to cut it however you prefer.
Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the delicate sweetness and light, airy texture that makes Castella so special. The cake should be soft, with a slightly spongy, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Tips for Perfect Castella Cake:
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help them whip up better and create a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding the flour into the egg mixture. Overmixing will deflate the batter, affecting the texture.
- Steam Baking: The shallow pan of hot water in the oven helps to bake the cake gently, which is why it’s important to include this step.
- Let the Cake Rest: Castella cake improves in flavor and texture after resting for a few hours, or even overnight. If you can, let it sit covered in a cool place before serving.
- Variation: You can experiment with flavorings by adding matcha powder, cocoa powder, or even a bit of lemon zest to the batter for unique twists.
Why This Castella Cake is Worth the Effort:
The gentle sweetness, honey undertones, and light, airy texture of Castella cake make it a timeless treat. This exclusive and detailed recipe ensures that each step is carefully explained to help you achieve the perfect cake. With its delicate crumb and moist interior, Castella is a delightful dessert that transports you straight to Japan with every bite.
This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a piece of history, one that has been cherished for centuries and continues to be adored by people all over the world. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, mastering Castella cake will leave you with a sense of pride and a perfect dessert to share with loved ones.
Enjoy your slice of Castella cake, and remember—good things come to those who wait!