1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides to make it easier to remove the cake after baking.
2. Mix the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together on high speed until the mixture is pale, thick, and has tripled in volume. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Condensed Milk:
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the condensed milk, mixing just until incorporated.
4. Incorporate Flour and Salt:
- Sift the all-purpose flour and salt together directly into the egg mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined, ensuring not to deflate the batter.
5. Add Honey Water:
- Mix the honey with warm water until well combined. Gently fold this into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and drop the pan from a height of about 3 inches onto the counter to prevent shrinking. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve:
- Once cooled, peel off the parchment paper. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles as desired. For the best texture, let the cake rest for a few hours or overnight, wrapped in plastic wrap, before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Egg Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to achieve the maximum volume when beaten.
- Gentle Folding: Be gentle when folding in the flour and honey water to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake for doneness after 45 minutes.
- Resting Time: Allowing the cake to rest before serving helps to enhance its flavor and texture.
This Condensed Milk Castella Cake offers a delightful twist on the classic Castella, with its added richness and moist texture. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!