Fluffy 5-Ingredient Japanese Castella Cake – A Timeless Classic

Summary

Experience the light, airy texture of a traditional Japanese Castella Cake—a fluffy, moist sponge cake that’s both simple and elegant. With origins tracing back to the 16th century, when Portuguese merchants introduced the recipe to Japan, Castella has since become a beloved classic. Known for its golden-brown top, honey-kissed sweetness, and soft crumb, this cake is perfect with a cup of tea or as a light dessert. Mastering this timeless cake is easier than you think, requiring just five simple ingredients and a bit of patience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: Approx. 210 per slice

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup bread flour (sifted)
• 4 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp warm water

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Hand or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Toothpick or skewer

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Ingredients:

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
2. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the edges for easy removal.
3. In a small bowl, mix the honey with warm water until fully dissolved. Set aside.

2. Make the Egg Mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and granulated sugar.
2. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 8-10 minutes, until it triples in volume and becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cake’s airy texture.

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:

1. Sift the bread flour into the egg mixture in three parts, folding gently with a rubber spatula after each addition. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
2. Pour in the honey-water mixture and fold until fully combined.

4. Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
2. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and Serve:

1. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately cover the top with parchment paper to maintain moisture.
2. Invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
3. Once cooled, trim the edges for a cleaner look and slice into even pieces.

Recipe Variations

• Matcha Castella: Add 1 tbsp matcha powder to the flour for a green tea twist.
• Chocolate Castella: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder with the flour for a chocolate version.
• Brown Sugar Castella: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Honey-Free Option: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different flavor profile.