🛒 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 cup (120g) cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
1 tbsp cornstarch (helps make the cake extra soft)
1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
2 tbsp honey (gives that signature golden color)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
🧁 Equipment Needed
A loaf pan or square pan (8×8 inch)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Sieve
Baking paper
Large pot with lid (if steaming) OR oven
⭐ Version 1: Traditional Baked Castella Cake
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line your pan fully with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Warm the Milk
Mix warm milk + honey until dissolved.
Set aside.
3. Beat the Eggs
In a large bowl, add eggs and sugar.
Beat using a mixer for 7–10 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
It should form ribbons when lifted.
4. Add the Milk Mixture
Slowly pour the warm honey-milk mixture into the whipped eggs.
Mix gently with a spatula.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, cornstarch, and salt twice.
Add in 3 batches to the egg mixture.
Fold very gently to avoid losing air.
6. Pour & Remove Bubbles
Pour batter into the lined pan.
Tap lightly to remove large bubbles.
Use a toothpick to pop air pockets.
7. Bake
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–45 minutes, until golden and springy.
8. Cool Properly
Remove from pan immediately while warm.
Peel off the paper.
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and let it rest overnight for moisture.
This resting step makes the cake extra soft and honey-flavored.
⭐ Version 2: NO OVEN — Stovetop/Steamed Castella Cake
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Steamer
Boil water in a large pot.
Place a steaming rack.
2. Pour Batter in Lined Pan
Same batter method as above.
3. Steam
Steam on medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes.
Do not open lid for the first 20 minutes.
Check with a toothpick — it should come out clean.
4. Cool
Remove from steamer, peel paper, wrap, and rest overnight.
🍯 Tips for the Best Castella Cake
✔ Use room temperature eggs
✔ Don’t overmix after adding flour
✔ Steam or bake on gentle/low heat
✔ Wrap while warm for extra moisture
✔ Chill overnight for the smoothest texture
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