MINI CASTELLA CAKE

Mini Castella Cake – A Sweet Bite of Japanese Delight

Mini Castella Cakes are a delightful treat that hails from Japan, known for their delicate sweetness and soft, sponge-like texture. These mini cakes are the perfect size to enjoy as a snack or dessert. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for a new and charming dessert to add to your repertoire, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and learn how to create these dainty and delicious Mini Castella Cakes.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Mini Castella Cakes:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a square or rectangular baking pan, approximately 8×8 inches, with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Mix Eggs and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on high speed for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color.
4. Add Liquid Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the honey, whole milk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   • Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg and sugar mixture in two or three additions, being careful not to overmix. Fold until just combined.
6. Add Liquid Ingredients:
   • Pour the liquid ingredients into the batter and fold them in until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
7. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Slice and Serve:

9. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely.
10. Slice:
    • Once the cake has cooled, slice it into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles.
11. Dust (Optional):
    • If desired, dust the Mini Castella Cakes with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy Your Mini Castella Cakes:

These Mini Castella Cakes are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. They are also great as a sweet addition to your bento box or as a snack for a picnic. The soft, sweet, and slightly honey-flavored sponge cake is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the charming streets of Japan.

Cook’s Notes:

• Honey Note: You can use any mild-flavored honey, but if you want a more pronounced honey flavor, consider using a fragrant honey variety like acacia or orange blossom honey.
• Storage: Store any leftover Mini Castella Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them.

Mini Castella Cakes are a delightful representation of Japanese dessert craftsmanship. These dainty cakes are not only adorable but also incredibly delicious, making them a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, put on your apron and let’s explore the sweet world of Japanese confectionery by creating these Mini Castella Cakes.