Japanese Castella cake
The Castella sponge cake is also known as Kasutera and, although originally from Portugal, it was brought by missionaries to Japan in the 16th century, becoming a typical dessert of the Asian country.
It stands out for its light and fluffy texture and is made with easy-to-find ingredients, so you can prepare it no matter where you are in the world.
Kasutera cake is usually served in slices and can be eaten alone or with coffee or tea. Do you want to learn how to do it at home? Here you have the recipe.
Ingredients
If you want to make a traditional Castella sponge cake, the ingredients you need for 4 servings are these:
• 3 eggs
• 60 grams of sugar
• 60 grams of wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 4 tablespoons of whole milk (or water)
Preparation of the Castella sponge cake
The preparation of the Japanese Castella cake is simple, but it has its secrets. To get it right, follow these steps:
• To begin, preheat the oven to 160º and form the inside of a rectangular mold with baking paper.
• Separate the white and the yolk of the eggs. You should beat the latter with half the sugar until you notice that they are foamy and pale.
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and add the remaining sugar little by little. When soft peaks form, stop beating.
• Next, add the yolks to the egg whites little by little and mix gently with the help of a spatula.
• It’s time to add the honey and beat. Make sure you always do it in the same direction, as this is essential to ensure that the Castella sponge cake is spongy.
• Add the sifted flour in three parts. Every time you add a portion you must incorporate it into the mixture.
• Add the milk or water and beat with a spatula.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared mold. You can hit the mold with the table to break up any bubbles in the mixture.
• Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check that it is ready by inserting a toothpick and seeing if it comes out clean.
• Salt the mold from the oven and cool it on a rack.
• It is now ready for you to cut into slices and serve.
