20 Recipe For Japanese Castella Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese castella, also known as kasutera, is a popular and traditional sponge cake that originated in Portugal but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. This soft, fluffy and subtly sweet treat has gained worldwide recognition and is a must-try for anyone who loves desserts. The recipe for Japanese castella may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate this delicious cake at home. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Japanese castella.
Castella Cake, also known as Kasutera, is a Japanese sponge cake that has gained popularity all over the world. This light and fluffy cake is made with simple ingredients, yet it is packed with flavor and has a delicate texture. It is often served with a cup of tea or coffee and is a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Taiwanese Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Cake Flour, Unsalted Butter, Oil, Milk
In Taiwan, Castella Cake is a beloved dessert that can be found in many bakeries and cafes. The Taiwanese version of this cake is slightly different from the traditional Japanese one, as it uses more eggs and less flour, resulting in a richer and denser texture. It is often served with a layer of sweet cream or fresh fruit on top, making it even more indulgent.
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Kasutera Japanese castella cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Flour, Plain Flour, Honey, Mirin
The original version of Castella Cake, also known as Kasutera, is from Nagasaki, Japan. This cake has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when it was introduced by Portuguese merchants. The Japanese have perfected the recipe over the years, making it a staple dessert in their cuisine. It is widely available in Japan and is often served during special occasions.
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Honey Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Eggs, Turbinado Sugar, Mirin, Honey, Cream
Honey adds a unique flavor to Castella Cake and is a common ingredient in many recipes. The sweetness of the honey balances out the subtle flavors of the cake, making it a perfect match. Some recipes even call for a layer of honey to be brushed on top of the cake after it is baked, giving it a glossy and sticky finish.
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Pandan Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Flour, Unsalted Butter, Eggs
Pandan, also known as screwpine, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. Its fragrant and sweet flavor makes it a perfect addition to Castella Cake. The pandan extract is often mixed with the batter, giving the cake a light green color and a delightful aroma. This version of Castella Cake is a must-try for those who love unique and exotic flavors.
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Banana Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Flour, Unsalted Butter, Eggs
Banana is another ingredient that adds a twist to the traditional Castella Cake recipe. The sweetness and moisture of the bananas make the cake more flavorful and moist. Some recipes also call for mashed bananas to be added to the batter, while others use sliced bananas as a topping. Either way, this version of Castella Cake is a favorite among banana lovers.
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Castella Cake – カステラ
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Bread Flour, Granulated Sugar, Honey
Castella Cake, or Kasutera, is known by different names in different countries. In Japan, it is called Kasutera, while in Taiwan, it is known as Castella Cake. Its popularity has even spread to other parts of the world, and it can now be found in many Asian bakeries and cafes. No matter what it is called, one thing is for sure – it is a delicious and beloved dessert.
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Rice Cooker Castella Cake!
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
Did you know that you can make Castella Cake in a rice cooker? It may sound unusual, but many people swear by this method. The rice cooker ensures that the cake is cooked evenly and results in a perfectly moist and fluffy cake. This is a great option for those who do not have an oven or for those who want to try something different.
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Matcha Green Tea Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour, Matcha Green
Matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, is a popular ingredient in Japanese desserts. Its vibrant green color and earthy flavor make it a perfect addition to Castella Cake. This version of the cake not only looks beautiful but also has a unique flavor that is loved by many. It is often served with a dusting of matcha powder on top.
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Matcha Marble Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Bread Flour, Honey, Hot Water, Matcha
If you love matcha, you will love this version of Castella Cake. The marble effect of the green and yellow batter makes it not only delicious but also visually appealing. This cake is perfect for those who want to impress their guests or simply want to indulge in a decadent treat.
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Castella Cake (Japanese Honey Sponge Cake)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Extract
Castella Cake is often referred to as a honey sponge cake due to its use of honey in the batter. The honey not only adds sweetness but also gives the cake its signature light and airy texture. This delicious cake is a staple in many Japanese households, and it is easy to see why – it is simple, yet full of flavor.
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Taiwanese Cream Cheese Castella Cake
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Large Egg, Shell, Cream Cheese, Cooking Oil
For those who want a richer and more decadent version of Castella Cake, look no further than the Taiwanese Cream Cheese Castella Cake. This recipe adds cream cheese into the batter, giving the cake a creamy and tangy flavor. The result is a cake that is moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. This is a must-try for all cream cheese lovers.
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Castella Cake (カステラ, Kasutera) 长崎蛋糕
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Caster Sugar, Honey, Milk, Cake, Bread, Plain
Castella Cake is often referred to as Nagasaki's egg cake due to its origins in the city of Nagasaki, Japan. It is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed by generations and continues to be a popular choice for special occasions. Its simple yet delicious flavor makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
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Old School Taiwanese Castella Cake 台灣古早味蛋糕
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Cake Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated
This version of Castella Cake is a nostalgic treat that takes you back to the old school bakeries in Taiwan. It is made with simple ingredients and has a traditional flavor that is loved by many. The texture is slightly denser and richer than the modern versions, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
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Japanese Castella Cake (Wagashi Sponge Cake)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Warm Water
Wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweets, often use Castella Cake as a base for their desserts. The light and airy texture of the cake make it a perfect canvas for different flavors and toppings. This version of Castella Cake is often served with a layer of sweet red bean paste, giving it a unique and delightful taste.
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Taiwanese Castella
Main Ingredients: Butter, Whole Milk, All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch
The Taiwanese version of Castella Cake has gained popularity all over the world for its unique and delicious flavor. It is often served as a snack or dessert and can be found in many Asian bakeries and cafes. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with its rich and sweet taste, make it a must-try for all dessert lovers.
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Kasutera (Castella)
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Milk, Honey, Bread Flour
Kasutera, the original name for Castella Cake, is a popular dessert in Japan that has been enjoyed for centuries. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the traditional flavor and texture remain intact. It is often served as a gift or souvenir for friends and family, making it a beloved part of Japanese culture.
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Castella (Kasutera) Japanese cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Flour, Mirin, Water, Honey, Matcha Powder
Castella Cake has become synonymous with Japanese cuisine and is often referred to as a Japanese cake. Its delicate texture and subtle flavors make it a beloved dessert not only in Japan but all over the world. It is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the deliciousness of Japanese sweets.
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Japanese Sponge Cake | Castella
Main Ingredients: Condensed Milk, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract
Castella Cake is a type of Japanese sponge cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its simple ingredients, combined with its unique texture and flavor, make it a staple dessert in Japanese cuisine. It is often served with a cup of tea or as a snack, and it is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
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Honey Castella
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour
Honey Castella Cake is a delicious and indulgent treat that is loved by many. The sweetness of the honey and the light and airy texture of the cake make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and toppings, making it a versatile and beloved dessert.
Ingredients for Japanese Castella
The Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for making Japanese castella are eggs, sugar, flour, and honey. The eggs are the star of this recipe, as they provide the light and airy texture that is characteristic of castella. Sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps to stabilize the cake and give it a nice golden color. Flour is used sparingly in this recipe, as the focus is on the eggs. Lastly, honey adds a subtle and unique flavor to the cake, making it stand out from other sponge cakes.
Optional Ingredients
While the above-mentioned ingredients are the main components of Japanese castella, there are a few optional ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor. Some recipes call for mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine, to add a hint of sweetness and depth to the cake. Matcha powder can also be added to give the cake a beautiful green color and a subtle green tea flavor. Additionally, some recipes may use lemon juice or orange zest to balance out the sweetness and add a citrusy note.
Preparing the Batter
To make the perfect Japanese castella, it is important to follow the steps carefully and pay attention to detail. The first step is to beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is a crucial step as it helps to create air pockets in the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake. Next, sift in the flour and gently fold it into the egg mixture. It is important not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough cake. Finally, add in the honey and any optional ingredients, and mix until well combined.
Baking and Serving
Traditionally, Japanese castella is baked in a wooden mold called a mame-kan, which gives it a distinct rectangular shape and a unique pattern on top. However, if you do not have a mame-kan, you can use a regular rectangular baking pan. The key to baking the perfect castella is to bake it slowly at a low temperature, usually around 300°F, for about an hour. This slow and low baking method helps to create a moist and tender cake. Once the cake is baked, let it cool before removing it from the pan and slicing it into thick, even pieces. Japanese castella can be served as a simple yet delicious dessert on its own, or it can be paired with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
In conclusion, making Japanese castella may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be easily recreated at home. The key to this delectable treat is the use of high-quality eggs and the slow and low baking method. So why not try your hand at making this traditional Japanese cake and impress your family and friends with your baking skills?
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