If you love soft and airy cakes, this Castella Cake will quickly become your favorite. Known for its fine, delicate crumb and slightly bouncy texture, this Japanese-style sponge cake is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
It’s lightly sweet, buttery, and perfectly moist—ideal for tea time or a light dessert.
Ingredients
4 large eggs (room temperature)
75 g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
75 g unsalted butter
60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
70 g (1/3 cup) sugar
Step-by-Step Method 👩🍳
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 150–160°C (300–320°F).
Line a square or loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure the sides are covered.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Milk
In a small saucepan or microwave, gently heat:
Butter and milk
Stir until butter melts completely.
Let it cool slightly, then add vanilla extract.
Step 3: Separate Eggs
Separate egg yolks and egg whites into two clean bowls.
Step 4: Make Egg Yolk Batter
Add yolks into the butter-milk mixture and whisk well.
Then sift in flour and mix until smooth with no lumps.
Step 5: Whip Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
👉 The meringue should be soft and slightly glossy—not stiff.
Step 6: Combine Batter
Add a portion of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture and mix gently.
Then fold in the remaining egg whites in 2–3 parts using a spatula.
👉 Fold carefully to keep the batter airy.
Step 7: Pour and Tap
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Tap the pan lightly to remove air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake Slowly
Bake for 45–55 minutes at low temperature.
👉 Castella cake needs slow baking for its signature texture.
Step 9: Cool Properly
Once baked, remove from oven and drop the pan gently once to prevent shrinking.
Let it cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Castella ✨
Use room temperature eggs
Do not overwhip egg whites
Fold gently to keep air in batter
Bake at low temperature
Line pan properly for easy removal
Serving Ideas 🍽️
Serve plain with tea or coffee ☕
Dust with powdered sugar
Add honey or syrup for extra sweetness
Enjoy chilled for a different texture
FAQ
Why is my cake not fluffy
Egg whites may not have been whipped properly or batter was overmixed
Why bake at low temperature
This ensures even cooking and soft texture
Can I use cake flour
Yes, it will make the cake even softer
How to store
Room temperature 2 days
Fridge up to 5 days
Final Thoughts ❤️
This Castella Cake is soft, delicate, and beautifully light. With its melt-in-the-mouth texture and simple ingredients, it’s a perfect homemade treat that feels both elegant and comforting.
