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Fluffy Japanese Castella Sponge Cake

A soft, light, and beautifully sweet sponge cake that is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with tea.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 88

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 large large eggs, at room temperature Use fresh eggs for better volume.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Can be replaced with superfine sugar.
  • 1/4 cup honey May substitute with maple syrup.
  • 2 tablespoons warm water Can use warm milk instead for richer taste.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use almond extract for variation.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Sea salt recommended for cleaner finish.
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour Can be substituted with all-purpose flour plus cornstarch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Put the eggs and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk. Beat on high for 6 to 8 minutes, until the mixture is pale, very frothy, and thick like custard.
  2. Heat the oven to 315°F. Grease an 8×8-inch metal pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving the paper at least 1 inch above the rim.
  3. Stir the honey, warm water, vanilla extract, and salt together in a small bowl.
  4. With the mixer on low, blend the honey mixture into the eggs. Then add the cake flour gradually and stop mixing as soon as it disappears.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap the pan on the counter to release large bubbles. Bake on the center rack for about 45 minutes, until the top is deep brown and puffed.
Cooling and Serving
  1. While the cake is still warm, lift it out by the parchment and peel the paper away. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and let it cool to room temperature while wrapped.
  2. Once cooled, trim the browned edges, cut the cake in half to make two loaves, and slice each loaf into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.

Notes

Store the cake wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 10 days. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.