Print

Castella Sponge Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Castella Sponge Cake is a traditional Japanese honey cake known for its soft, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, flour, and honey, this light and moist cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade Castella cake is easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 cup cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:

  • Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C).
  • Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (do not grease).

2. Whip the Eggs & Sugar:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for 7–10 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.

3. Add the Honey Mixture:

  • Dissolve honey in warm water, then gently mix it into the batter.

4. Fold in the Flour:

  • Sift the cake flour and gradually fold it into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

5. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. Cool & Store:

  • Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  • For the best texture, wrap in plastic wrap and store overnight before serving.

Notes

  • Fluffy Texture Tip: Whip the eggs until they reach the thick ribbon stage for maximum airiness.
  • Avoid Dense Cake: Gently fold in flour without overmixing.
  • For a Smooth Golden Top: Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.