Ingredients
- 6 egg whites
- 6 egg yolks
- 85 g sugar (superfine or caster is ideal)
- 80 ml vegetable oil
- 90 g cake flour or sponge flour
- 70 ml milk
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1: Whip the Meringue
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy.
- Gradually add sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form the meringue should be glossy and stable.
2: Prepare the Batter Base
- Heat the oil for 90 seconds in the microwave or gently on the stove. It should be warm but not boiling.
- Add sifted flour and salt into the warm oil and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the egg yolks and milk, mixing until you have a silky, lump free batter.
3: Fold in the Meringue
- Take one third of the meringue and gently mix it into the batter to loosen it.
- Then, fold in the remaining meringue in two more additions, using a spatula and gentle motions to keep the batter airy.
4: Pour and Tap
- Pour the batter into a parchment lined square or loaf tin (avoid greasing the sides).
- Tap the tin on the counter several times to remove air bubbles that might cause holes during baking.
5: Water Bath Baking
- Place the cake tin inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 60 minutes, or until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out clean.
6: Cool and Slice
- When done, gently bang the tin on the counter a few times to release steam and prevent shrinking.
- Let the cake cool completely in the tin, then transfer to a cutting board and slice with a serrated knife.
This sponge cake shines on its own, but pairing it with the right drink or side can turn it into a complete experience. Light, not overly sweet, and full of bounce, Castella complements a range of beverages and toppings.
Pairing Flavor Profile Why It Works Matcha Latte Earthy and creamy Balances the soft sweetness with rich, roasted green tea Black Coffee Bold and bitter Highlights the subtle sweetness of the sponge cake Whipped Cream and Berries Light, sweet, and tart Adds color and flavor contrast without overwhelming the cake Milk Tea Silky and slightly floral A popular Asian pairing that enhances the cake’s milky notes Fresh Fruit Compote Sweet and