Taiwanese Castella Cake Recipe | Emojoie

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious Taiwanese Castella Cake, a fluffy and moist dessert that is sure to impress. Following these step-by-step instructions will help ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready.

Ingredients

• For an 18 cm square cake pan:
  • 100g cake flour or all-purpose flour
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 100g milk
  • 6 egg yolks
  • Vanilla extract (to taste)
  • 6 egg whites
  • 100g sugar

Equipment

• 18 cm square cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Hot water bath setup (baking dish filled with hot water)

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Preheating is crucial for baking success, so ensure your oven reaches this temperature before placing your cake inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

Mix Egg Yolks and Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, melted unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Incorporate Flour

1. Gradually add the cake flour to the egg yolk mixture.
2. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.

Step 4: Make the Meringue

Beat Egg Whites

1. In a separate bowl, add the egg whites.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

1. Gently fold the meringue into the batter in three additions.
2. Use a rubber spatula to carefully incorporate the meringue, ensuring you don’t deflate the mixture.

Step 6: Prepare the Cake Pan

1. Line the bottom of the cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Step 7: Create a Hot Water Bath

1. Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish.
2. Fill the larger dish with hot water, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This creates a moist environment for baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

1. Carefully place the setup in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 60 minutes for the 18 cm square cake, or adjust time as needed for different pan sizes:
   • 15 cm square or 18 cm round: 50-55 minutes
   • 18 cm pound cake pan: 30-35 minutes
   • 20 cm square cake pan: 65-70 minutes
3. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven.
2. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made a Taiwanese Castella Cake. Remember, the key to a fluffy cake lies in making a firm but not overmixed meringue and avoiding overmixing the batter. Enjoy your cake plain, or serve it with whipped cream or fruits for a delightful treat. Happy baking!