Jake Sternquist
Its not imprinted in my DNA, but my appreciation of desserts is practically genetic.
Often, the dessert spread involvedScotcheroos, her signatureSnickerdoodles, orPuppy Chow(true to our Midwest roots!
What Is Castella Cake?
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Castella Cake is a Japanese honey sponge cake that was brought to Asia by Portuguese missionaries in the mid-1500s.
A Japanese Castella Cake recipe is what we have for you below.
Taiwanese Castella Cake recipes also exist and differ due to their souffle-like nature and ingredient list.
Credit:Grant Webster
Its also baked in a water bath.
Its also a show-stopper every time I share it with pals.
In baked goods, the syrup helps to retain moisture.
Credit:Grant Webster
If you find your cake is too dry, drizzle with a little extra honey or sugar syrup.
Dont worry, its not too toughit just involves a couple extra steps beyond the usual mix-dump-bake strategy.
Grease an 8 1/2x4 1/2-inch loaf pan and line bottom and all sides with parchment paper.
Credit:Grant Webster
Sprinkle sanding sugar evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan; set aside.
Fill a clean spray bottle with water.
Make Honey Syrup
In a small bowl whisk together honey, water, and salt.
Credit:Grant Webster
Add honey mixture to the batter and beat on low speed just until combined, about 30 seconds.
Pour Into Pan
Remove bowl of batter from mixer.
Using a spatula, scrape sides of mixing bowl and fold mixture a few times.
Credit:Grant Webster
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Swirl Batter
Place pan in oven and set a timer for 2 minutes.
Working quickly once the timer goes off, spritz the top of the cake with water two times.
Credit:Grant Webster
Close oven door and set the timer for another 2 minutes.
Repeat this process three more times.
Bake
Continue baking cake about 30 minutes more or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
Credit:Grant Webster
Cake will appear wrinkly on top if over baked.
Remove pan from oven and carefully drop the pan onto the countertop twice to release any trapped steam.
Invert cake onto a silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper; do not remove parchment paper.
Credit:Grant Webster
Let cool fully, about 1 hour.
To serve, unwrap cake and discard parchment paper.
Slice cake crosswise into 3/4-inch thick slices.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
