Castella (카스테라) is a soft, fluffy, and light sponge cake that is popular in Korean bakeries. Known for its delicate sweetness and airy texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Made without butter, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional sponge cakes while still delivering that rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re using a rice cooker or an oven, this recipe will help you create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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6 egg yolks
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75 grams (1/3 cup) of sugar
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50 grams (3 tablespoons) of honey or corn syrup
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5 grams (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract
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150 grams (1 cup) of cake flour*
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6 egg whites
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75 grams (1/3 cup) of sugar
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20 grams (4 teaspoons) of oil
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40 grams (8 teaspoons) of milk
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Unsalted butter or oil to coat the pan
*If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by using 1 cup of all-purpose flour and removing 2 tablespoons of it, replacing with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Directions
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In a large bowl, whip the egg yolks until frothy. Add the 75 grams of sugar and continue whipping until the mixture falls in a ribbon when you lift the whisk. Add the honey (or corn syrup) and vanilla extract, mixing briefly until everything is combined.
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Sift the cake flour at least once, or more if you have extra time. Gently fold the sifted flour into the egg yolk mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
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In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 75 grams of sugar in three parts while continuing to whip the egg whites. Whip until medium peaks form, meaning the peaks should stand for about 5 seconds before gently folding over.
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Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk and flour mixture in three parts. Use a spatula to fold the batter, being careful not to deflate it.
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Once the meringue is fully incorporated, quickly fold in the oil and milk. Again, mix gently but thoroughly.
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If you are using an oven, preheat it to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a water bath. If you are using a rice cooker, you can skip this step.
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Coat the rice cooker pot or baking pan with unsalted butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drop the pan gently a few times on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
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Rice Cooker Method: Set your rice cooker to the Multi-cook (만능찜) setting for 45 minutes or use the Cook (취사) setting for two cycles.
Oven Method: Bake the cake in the water bath for about 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Storage and Serving Tips:
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Once the cake is cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, it can last for up to 5 days.
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For a freshly baked feel, microwave a slice for 5–10 seconds before serving, or let it come to room temperature.
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To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
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Coffee-flavored Castella: For a richer, more grown-up version, add 1-2 tablespoons of espresso powder to the batter. This will give the cake a wonderful coffee flavor while keeping the light, fluffy texture intact.
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Whipped Cream Filling: If you want a sweeter version, slice the cooled cake in half and fill it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or fruit jam.
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Make sure your egg whites and bowl are completely free from oil or egg yolk. This will help the meringue achieve stiff peaks. You can use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the bowl and whisk if needed.
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If your cake collapses after baking, it’s usually due to overmixing or underwhipping the meringue. Be gentle while folding the meringue into the batter to preserve the airy texture.
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If you want the cake to be even lighter, avoid overmixing. Folding is the key to maintaining the air bubbles in the batter.
Conclusion
This Castella recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a light, fluffy, and delicious sponge cake. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you prefer the traditional method of baking in a rice cooker or the more conventional oven method, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its soft texture and subtle sweetness, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!
