Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate castella cake! This delightfully soft and fluffy cake hails from Japan, where it’s adored for its light texture and rich chocolate flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. I first tried it at a cozy little café, and I was hooked instantly. It’s such a simple recipe, yet it delivers so much joy! Trust me, once you make this chocolate castella cake, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful chocolate castella cake, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for the best volume!)
- 120g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder (the good stuff for that rich chocolate flavor!)
- 60ml milk
- 40ml vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (trust me, it elevates the flavors!)
Having everything prepped and measured out before you start will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s get ready to bake this magic!
How to Prepare Chocolate Castella Cake
Now, let’s dive into making this heavenly chocolate castella cake! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise, the results will be worth every moment. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). This step is crucial because a well-heated oven ensures even baking and that perfect fluffy texture.
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Ingredients
While your oven is warming up, let’s get that batter ready! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 120g of granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This is where the magic happens—fluffy eggs mean a light cake! Don’t forget, using room temperature eggs is key here; they whip up better and give your cake that amazing lift.
Next, sift the 100g of all-purpose flour and 30g of cocoa powder together. Then gently fold this dry mix into your fluffy egg mixture, being careful not to deflate all that air you just incorporated. Finally, add in the 60ml of milk, 40ml of vegetable oil, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, and you’re ready to pour!
Baking and Cooling
Grab your lined baking pan and pour the batter in, smoothing it out evenly. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Once it’s done, resist the urge to slice right away! Let your cake cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential—it helps the cake set properly and makes slicing a breeze. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you get that first melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This chocolate castella cake is not only delicious, but it also has some pretty reasonable nutritional values. Each slice (and trust me, you’ll want more than one) contains about 180 calories, with 7g of fat, including 1g of saturated fat. You’ll also get around 4g of protein and 25g of carbohydrates, which includes 12g of sugar. It’s a sweet treat, but it’s also light enough that you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging! Just remember, these values are estimates, so keep that in mind as you enjoy your cake. Happy baking and eating!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect chocolate castella cake might seem daunting, but with a few handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking success! Here are some pointers to ensure your cake turns out fluffy and delicious every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can deflate the air you’ve whipped into the eggs, resulting in a denser cake.
- Oven Thermometer: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An inconsistent temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test! If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan initially, then transfer it to a wire rack. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures a nice crust.
- Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Enjoy it within a few days for the best taste!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a chocolate castella cake pro in no time! Happy baking!
Variations of Chocolate Castella Cake
Once you’ve mastered the classic chocolate castella cake, why not play around with some fun variations? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Matcha Twist: Substitute a portion of the cocoa powder with matcha powder for a beautiful green tea flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. They give a lovely crunch!
- Fruit Infusion: Add in some pureed fruits like bananas or applesauce for a moist cake with a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra chocolatey goodness in every bite.
These variations will keep your chocolate castella cake exciting and delicious every time you bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to adore this chocolate castella cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The cake is incredibly soft and fluffy, making every bite feel like a little cloud of chocolate bliss.
- Rich chocolate flavor: With cocoa powder as a star ingredient, you get that deep, rich chocolate taste that’s utterly satisfying.
- Simple preparation: The steps are straightforward, so you don’t need to be a baking expert to create something amazing!
- Quick to whip up: In just about 50 minutes, you can have this beauty ready to impress friends and family.
- Versatile serving options: Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with whipped cream and berries, it’s delicious either way!
- Perfect for any occasion: From casual get-togethers to special celebrations, this cake fits right in.
Trust me, once you bake this chocolate castella cake, it’ll become a beloved recipe you return to time and time again! Enjoy every moment of baking and indulging!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your chocolate castella cake, the options are as delightful as the cake itself! I love pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra creaminess. You could also add a handful of fresh berries—like strawberries or raspberries—for a pop of color and a tangy contrast. Another delicious idea is to drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for a chocolate lover’s dream. Enjoy it however you like, and watch it disappear in no time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate castella cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key! Once your cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out and maintain its soft, fluffy texture. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or if you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about a week.
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be a challenge!), and you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the cake. Just slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take a slice out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Print
Chocolate Castella Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and fluffy chocolate castella cake that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 120g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 60ml milk
- 40ml vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Sift flour and cocoa powder together, then fold into the egg mixture.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing gently.
- Pour the batter into a lined baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Can be served with whipped cream or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chocolate castella cake
