Go Back
Bitten slice of Castella cake showing fluffy texture

Easy Castella Cake Recipe | Soft & Fluffy Japanese Sponge Cake

Make Castella cake with this easy recipe. A traditional Japanese sponge cake that’s soft, fluffy, and delicately sweet. Perfect for tea time, desserts, or a light snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Tea Time Treat
Cuisine Japanese-inspired / Portuguese roots
Servings 10 slices

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Fine sieve
  • Loaf pan (rectangular)
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup cake flour (sifted)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp warm milk
  • Optional: 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp matcha powder, or 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Pan & Oven Line loaf pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C).
  • Whip Eggs & Sugar Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and at ribbon stage. This creates the airy structure.
  • Add Honey Mixture Mix honey with warm milk. Fold gently into egg mixture.
  • Incorporate Flour Sift cake flour. Fold in gradually with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  • Bake the Cake Pour batter into pan. Bake low and slow for 50–60 minutes until golden and springy.
  • Cool & Rest Cool upside down or wrap in plastic. Rest overnight for best texture.
Keyword bouncy cake texture, Castella cake recipe, fluffy tea cake, honey sponge loaf, Japanese sponge cake