Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, where tradition meets simplicity. These airy cakes are perfect for any occasion—whether as a sweet treat during tea time or a charming dessert at gatherings. The standout quality of the Chinese Egg Cake lies in its texture: a crispy exterior gives way to an incredibly fluffy center, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious cakes.
- Light and Fluffy: The careful whipping of eggs creates an airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea parties, celebrations, or simply enjoying at home.
- Subtle Sweetness: The use of castor sugar ensures just the right level of sweetness without being overpowering.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute dessert option.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Chinese Egg Cakes, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving the light and fluffy texture by whipping air into the eggs.
- Sifter: Helps incorporate flour smoothly into the batter, preventing lumps.
- Muffin tin: Creates uniform cake shapes that are easy to serve.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your own delightful Chinese Egg Cakes:
For the Cake Batter
- 2 middle-size eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ c)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 5 grams oil (olive oil or other vegetable oil, roughly ¾ tsp)
- Warm water as needed (optional, for speeding up the whipping process, especially on colder days)
How to Make Chinese Egg Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Set Up Your Mixing Bowl
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of this container. This setup helps maintain warmth while mixing, which is especially helpful on colder days.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In the mixing bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar. Beat them together at high speed for about 12 to 15 minutes until they become light and fluffy. You’ll know you’ve reached the ribbon stage when the mixture flows smoothly from your whisk.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually sift in cake flour. Use a spatula to gently fold it in, ensuring not to deflate the airy mixture you’ve created.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil. Stir gently until it blends well with the batter.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Ensure all 12 cups are covered.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Tin
Pour in batter; fill each cup of the muffin tin with your prepared batter. Be careful not to overfill them.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on your oven rack. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before savoring your delicious Chinese Egg Cakes!
With this recipe, you’ll create an enchanting treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack any time of the day. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Sliced Mango: The sweetness of mango adds a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the cake.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for extra flavor.
Drizzled with Syrup
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness without overpowering the cake.
- Maple Syrup: For a richer taste, serve with warm maple syrup that complements the egg cake beautifully.
Paired with Tea
- Green Tea: The earthy notes of green tea balance the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Chai Tea: A spiced chai offers warmth and depth, making it an excellent pairing option.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the light and fluffy texture characteristic of Chinese Egg Cakes, follow these essential tips.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the eggs whip better, resulting in a fluffier batter.
- Whip Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure you beat the egg and sugar mixture until it reaches the ribbon stage for optimal volume.
- Fold Gently: When incorporating flour, fold delicately to maintain airiness in your batter.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cakes; they should have a golden top but remain moist inside.
- Experiment with Flavors: Adding vanilla extract or citrus zest can enhance the flavor profile of your cakes.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cake can create a more balanced meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture.
- Matcha Latte: This creamy beverage offers a healthy twist while complementing the cake’s flavors.
- Savory Scones: Lightly salted scones can provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the egg cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well and adds richness to your dessert table.
- Nut Mixes: Roasted nuts add crunch and are perfect for nibbling alongside your sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Egg Cakes, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can affect the whipping process. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal fluffiness.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense cakes instead of fluffy ones. Gently fold in the flour to maintain airiness.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can yield uneven results. Preheat your oven before starting to bake.
- Skipping the water bath: Using a water bath helps maintain moisture and regulate temperature, leading to better texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on bake time can be misleading. Check for a golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; be careful not to overheat, or they may become rubbery.
- Stovetop: Place a non-stick pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Chinese Egg Cakes:
What is Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a light and fluffy dessert made primarily from eggs, sugar, and cake flour, offering a delightful texture and subtle sweetness.
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, while castor sugar is recommended for its fine texture, you can substitute with granulated sugar if needed. Just ensure it dissolves well during mixing.
How do I know when my Chinese Egg Cake is done?
Your cake is done when it has risen beautifully and turned golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla extract or even fold in some fruits or chocolate chips for added variety.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Their airy texture makes them perfect for tea time or as an indulgent treat any day. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors to make them uniquely yours!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this Chinese Egg Cake, a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. This airy treat features a crispy exterior that gives way to an extraordinarily fluffy center, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether enjoyed during tea time or at festive gatherings, each bite is a heavenly experience. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this quick and easy dessert that will surely impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 2 middle-size eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 5 grams oil (olive or vegetable oil, roughly ¾ tsp)
- Warm water as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Set up a water bath by filling a container halfway with water and placing your mixing bowl on top.
- In the mixing bowl, beat together eggs and castor sugar at high speed for 12-15 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Gradually sift in cake flour, folding gently to maintain airiness.
- Add oil and stir gently until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners, then fill each cup with batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop (45g)
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
