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Castella Cake History, Recipe, and Variations
### 🧑🍳 Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Pan**
* Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
* Lightly grease the paper and dust with flour.
* Preheat oven to **160°C (320°F)**.
#### 2. **Mix Honey Water**
* Mix honey with warm water and set aside.
#### 3. **Whip the Eggs**
* In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer on high speed.
* Gradually add sugar while beating.
* Continue until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and triples in volume (about 8–10 minutes).
#### 4. **Incorporate Flour**
* Sift flour again into the egg mixture in thirds.
* Gently fold using a spatula to avoid deflating the batter.
#### 5. **Add Honey**
* Stir the honey-water mixture and gently fold it into the batter until fully combined.
#### 6. **Bake**
* Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
* Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
* Bake for **50–60 minutes**, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean and the top is a deep golden brown.
#### 7. **Finish**
* While still warm, wrap the cake (in its parchment paper) in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
* This resting period helps the flavor and moisture develop fully.
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## 🍵 How to Serve
Traditionally, Castella is sliced into thick rectangular blocks and served with **green tea**. Its gentle sweetness and smooth texture make it a perfect match for slightly bitter or earthy teas.
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## 🍓 Castella Cake Variations
While the classic version is a delight on its own, Castella has inspired many regional and modern twists:
### 1. **Matcha Castella**
* Add 1–2 tablespoons of matcha powder to the flour.
* Offers a vibrant green hue and a slightly bitter, aromatic edge.
### 2. **Chocolate Castella**
* Substitute part of the flour with cocoa powder.
* Some versions include chocolate chips or a chocolate glaze.
### 3. **Brown Sugar Castella**
* Use Okinawan kokuto or dark brown sugar instead of white.
* Adds a rich, molasses-like depth of flavor.
### 4. **Milk or Cheese Castella**
* Some Korean-style variations include milk or cream cheese for a more custard-like crumb.
### 5. **Layered or Filled Castella**
* Modern bakeries sometimes fill Castella with whipped cream, custard, or fruit jam for a more decadent experience.
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## 🧁 Final Thoughts
Castella is a cake of quiet elegance. Its humble appearance belies the care, history, and craftsmanship behind every bite. Whether you bake it in the traditional Nagasaki style or explore bold new flavors, Castella is a delicious bridge between cultures and centuries.
Try this soft, golden slice of history—you might just discover your new favorite sponge cake.
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