Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, a treat that captures the essence of tradition and simplicity. These cakes are perfect for various occasions, from tea time to festive celebrations. The unique combination of a lightly crisp exterior and an airy interior creates an unforgettable texture that will leave your taste buds wanting more. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these scrumptious delights that bring warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy these cakes as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The careful whipping of eggs ensures a delightful airy center that melts in your mouth.
- Subtle Sweetness: The use of castor sugar offers a gentle sweetness without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 mini cakes in each batch, they’re great for sharing at gatherings or celebrations.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Chinese Egg Cakes, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Proper equipment makes the process smoother and ensures perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: Ensures eggs are whipped quickly and efficiently to achieve the desired fluffiness.
- Spatula: Helps gently fold in flour without deflating the batter, maintaining its light texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 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)
How to Make Chinese Egg Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust on your Chinese Egg Cakes.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mixing Setup
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of the container. This method helps maintain warmth while whipping your mixture.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In the mixing bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar. Beat them together at high speed until light and fluffy. This process should take around 12 to 15 minutes. Look for the ribbon stage where the mixture has a flowing consistency.
Step 4: Fold in Cake Flour
Gradually sift the cake flour into your egg mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring gently until it is well blended into the batter.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring all 12 cups are covered. This step helps with easy removal after baking.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour the batter into each cup of the muffin tin, filling them evenly.
Step 8: Bake Your Cakes
Position the muffin tin on the rack of your oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until you notice their tops have turned a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Savor Your Chinese Egg Cakes!
Once baked, let them cool slightly before enjoying these delightful Chinese Egg Cakes fresh from your oven!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes can be enjoyed in various delightful ways that enhance their flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cakes are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berry Medley: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Sliced Bananas: Add sliced bananas for a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the airy cake.
Accompanied by Tea
- Green Tea: The subtle bitterness of green tea complements the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal pairing.
- Earl Grey: A classic choice, Earl Grey’s floral notes enhance the overall tasting experience.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and balances the lightness of the cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
As a Dessert Platter
- Dessert Board: Arrange slices of Chinese Egg Cake alongside other desserts like mochi and fruit tarts for an impressive dessert spread.
- Mini Cake Bites: Cut the cakes into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the best results with your Chinese Egg Cakes, keep these tips in mind. Each step is crucial to ensure your cakes turn out fluffy and delicious.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature whip better, creating more volume for a fluffier texture.
- Beat Until Ribbon Stage: Ensure you beat the eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage; this will give your cake structure.
- Sift Cake Flour: Sifting flour helps aerate it, which contributes to a lighter cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in the flour to prevent deflating the batter; this preserves its airy consistency.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at 350°F (180°C) for even baking.
- Cool Completely Before Serving: Allow your cakes to cool fully before serving; this helps set their structure and flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cakes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their unique flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Puffed Rice Snacks: Light and crunchy snacks provide a fun texture contrast when enjoyed alongside the soft egg cakes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots offer a healthy counterpoint to the rich cake.
- Sweet Soy Milk: A warm glass of sweet soy milk makes for a comforting drink that pairs well with dessert.
- Coconut Jelly: This light, refreshing dessert enhances your meal’s exotic feel and provides a cool finish after the egg cakes.
- Egg Tarts: For those who love custard flavors, these pastries make an excellent complementary sweet dish.
- Savory Spring Rolls: The crispy texture of spring rolls with savory fillings creates an interesting balance with sweet egg cakes.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: This fragrant tea refreshes your palate between bites of cake while providing an aromatic experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Egg Cakes, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs do not whip well. Always use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- Not beating long enough: Failing to whip the eggs and sugar sufficiently can lead to dense cakes. Make sure to beat until light and fluffy.
- Skipping the sifting step: Sifting flour helps prevent lumps. Always sift cake flour before adding it to your mixture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too vigorously after adding flour can deflate the batter. Fold gently to maintain airiness.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect cakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap individual cakes in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cakes on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a soft, fluffy cake made primarily from eggs, sugar, and cake flour, known for its delightful texture and subtle sweetness.
How long does it take to make Chinese Egg Cake?
The total time required from prep to bake is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes! You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or even incorporate fruits such as berries or citrus zest for variety.
Is Chinese Egg Cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! These cakes are perfect for tea time or celebrations like Chinese New Year due to their light taste and charming appearance.
How can I make my Chinese Egg Cake sweeter?
To enhance sweetness, consider increasing the amount of castor sugar slightly or serving with sweetened whipped cream or fruit compote.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes offer an enticing blend of simplicity and flavor, making them an enjoyable dessert choice. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors easily. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the delightful experience of homemade baking!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Discover the joy of making Chinese Egg Cake, a delightful and fluffy treat that embodies simplicity and tradition. With its airy texture and subtle sweetness, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from tea time to festive gatherings. Made with just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up these mini delights in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or celebrations. Serve them warm, topped with fresh fruits or whipped cream, and savor every bite of this charming dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon)
- 5 grams oil (about ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Fill a container halfway with warm water and place your mixing bowl on top.
- In the mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and castor sugar on high speed until light and fluffy (12-15 minutes).
- Sift the cake flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula.
- Add the oil and stir until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and pour the batter evenly into each cup.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
