Description
This Chinese Egg Cake recipe yields light, fluffy, and subtly sweet mini cakes that are perfect for tea time or as a delicate dessert. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, cake flour, and sugar, this traditional treat is baked gently in a water bath to achieve a tender texture and golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 2 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
Dry Ingredients
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
Others
- 5 grams oil (¾ tsp, olive or vegetable)
- Warm water as needed (for water bath)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your batter is ready.
- Prepare Water Bath: Set up a water bath by placing a mixing bowl over a container filled halfway with warm water; this gentle heating helps to beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: Combine eggs and castor sugar in the bowl and beat vigorously for about 12-15 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which will give the cake its light texture.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually sift in the cake flour and gently fold it into the egg mixture to avoid deflating the batter, ensuring a smooth and airy consistency.
- Add Oil: Add the oil to the batter and mix until well integrated to provide moisture and a tender crumb in the final cake.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Bake the cakes for 15-20 minutes until they rise and turn golden brown on top, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool slightly in the pan before removing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature before beating for better volume.
- Use a gentle folding technique when adding flour to maintain batter airiness.
- The water bath helps create a controlled, gentle heat for the batter during mixing; not used during baking.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.
- Store leftover cakes in an airtight container to keep them soft.
