Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. These cakes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile, making them suitable for tea time, celebrations, or as a sweet snack. The magical transformation from batter to cake showcases a beautifully crisp exterior and an ethereal fluffy center, making each bite an experience to savor. With their subtle sweetness, these cakes invite you to enjoy a moment of indulgence that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of eggs and castor sugar creates a subtly sweet taste that appeals to everyone.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cakes at tea time, as a dessert, or even as a light breakfast option.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 mini cakes, they’re perfect for gatherings or sharing with friends and family.
- Adorable Presentation: Their golden tops and fluffy interiors make for an attractive treat that looks great on any table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with the Chinese Egg Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Spatula
- Sifter
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps to combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Muffin tin: This allows even baking and creates perfectly shaped cakes.
- Spatula: Ideal for folding in ingredients gently to maintain the airy texture of the batter.
- Sifter: Ensures that the cake flour is lump-free for a smooth batter.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Chinese Egg Cakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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: Prepare Your Mixing Setup
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of this container. The warm water will create a gentle heat that helps whip the eggs effectively.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In the mixing bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar. Beat them together at high speed until they become light and fluffy. This should take around 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know you’ve reached the ribbon stage when the mixture flows smoothly off your whisk.
Step 4: Fold in the Flour
Gradually sift in the cake flour. Use a spatula to gently fold it into the egg mixture. Be careful not to deflate the air you’ve whipped in.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring until it’s well incorporated into the batter.
Step 6: Line Your Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring all 12 cups are covered properly.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Carefully pour in your batter, filling each cup of the muffin tin about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Bake Your Cakes
Position the muffin tin on the rack of your oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before indulging in your homemade Chinese Egg Cakes!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with various serving suggestions. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pair them with complementary flavors for a unique experience.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Banana Slices: Add sweet banana slices for a delightful contrast to the cake’s airy texture.
With Whipped Cream
- Classic Topping: A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
With Tea or Coffee
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy your Chinese Egg Cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance the flavors.
- Matcha Tea: For a fusion twist, pair it with matcha tea for a vibrant color contrast and unique taste.
As a Dessert Plate
- Mini Dessert Platter: Arrange Chinese Egg Cakes alongside other small desserts like macarons or fruit tarts for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with Mint: A sprig of mint can add a pop of color and freshness to your dessert plate.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
Perfecting your Chinese Egg Cake is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cakes turn out fluffy and delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature whip better, creating more volume and fluffiness in your batter.
- Watch Your Mixing Time: Beat the eggs and sugar until you reach the ribbon stage; this is key for light and airy cakes.
- Sift Flour Thoroughly: Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution in the batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in the flour to maintain the airiness achieved during whipping; overmixing can deflate your batter.
- Check Oven Temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial; consider using an oven thermometer for best results.
- Cool Properly: Allow cakes to cool in the tin briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cake can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement its lightness and sweetness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola provides a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the sponge cake.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: The subtle bitterness of green tea ice cream pairs well with sweet egg cakes, offering a delightful contrast.
- Sesame Balls: These sweet treats add a crunchy texture that complements the soft cake perfectly.
- Chilled Coconut Soup: A light coconut soup can refresh the palate after enjoying rich flavors in dessert.
- Steamed Dumplings: Lightly seasoned dumplings offer savory notes that balance out the sweetness of Chinese Egg Cakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make small errors when baking Chinese Egg Cakes. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
- Skipping room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can prevent the cakes from rising properly. Always use eggs at room temperature for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense cakes instead of light and fluffy ones. Gently fold in the flour and oil to maintain airiness.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can alter cooking times and textures. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the muffin tin inside.
- Ignoring the ribbon stage: If you don’t whip the eggs and sugar to the correct consistency, your cakes may not rise well. Look for a flowing mixture that leaves a ribbon trail.
- Using incorrect measurements: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a scale for precise ingredient amounts, especially with cake flour and sugar.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cakes in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick option; check if warmed properly.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chinese Egg Cakes.
What is a Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a light, fluffy dessert made primarily from eggs, sugar, and cake flour. It has a delicate texture and subtle sweetness.
How do I achieve the perfect fluffiness in my Chinese Egg Cake?
To achieve fluffiness, whip the eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage. This incorporates air into the mixture, helping it rise during baking.
Can I add flavors to my Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes! You can add vanilla extract or citrus zest for extra flavor. Experimenting with extracts can customize your cakes beautifully.
Is there a gluten-free version of Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure it has xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful treats that offer both comfort and nostalgia. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors or enjoy them plain at any time of day. Try this recipe and savor every bite!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 mini cakes 1x
Description
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, where tradition meets simplicity. This charming dessert features a beautifully crisp exterior and an ethereal, fluffy center, making it a perfect treat for any occasion—be it tea time, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack. With its subtle sweetness and airy texture, each bite of these mini cakes invites you to relish a moment of indulgence that feels like home. Easy to make and visually appealing, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
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 (olive or vegetable, roughly ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water (optional, for whipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare a water bath: fill a container halfway with warm water and place a mixing bowl on top.
- In the mixing bowl, whisk eggs and castor sugar together until light and fluffy (12-15 minutes) until reaching the ribbon stage.
- Gently sift in the cake flour and fold into the mixture carefully to maintain volume.
- Add oil and mix until incorporated.
- Line muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake (45g)
- Calories: 136
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 36mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
