Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe. Perfect for various occasions, these cakes are not just a dessert; they embody a unique blend of tradition and simplicity. With their lightly crisp exterior and airy center, each bite is an experience to savor. Whether served during tea time or as a sweet treat, these Chinese Egg Cakes promise to bring warmth and joy into your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
- Deliciously Light Texture: The careful whipping of eggs creates a fluffy center that contrasts beautifully with the delicate outer layer.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these cakes at any time of day—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have fresh cakes ready in no time.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden tops and soft texture make these cakes visually appealing, impressing guests at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Chinese Egg Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure your cakes turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer saves time and energy when whipping eggs to achieve the desired fluffy texture.
- Sifter: Sifting flour ensures there are no lumps in your batter, contributing to a light cake.
- Muffin tin: Using a muffin tin allows for even baking and perfect portion sizes.
Ingredients
For the Chinese Egg 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, 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 step is crucial to ensure 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 the container. This method helps maintain warmth while whipping the eggs.
Step 3: Whip 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 process should take around 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know you’ve reached the ribbon stage when the mixture has a flowing consistency.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually sift in cake flour, gently folding it into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil and stir until well blended with the batter. This adds moisture and richness to your cakes.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring all 12 cups are covered for easy removal after baking.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour in the batter, filling each cup of the muffin tin evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on the oven rack. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Creation
Once baked, let them cool slightly before savoring your delicious Chinese Egg Cakes!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them on their own or as part of a more elaborate spread, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Tea
- Pair your Chinese Egg Cake with a warm cup of tea. The lightness of the cake complements the flavors of green or jasmine tea beautifully.
As a Dessert
- Serve these cakes after dinner for a light dessert option. Their subtle sweetness makes them a perfect finish to any meal.
With Fresh Fruits
- Add slices of fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes alongside your Chinese Egg Cake. This adds a refreshing contrast to the fluffy texture.
With Ice Cream
- Top your egg cakes with a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream. The creamy texture pairs well with the airy cake, creating a delightful dessert duo.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey over the top can add another layer of sweetness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.
As Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy these cakes as part of your breakfast. They can be paired with yogurt or served with a side of warm milk for an indulgent start to your day.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
Perfecting your Chinese Egg Cake requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results every time.
Use room temperature eggs: This helps achieve better volume when whisking, resulting in a fluffier cake.
Whip until ribbon stage: Make sure to beat the egg and sugar mixture until it reaches the ribbon stage; this is crucial for texture.
Sift flour carefully: Sifting cake flour ensures there are no lumps and helps incorporate air into the batter, contributing to its lightness.
Avoid overmixing: Gently fold in the flour and oil to maintain the airiness you’ve achieved during whipping.
Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated; an accurate temperature will help achieve that golden crust without drying out the cake.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
To elevate your enjoyment of Chinese Egg Cakes, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes. Each one complements the delicate flavors of the cake perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness, balancing sweetness with acidity.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy addition that contrasts with the softness of the cake.
Matcha Green Tea: The earthy notes of matcha provide a wonderful pairing that enhances the flavors of your egg cake.
Sweet Red Bean Paste: This traditional accompaniment offers a sweet and nutty flavor that enhances each bite.
Coconut Milk Pudding: The rich creaminess of coconut pudding is an indulgent complement to the lightness of egg cakes.
Sesame Seed Cookies: These crunchy cookies can add texture and flavor variation, making each bite exciting.
Fruit Compote: A warm compote made from berries or stone fruits can be drizzled over egg cakes for added moisture and flavor.
Chai Latte: The spiced flavors of chai provide warmth and depth, perfect for enjoying alongside your Chinese Egg Cake at any time of day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Egg Cakes, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can prevent the mixture from becoming fluffy. Always use room temperature eggs for the best results.
Overmixing the batter: Once you add the flour, gentle folding is key. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes rather than light and airy ones.
Skipping the ribbon stage: Not beating the eggs and sugar enough means you won’t achieve the desired texture. Make sure your mixture reaches a flowing consistency.
Inaccurate measurements: Baking is all about precision. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven heats differently. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at 350°F (180°C) for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C), wrap in foil, and bake for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Chinese Egg Cakes, here are some common questions answered.
What is Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a light and fluffy dessert made primarily from eggs, sugar, and flour, known for its delightful texture and subtle sweetness.
How do I make my Chinese Egg Cake fluffier?
To achieve maximum fluffiness, beat your eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage—this incorporates air into the batter effectively.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract or incorporate fruits such as blueberries or chocolate chips for variety.
How long do Chinese Egg Cakes last?
Homemade Chinese Egg Cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month if wrapped properly.
What should I serve with Chinese Egg Cake?
These cakes are perfect with tea or coffee but can also be enjoyed with whipped cream or fresh fruit as toppings.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not just desserts; they offer a delightful experience that combines simplicity with flavor. With their airy texture and subtle sweetness, they can be enjoyed any time of day. Feel free to customize them to suit your taste preferences!
Chinese Egg Cake
Indulge in the delightful experience of Chinese Egg Cake, a beloved treat known for its light and fluffy texture. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed during tea time or as a sweet snack. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these airy cakes that are sure to impress. The golden tops and soft interiors make them not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Ideal for sharing with loved ones, each bite brings warmth and joy into your home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
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 oil, roughly ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Fill a container halfway with water and place your mixing bowl on top to maintain warmth.
- In the bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar; beat until light and fluffy (12-15 minutes).
- Gradually sift in cake flour, gently folding it into the egg mixture.
- Stir in the oil until blended.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup evenly with batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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