Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, perfect for any occasion. These cakes are not just desserts; they are a unique blend of tradition and simplicity. The crispy golden exterior and airy fluffy center create an experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether served during tea time or as a special treat, these cakes invite you to savor each moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious cakes.
- Fluffy Texture: The careful whipping of eggs ensures a light and airy cake that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea time, celebrations, or even a sweet snack at home.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only requires basic pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone.
- Delightful Sweetness: The use of castor sugar adds a gentle sweetness that perfectly balances the flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Chinese Egg Cakes, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture by beating eggs and sugar effectively.
- Sifter: Ensures that the flour is aerated, contributing to a lighter cake.
- Spatula: Ideal for gently folding flour into the egg mixture without deflating it.
Ingredients
To create delightful Chinese Egg Cakes, gather 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 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. This setup helps maintain warmth while whipping the egg mixture.
Step 3: Beat 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 from your whisk.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually sift in the cake flour. Gently fold it into the mixture using a spatula to avoid deflating the fluffy batter.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring until it’s well blended with the batter.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring that all 12 cups are covered.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour the batter into each cup of the muffin tin until they are about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Bake Cakes
Position the muffin tin on the rack in your oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until you notice their tops have turned a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Allow your Chinese Egg Cakes to cool slightly before savoring them warm. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their light, airy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet snack or a dessert after a meal.
With Tea
- Classic Pairing: Enjoy your Chinese Egg Cake with a warm cup of tea. The gentle flavors of green or jasmine tea complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
As a Snack
- On-the-Go: Perfectly portable, these cakes make an ideal snack for busy days. Pack them for work or school for a delightful treat anytime.
At Celebrations
- Festive Treats: Serve these cakes at celebrations like birthdays or festivals. Their unique taste can add a special touch to any festive table.
With Fresh Fruits
- Fruit Toppings: Enhance the experience by serving slices of Chinese Egg Cake with fresh fruits such as strawberries or peaches. The fruit adds freshness and color to your plate.
With Whipped Cream
- Decadent Addition: For those who enjoy rich flavors, a dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate your Chinese Egg Cake to an indulgent dessert.
As Breakfast
- Morning Delight: Enjoy these cakes as part of a delightful breakfast. Pair them with yogurt and honey for a balanced start to your day.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the best results with your Chinese Egg Cake, follow these helpful tips that ensure every bite is perfect.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature whip better, creating more volume and fluffiness in your cake.
- Sift Flour Carefully: Sifting the flour helps avoid lumps and ensures an even texture throughout your batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently folding the flour into the egg mixture prevents deflating the air you’ve whipped in, which keeps the cake light.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on your oven’s temperature; baking too hot can scorch the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done; insert it into the center and if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Cool Properly: Letting them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them helps maintain their shape and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cake can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some great options that complement this delicious treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Honey Yogurt Dip: A creamy honey yogurt serves as a lovely accompaniment, providing richness.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned steamed green beans offer crunch and contrast against the soft cake.
- Coconut Milk Pudding: A subtly sweet pudding provides another layer of flavor that pairs well with egg cakes.
- Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing iced green tea is perfect for cleansing your palate between bites.
- Mini Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls provide savory contrast, making for an exciting flavor combination.
- Sesame Balls: These sweet treats filled with red bean paste add another layer of traditional flavor alongside your cake.
- Matcha Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy matcha ice cream brings earthy notes that harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the egg cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chinese Egg Cakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect egg temperature: Using cold eggs can hinder the whipping process. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
- Skipping the ribbon stage: Failing to beat the eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage can lead to dense cakes. Take your time and whip until light and fluffy.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing after adding flour can deflate your mixture. Gently fold in the flour to maintain fluffiness.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in unevenly baked cakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before starting.
- Wrong baking time: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your cakes. Keep an eye on them, and once they’re golden, take them out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them inside a freezer-safe bag; they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chinese Egg Cake.
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.
How do I achieve perfect fluffiness in Chinese Egg Cake?
To achieve fluffiness, beat eggs and sugar thoroughly until they reach a ribbon stage before folding in the flour gently.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes! You can add flavors like vanilla or lemon zest, or even incorporate chocolate chips for a twist.
How do I know when my Chinese Egg Cakes are done?
Your cakes are done when they have turned golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not just desserts; they embody warmth and comfort with each bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various flavors or serve them as tea-time treats. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a moment of indulgence with these delightful cakes!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Chinese Egg Cake, a traditional treat that balances simplicity with exquisite taste. With a crispy golden exterior and a light, fluffy center, these mini cakes are perfect for any occasion—from tea time to festive celebrations. This easy recipe uses basic pantry staples, ensuring that you can whip up this comforting dessert anytime. Each bite is a sweet reminder of cherished moments, inviting you to savor the joy of homemade treats.
Ingredients
- 2 middle-size 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).
- Set up a mixing bowl over a half-filled container of warm water to keep it warm.
- In the mixing bowl, beat the eggs and castor sugar at high speed until light and fluffy, about 12-15 minutes.
- Gradually sift in the cake flour and gently fold it into the egg mixture using a spatula.
- Add oil and mix until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 114
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
