Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, perfect for various occasions. These cakes are not only visually appealing but also offer a unique blend of textures and flavors. Their crispy exterior and fluffy center make them an ideal treat for tea time or any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting homemade dessert, these Chinese Egg Cakes will transform your baking experience into something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious cakes in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea parties, birthdays, or just as a sweet snack, these cakes fit any occasion.
- Light and Fluffy: The airy texture makes each bite a delight, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Subtle Sweetness: Made with castor sugar, they offer just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
- Impressive Presentation: Their golden tops and uniform shape look beautiful on any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Chinese Egg Cakes, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Container for water bath
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl ensures stability while whipping eggs to achieve that fluffy texture.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating eggs and sugar to the right consistency.
- Muffin tin: Allows for consistent cake shapes that bake evenly.
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, 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 the cakes bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 2: Set Up a Water Bath
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of the container. This technique 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 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 the cake flour, gently folding it into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped eggs; this is key for achieving fluffiness.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring gently until it is well blended with the batter. This adds moisture without compromising texture.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, making sure to cover all 12 cups. This prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour in batter; fill each cup of the muffin tin evenly with the batter. This helps ensure that all cakes bake uniformly.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on the rack of your oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until you notice that their tops have turned a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Cakes
Savor your freshly baked Chinese Egg Cakes! They are best enjoyed warm but can be stored for later indulgence.
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a snack, dessert, or part of a meal, there are plenty of creative serving options.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Banana Slices: Add banana slices for natural sweetness that complements the cake’s texture.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Light Topping: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the lightness of the Chinese Egg Cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for extra flavor.
As Part of a Tea Time Spread
- Tea Pairing: Enjoy with green tea or jasmine tea to highlight the delicate flavors of the cake.
- Other Treats: Include cookies or pastries for a delightful assortment during afternoon tea.
Dusted with Icing Sugar
- Simple Elegance: A light dusting of icing sugar adds visual appeal and an extra hint of sweetness.
- Presentation Tip: Use a fine sieve for even distribution over the cake.
Served Warm
- Freshly Baked: Enjoy your Chinese Egg Cakes warm right out of the oven for the best texture.
- Reheating Advice: If stored, gently reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
Achieving the perfect Chinese Egg Cake requires attention to detail and some simple techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Whip Eggs Well: Beat until fluffy and pale; this is key to achieving that airy texture.
- Sift Flour Properly: Sifting helps eliminate lumps and incorporates air into the flour, enhancing fluffiness.
- Gentle Folding Technique: Carefully fold ingredients together rather than stirring aggressively to maintain airiness.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cakes; remove them when they are golden brown and spring back when touched.
- Cool on a Rack: Allow cakes to cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with Chinese Egg Cakes can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of complementary sides that work well together.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: A creamy treat that balances sweetness with its slightly bitter flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your plate.
- Sesame Cookies: Crunchy and nutty, these cookies provide an interesting textural contrast.
- Sweetened Red Bean Paste: A traditional pairing that offers a sweet, earthy flavor alongside the light cake.
- Almond Jelly: This soft dessert has a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the egg cake’s sweetness.
- Steamed Dumplings: Savory dumplings can create an enjoyable balance between sweet and savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Egg Cakes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping Room Temperature Eggs – Using cold eggs can affect how well they whip. Always bring your eggs to room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the Batter – Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to dense cakes. Gently fold the flour in until just combined for a light texture.
- Inaccurate Measurements – Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cake’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed for accuracy.
- Not Checking doneness – Opening the oven door too soon can affect rising. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time using a toothpick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Place cooled cakes in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one piece at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making or enjoying Chinese Egg Cakes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
What is a Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a delightful dessert known for its light and airy texture, made primarily with eggs and sugar, creating a fluffy delight.
How can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or fold in fruit puree for a twist on the original recipe.
Can I make Chinese Egg Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
What are some serving suggestions for Chinese Egg Cake?
Enjoy these cakes plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Is there a gluten-free option for Chinese Egg Cake?
To make it gluten-free, substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in cakes.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Their fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make them perfect as is, but feel free to customize them with flavors or toppings that you love. Whether enjoyed by themselves during tea time or as part of a festive celebration, these cakes are sure to impress!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Chinese Egg Cake, a fluffy and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior and airy center, this traditional dessert is sure to impress guests at tea parties or serve as a sweet snack at home. Made with simple ingredients, Chinese Egg Cake offers a subtle sweetness that appeals to all ages. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or paired with fresh fruits and whipped cream, this cake will brighten up your day.
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 as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Set up a water bath by filling a container halfway with water and placing your mixing bowl on top.
- In the mixing bowl, whip together eggs and castor sugar until light and fluffy (about 12-15 minutes).
- Gradually sift in the cake flour, gently folding it into the egg mixture.
- Stir in the oil until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and evenly fill each cup with batter.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Enjoy warm or store for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
