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 just desserts; they transform any moment into a celebration, whether shared during tea time or enjoyed as a sweet treat. With their golden exterior and fluffy interior, each bite offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for anyone to whip up these delicious cakes.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Achieved through the careful whipping of eggs, creating a unique airy delight.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions like family gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a snack.
- Mildly Sweet Flavor: The subtle sweetness from castor sugar complements the eggy richness without overwhelming your palate.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of only 30 minutes, you can enjoy homemade cakes in no time.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Chinese Egg Cakes efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of necessary equipment to help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Spatula
- Sifter
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly and ensuring proper mixing.
- Muffin tin: Helps shape the cakes perfectly while ensuring even baking.
- Spatula: Ideal for folding in the flour gently without deflating the egg mixture.
- Electric mixer: Provides consistent speed and power for achieving fluffy egg mixtures effortlessly.
Ingredients
For this delightful Chinese Egg Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake Mixture
- 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 oil or other vegetable oil, roughly ¾ teaspoon)
- 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 Chinese Egg Cakes bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.
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 method helps maintain warmth while you whip 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 it’s ready when the mixture flows smoothly like ribbons.
Step 4: Fold in Cake Flour
Gradually sift in the cake flour. Gently fold it into the mixture using a spatula to maintain airiness.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring until it is 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 properly.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour in the batter carefully, filling each cup of the muffin tin evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on an oven rack. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before savoring your delightful Chinese Egg Cakes!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their light and fluffy texture makes them a versatile option for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a vibrant color and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
- Citrus Segments: Oranges or mandarins offer a refreshing contrast with their juiciness, enhancing the overall experience.
As Tea Time Treats
- Accompanied by Tea: Pair your Chinese Egg Cake with a warm cup of jasmine tea for an authentic experience.
- Served with Milk: A glass of cold milk balances the sweetness and adds creaminess to each bite.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top creates an indulgent treat without overpowering the egg cake’s delicate flavor.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider infusing whipped cream with vanilla or matcha for an exciting twist.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Simple Presentation: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness while enhancing the visual appeal.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mini Dessert Sampling: Serve alongside other small desserts like mochi or fruit tarts for a delightful dessert spread.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the best results when making Chinese Egg Cakes, follow these helpful tips that ensure a fluffy and delicious outcome.
- Beat Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure you whip the eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage; this is crucial for achieving that airy texture.
- Sift Cake Flour: Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making it easier to fold into the egg mixture without deflating it.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients at room temperature blend better, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix After Adding Flour: Gently folding in the flour prevents gluten development, which keeps your cakes light and tender.
- Check Oven Temperature: Accurate oven temperatures are key; use an oven thermometer if necessary to prevent baking issues.
- Cool Before Serving: Allowing the cakes to cool slightly before serving enhances their flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Green Tea Ice Cream: This creamy dessert offers a subtle bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of egg cakes.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
- Sweet Red Bean Paste: This traditional accompaniment adds unique flavor and texture, complementing the cake’s fluffiness.
- Coconut Sticky Rice: The chewy texture of sticky rice pairs well, creating an interesting contrast to the soft egg cake.
- Sesame Balls (Jian Dui): These crispy treats add crunchiness and nutty flavors that make for an exciting pairing.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: A floral tea that refreshes your palate while enjoying dessert, perfect alongside sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chinese Egg Cakes can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin their delicate texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs don’t whip as well, leading to denser cakes. Always use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can deflate the air you’ve whipped into the eggs. Gently fold the flour in until just combined.
- Skipping the water bath: Not using a water bath when mixing can lead to uneven whipping. This step helps maintain a consistent temperature for better volume.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects the rise of your cakes. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different; relying on exact times might not yield perfect results. Keep an eye on your cakes and check for that golden top.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing their quality.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently so they don’t become rubbery.
- Stovetop: Place a non-stick pan over low heat and cover it while warming for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a fluffy dessert made primarily from eggs and sugar, resulting in a light and airy texture that is both delightful and satisfying.
How do I achieve the perfect fluffiness in my Chinese Egg Cake?
To achieve fluffiness, it’s crucial to whip the eggs and sugar until they reach the ribbon stage. This ensures maximum air incorporation.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or fold in fruits or chocolate chips to tailor your cake to your taste.
Is it possible to make a larger batch of Chinese Egg Cakes?
Yes! Simply double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the same method, ensuring you have enough space in your oven for all the cakes.
What are some serving suggestions for Chinese Egg Cake?
These cakes pair wonderfully with tea or coffee, and you can serve them plain or with toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not only delightful treats but also incredibly versatile. Their light texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s tea time or a sweet snack. Feel free to customize these cakes with your favorite flavors and enjoy the warmth of homemade baking!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe. This airy, fluffy dessert is a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, transforming any moment into a celebration. With its golden exterior and light texture, each bite is a heavenly experience that will impress your guests. Ideal for tea time or as a sweet snack, these mini cakes are easy to whip up in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon)
- 5 grams oil (about ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Create a warm water bath by filling a container halfway with hot water and placing your mixing bowl on top.
- In the mixing bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar; beat at high speed until fluffy and smooth, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Gently sift in cake flour and fold in using a spatula to maintain airiness.
- Add oil and blend until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and evenly pour in the batter.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until tops are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
