Castella Cake
### **Ingredients:**
– 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
– 110g sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons honey
– 100g strong flour
### **Preparation:**
1. **Beat Eggs and Sugar:**
– Crack the eggs into a metal bowl and add the sugar.
– Place the bowl over boiling water and beat with an electric mixer at high speed for about 6 minutes. The mixture should increase in volume by about four times.
2. **Incorporate Honey:**
– Add the honey to the egg mixture and continue to beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds.
3. **Add Flour:**
– Sift 1/3 of the flour into the egg mixture and beat slightly on medium speed.
– Repeat this process two more times with the remaining flour, mixing just until the mixture is homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become flat.
4. **Prepare the Mold:**
– Line a mold with parchment paper and pour in the batter.
– Use a skewer to draw a zig-zag pattern in the batter to remove any large air bubbles. This helps achieve an even texture.
5. **Bake the Cake:**
– Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the cake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is nicely browned.
– Lower the temperature to 170°C (338°F) and cover the cake with a sheet of absorbent paper. Continue baking for about 55 minutes. Test with a skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
6. **Cool the Cake:**
– Remove the cake from the mold and immediately cover it with plastic wrap.
– Flip the cake onto a flat plate, place it in a plastic bag while still hot, and let it sit for 12 hours. This will help the cake develop a fluffy texture.
7. **Serve:**
– Before serving, trim the sides of the cake for a clean look.
– Enjoy with tea or coffee and a spoonful of Chantilly cream for added decadence.
Enjoy your Castella Cake!