Discover how to make the ultimate fluffy Castella sponge cake at home — light, airy, and gently sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This beloved Japanese treat is simpler to bake than you might think!

---

🌸 A Cloud-Like Cake with Centuries of History

If your dream dessert is something soft, subtly sweet, and delightfully light, look no further than Castella sponge cake (also known as Kasutera).

Born from the fusion of Japanese tradition and Portuguese influence, Castella has become a treasured classic across Japan. With its honey-kissed flavor, delicate crumb, and iconic golden top, this sponge cake is as elegant as it is irresistible.

But what makes it even more appealing? It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples — no butter, no oil, and no leavening agents needed. Perfect for bakers of all levels.

---

🍰 Why You’ll Love This Castella Cake

✅ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Pillow-soft and perfectly moist
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Only 5 simple staples required
✅ Naturally Sweet – Sweetened with honey, not sugar overload
✅ Stays Fresh Longer – Moisture-locking texture means it lasts days
✅ Perfect with Tea or Coffee – A gentle treat for any time of day
✅ Elegant Yet Effortless – Looks fancy, feels fancy, but so easy to bake

---

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 10 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup cake flour (or AP flour sifted three times)

• 2 tbsp honey (or light corn syrup)

• ½ tsp cream of tartar (optional but helps volume)

---

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

Step 2: Whip Eggs & Sugar

In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, and cream of tartar (if using). Beat on high speed for 8–10 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and triples in volume. You should see a ribbon-like trail when the whisk is lifted.

Step 3: Fold in Honey

Add honey and gently fold with a spatula until fully incorporated — don’t overmix.

Step 4: Sift in Flour

Sift the flour in three batches, folding gently after each one to preserve the airy texture.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap gently on the counter to remove large air bubbles.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back lightly when touched.

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Then lift it out using the parchment and slice with a serrated knife.

---

💡 Pro Tips for Castella Success

• Use Room-Temp Eggs – They whip better and hold air more efficiently.

• Don’t Skip the Sifting – Triple-sifting the flour keeps the texture light.

• Avoid Oven Peeking – Opening the door early can cause your cake to deflate.

• Store Properly – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

---

🍯 Delicious Variations to Try

• Matcha Castella – Add 1–2 tbsp matcha powder for a green tea twist

• Chocolate Castella – Replace 2–3 tbsp flour with cocoa powder

• Citrus Zest – Add orange or lemon zest for a refreshing aroma

• Honey Glaze – Brush the top with warm honey after baking

• Layer It Up – Slice in half and add whipped cream or jam between layers

---

❓FAQ: Your Castella Questions Answered

Can I use a different pan?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time — thinner pans may cook faster.

Is this gluten-free?
Not by default. Use a gluten-free flour blend and verify ingredients if needed.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Why did my cake sink?
Most often caused by under-whipped eggs or opening the oven too early.

---

📈 Why This Recipe Performs Well Online

This post is designed to succeed on Google and Pinterest with:

• Targeted keywords like Japanese sponge cake, fluffy castella recipe

• Scannable steps for maximum readability

• Engaging visuals and clear formatting

• Perfect natural breaks for AdSense placements

• High-potential content for repeat traffic and email signups

---

✅ Final Thoughts

Castella Sponge Cake is one of those rare desserts that feels both timeless and refreshing. It's beautifully simple, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress anyone you share it with.

Once you try a homemade slice — soft, golden, and infused with gentle honey sweetness — you might just make it your signature cake.

---

👇 Want More Japanese-Inspired Desserts?
Sign up for our free newsletter to receive weekly recipes, exclusive printables, and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!