Delightfully Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake: A Sweet Treat to Brighten Your Day

Chinese egg cake, also known as “Ji Dan Gao” (鸡蛋糕), is a classic, airy dessert that has been enjoyed across generations in China. This delightful cake is known for its soft texture, subtle sweetness, and golden crust. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert. In this unique rendition, we’ll walk you through creating a perfectly fluffy Chinese egg cake that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Eggs: 2 medium-sized (preferably room temperature)
• Cake Flour: 60 g (sifted for a smoother texture)
• Castor Sugar: 40 g
• Neutral Oil: 5 g (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• Water: 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). If using a traditional bamboo steamer, boil water in a large pot.
2. Line a small cake tin or steaming container with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Whisk the Eggs

1. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the castor sugar.
2. Using an electric mixer, whisk the eggs and sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and triples in volume. This step is crucial for achieving the cake’s fluffy texture.

3. Combine the Ingredients

1. Gradually sift the cake flour into the egg mixture in three batches. Gently fold each batch with a spatula to maintain the airy structure.
2. In a small bowl, mix the oil and water, then drizzle it into the batter. Fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

4. Pour and Level

1. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, gently tapping it on the counter to remove air bubbles. Level the surface with a spatula.

5. Bake or Steam

1. If baking, place the tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. For steaming, place the tin in the steamer and steam on medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes.

6. Cool and Serve

1. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Slice into wedges or squares and enjoy!

Conclusion

This fluffy Chinese egg cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With its light texture and subtly sweet flavor, it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or share it with loved ones, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Happy baking!