Easy Castella Cupcakes 🧁✨
So soft, they melt in your mouth! These delicate Japanese-inspired cupcakes are subtly sweet, incredibly fluffy, and perfect with tea or as a light dessert.
Ingredients (Makes 10-12 cupcakes)
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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80g sugar (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
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50ml warm milk (3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
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40ml neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
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70g cake flour (½ cup, sifted or all-purpose flour + 1 tbsp cornstarch)
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1 tsp vanilla extract (or honey for authenticity)
Optional:
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange for brightness
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a cupcake pan with parchment liners (no greasing needed).
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Warm milk to lukewarm (not hot) to help with texture.
2. Whip Eggs & Sugar
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In a heatproof bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together.
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Place the bowl over a double boiler (simmering water bath), whisking constantly for 2-3 mins until mixture is warm (about 100°F/38°C).
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Remove from heat and beat with a mixer on high for 5-6 mins until pale, thick, and ribbon-like (when lifted, the batter should leave a trail that holds for 3 seconds).
3. Fold in Dry & Wet Ingredients
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Sift flour into the egg mixture in 2 batches, gently folding with a spatula (don’t deflate!).
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Combine warm milk, oil, and vanilla, then drizzle into the batter while folding (mix just until combined).
4. Bake
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Pour batter into liners, filling ¾ full.
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Bake for 18-20 mins until tops are golden and spring back when touched.
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Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and let cupcakes sit for 5 mins (prevents collapse).
5. Cool & Serve
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (they’ll deflate slightly—that’s normal!).
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Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain.
Pro Tips for Success
✅ Room-temperature eggs whip better for maximum fluffiness.
✅ No overmixing! Fold gently to keep the air in the batter.
✅ Low-and-slow baking ensures even, tender crumbs.
Why You’ll Love These
🍃 Light as air with a delicate sweetness.
☕ Perfect with matcha or black tea.
👶 Kid-friendly—no heavy butter or frosting!
Enjoy your cloud-like treats! Let me know if you try them. 😊
Variation: Add 1 tbsp matcha powder to the flour for green tea Castella cupcakes! 🍵
