Mini Chinese sponge cakes are soft, light, and mildly sweet treats that many enjoy with tea or as a quick snack. They use simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and a bit of custard powder or cornstarch to create a delicate texture. These cakes are easy to make and perfect for anyone wanting a tasty, homemade bakery-style dessert.
The recipe brings a nostalgic feeling for those who remember old-fashioned Chinese bakeries while offering something simple enough for home cooks to try. They come wrapped in paper in bakeries, making them a charming and fun treat to enjoy.
Making mini Chinese sponge cakes is about mixing the right ingredients and folding the batter gently, so it stays airy and soft. This recipe makes it possible to enjoy a light, sweet cake anytime, without needing special tools or ingredients.
Mini Chinese Sponge Cakes Recipe
Mini Chinese sponge cakes are light, fluffy, and mildly sweet treats. They need just a few simple ingredients and careful steps to turn out soft and airy. Small baking details help create the perfect texture every time.
Traditional Ingredients
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, custard powder (or cornstarch), and baking powder. These combine to make the cakes soft and tender.
Eggs give the cakes their rise and structure. Typically, four large eggs are used for a balance of fluffiness and moisture.
Sugar sweetens the batter, and sometimes a little oil or melted butter is added for richness.
Here’s a basic list:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup custard powder or cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
These ingredients create the classic light and slightly bouncy texture. Custard powder or cornstarch helps keep it tender.
Step-By-Step Preparation
First, separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
Next, add oil or melted butter to the yolks and mix well.
Sift together flour, custard powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
Gently fold these dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, careful not to overmix.
Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This adds air and makes the cake fluffy.
Fold the egg whites into the batter slowly and in batches. Keep the batter light and airy.
Pour the batter into small paper cups or molds and fill about 3/4 full.
Baking Tips For Perfect Texture
Use a moderate oven temperature around 320°F (160°C) to avoid browning or drying out.
Bake the cakes for 12–15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Don’t open the oven door frequently during baking, as this steals heat and can cause the cakes to shrink.
Allow the cakes to cool slightly before removing from the molds. This keeps them from breaking.
Paper wrappers help the cakes hold moisture and create a soft crust, like traditional bakery versions.
Using fresh eggs and fine sifted flour also improves the fluffiness.
Serving And Presentation Ideas
Mini Chinese sponge cakes look best when arranged thoughtfully and paired with the right drinks. The way they are displayed can make them more inviting. Choosing suitable beverages enhances the tasting experience.
Cute Mini Cake Arrangements
They can be arranged in small stacks or circles on pretty plates. Using cupcake liners with bright colors or patterns adds charm. Placing a few fresh fruit slices like kiwi or strawberries around the cakes creates a fresh look.
You can also serve them on tiered stands to save space and add an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small drizzle of honey on top makes them look even more appealing.
Pairing With Beverages
Mini Chinese sponge cakes go well with light drinks. Green or jasmine tea complements their soft, airy texture without overpowering the flavor.
Milk tea or a mild coffee can also pair nicely. These drinks add a creamy contrast to the light cakes. Cold or warm drinks both work depending on the season.
Keeping the beverages simple and mild will balance the sweetness of the cakes well.
Storing And Enjoying Mini Chinese Sponge Cakes
Mini Chinese sponge cakes stay soft and tasty only if stored and handled properly. Keeping them fresh involves knowing the right container and temperature. Warming them up before eating brings back their soft texture and light flavor.
Best Storage Methods
Mini Chinese sponge cakes keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents the cakes from drying out or becoming hard. They can be stored this way for about two days.
For longer storage, freezing is a good option. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. This stops freezer burn and helps keep the texture when thawed. Cakes can be frozen for up to one month.
If refrigerated, place the cakes in a sealed container to avoid absorbing fridge odors. However, refrigeration may dry them out faster than freezing or room temperature storage.
Reheating For Freshness
To make the cakes soft again, gently warm them before eating. Using a microwave, heat each cake for about 10 seconds on medium power. This softens the cake without cooking it further.
Alternatively, warming in a low oven (about 150°C or 300°F) for 5 minutes also works well. Cover the cakes with foil to avoid drying out during reheating.
Avoid overheating, as it can make the cakes tough or dry. Warming just enough helps bring back their soft, spongy texture.
