Caramel Castella from Tous les Jours features a soft, fluffy sponge cake infused with rich caramel flavor and a golden-brown caramelized top, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, buttery taste.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking parchment paper
- 8-inch square or rectangular cake pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Using room temperature eggs and unsalted butter ensures better incorporation into the batter, creating the soft, fluffy texture characteristic of Caramel Castella. Sifting the cake flour with baking powder and salt helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, promoting a light and tender crumb. Whole milk adds moisture and richness, enhancing the cake's buttery and caramel flavor profile. Precise measurement of sugar and water is crucial for achieving the caramelized top without burning. You can recreate the delightful Caramel Castella from Tous les Jours at home with this copycat recipe, capturing the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden-brown caramel flavor.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the cake pan with parchment paper.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add milk and heat until warm (do not boil). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Separate egg whites and yolks.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while beating, until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, whisking to fully incorporate after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and water, mixing gently.
- Fold sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture gently using a spatula, in two additions.
- Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture, folding gently until batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour batter into the lined cake pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and immediately brush the top with remaining melted butter for a caramelized shine.
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Slice and serve when completely cooled.
Substitution
When making a Caramel Castella from Tous les Jours copycat, you can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour by replacing 1 tablespoon per cup with cornstarch to maintain its soft texture. If unsalted butter is unavailable, use salted butter but reduce added salt slightly to balance the flavor. Whole milk can be swapped with any milk with at least 2% fat content to preserve moisture and richness. Your choice of vanilla extract can be replaced with vanilla bean paste for a more intense aroma or vanilla powder in case of liquid restrictions. If you lack an 8-inch pan, a similar-sized round or square pan can work, but adjust baking time to prevent over- or under-baking.
Tips
To achieve the perfect soft and fluffy texture in your Caramel Castella, ensure egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks with sugar fully dissolved before folding in other ingredients. When folding the sifted flour mixture and warm milk-butter blend, use gentle motions to maintain the airiness of the batter. Avoid letting the milk and butter mixture boil to prevent texture issues, and tap the cake pan gently before baking to release trapped air bubbles. After baking, brush the top immediately with melted butter for that signature caramelized glaze that enhances both flavor and appearance.
Nutritions
Caramel Castella from Tous les Jours offers a moderate nutritional profile, with calories primarily derived from eggs, butter, and sugar, contributing protein, fats, and carbohydrates respectively. The whole milk and butter add beneficial fats, while the cake flour provides carbohydrates necessary for energy. You can expect this soft sponge cake to have a balanced energy boost with some micronutrients from eggs like vitamin A and B12. Due to its sugar content, it's best enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your Caramel Castella in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its soft, fluffy sponge texture and prevent it from drying out. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the cake to become dense and lose its melt-in-your-mouth quality. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month, thawing at room temperature before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the caramel flavor by incorporating a tablespoon of homemade caramel sauce into the batter before folding in the flour mixture. Substitute whole milk with coconut milk to add a subtle tropical richness, complementing the buttery notes. For a lighter texture, try folding in whipped egg whites gently after combining all ingredients, which can help achieve an even fluffier sponge. Using browned butter instead of regular melted butter creates a deeper, nutty caramel aroma that intensifies the cake's flavor profile.
Allergies
Caramel Castella contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and butter, which are dairy products that can cause reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The cake flour may contain gluten, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dessert or seek an allergen-free alternative.
Why this recipe?
The Caramel Castella from Tous les Jours stands out for its fluffy texture combined with a rich, buttery caramel flavor that melts in your mouth. This dessert balances sweetness and mild bitterness from the caramel, creating a unique taste experience that appeals to caramel lovers. People appreciate its moistness and lightness, making it a perfect companion to coffee or tea during any time of day. Trying to make a copycat version lets you enjoy this delightful treat at home while customizing sweetness levels to suit your personal preference.