Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, where tradition meets simplicity in the most delicious way. These airy cakes are perfect for any occasion, from tea time to festive gatherings. The unique combination of a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior makes every bite an unforgettable experience. With their subtle sweetness and comforting flavor, these cakes are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps allow anyone, even beginners, to create these delightful treats without stress.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect as a dessert or snack, they can be enjoyed at any time of day.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: Achieved through careful mixing, the texture is sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever cravings strike.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or as a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable when preparing Chinese Egg Cakes, it’s important to have the right tools on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for whipping eggs and sugar together effectively.
- Muffin tin: This is essential for shaping the cakes uniformly, ensuring they bake evenly.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula helps gently fold ingredients without deflating the batter.
- Electric mixer: This tool simplifies the process of achieving the fluffy texture necessary for a perfect cake.
Ingredients
For the Chinese Egg Cake
- 2 middle-size eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ c)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 5 grams oil (olive oil or other vegetable oil, roughly ¾ tsp)
- Warm water as needed (optional, for speeding up the whipping process, especially on colder days)
How to Make Chinese Egg Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature before baking will help achieve that perfect golden top.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mixing Setup
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of the container. This method creates a gentle heat that helps in whipping eggs effectively.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In the mixing bowl combine eggs and castor sugar. Beat them together at high speed until they become light and fluffy. This process should take around 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know you’ve reached the ribbon stage when the mixture flows smoothly off your whisk.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually sift in the cake flour, gently folding it into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cakes light.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil, stirring until it is well blended with the batter. This step ensures moisture in your cakes.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, covering all 12 cups thoroughly. This prevents sticking and aids in easy removal after baking.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour in the batter; fill each cup of the muffin tin about two-thirds full for even baking.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on an oven rack. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking time!
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once baked, remove from oven, let cool slightly, then savor your delightful Chinese Egg Cakes!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them alone, these cakes offer versatility that enhances their charm.
With Tea
- Pairing with tea creates a perfect afternoon snack. The lightness of the cake complements the rich flavors of different teas.
Topped with Fruits
- Fresh fruits like strawberries or mango slices add a burst of flavor. Simply place some fruit on top for a refreshing twist.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey elevates the sweetness. This not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful glaze to the cake.
Served Warm
- Enjoying the cakes warm from the oven enhances their fluffy texture. Just wait a few minutes after baking for the best experience.
As a Breakfast Treat
- These cakes can be part of your breakfast spread. Serve alongside yogurt for a wholesome start to your day.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- A light dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant presentation. This simple touch can make any occasion feel special.

How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the perfect Chinese Egg Cake, consider these essential tips. They will help you create cakes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps in achieving better volume and fluffiness during mixing.
- Sift flour before adding: Sifting removes lumps and aerates the flour, making it easier to fold into the batter.
- Whip eggs thoroughly: Ensure you beat the eggs until they reach the ribbon stage for optimum fluffiness.
- Avoid overmixing: Gently fold in ingredients to maintain airiness, preventing your cakes from becoming dense.
- Monitor baking time closely: Ovens vary; keep an eye on your cakes to avoid overbaking or underbaking.
- Let them cool slightly before serving: This enhances their texture while still allowing you to enjoy them warm.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
When serving Chinese Egg Cakes, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance their flavor and make for an enjoyable meal. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: The smoothness of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cake’s texture, creating a delightful dessert experience.
- Coconut Pudding: This creamy dessert pairs well with the lightness of egg cakes and adds tropical flair.
- Sesame Balls: These sweet treats add a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the fluffy egg cake.
- Steamed Dumplings: Their savory flavor offers a nice balance against the sweetness of your egg cake.
- Matcha Latte: The earthy flavors of matcha provide an interesting contrast to sweet cakes, making every bite enjoyable.
- Almond Milk Shake: Creamy and nutty, this shake serves as a refreshing drink alongside your dessert.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: A fragrant herbal tea that complements the egg cake’s sweetness while adding floral notes to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chinese Egg Cakes can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Boldly skip the room temperature step: Using cold eggs can prevent the batter from becoming fluffy. Always let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Boldly rush the beating process: Not whipping the eggs and sugar long enough will result in a dense cake. Aim for a light and airy consistency, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Boldly ignore the folding technique: Overmixing after adding flour can deflate the batter. Gently fold in the flour to maintain volume.
- Boldly overlook oven temperature accuracy: Each oven is different, and baking times can vary. Keep an eye on your cakes and use a toothpick to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.
- Boldly skimp on oil: Oil adds moisture and helps with texture. Make sure to include it in your batter for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 15 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm each cake for a few minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chinese Egg Cakes that may help you during your cooking journey.
What is Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a light and fluffy dessert made primarily from eggs, sugar, and flour. It’s known for its airy texture and subtle sweetness.
How do I know if my Chinese Egg Cake is done?
Your cake is ready when its top turns golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or matcha or even fold in fruits or chocolate chips to create unique variations.
Is there a gluten-free version of Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes! You can substitute cake flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, maintaining similar ratios.
How do I serve Chinese Egg Cake?
You can enjoy these cakes plain or dusted with powdered sugar. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes are not just delicious; they offer versatility that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to indulge during tea time or celebrate special events, these cakes are sure to impress. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings!

Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 cakes 1x
Description
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, a traditional treat reimagined for simplicity and flavor. These light, airy cakes boast a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that makes them perfect for any occasion—be it tea time or festive celebrations. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these subtly sweet delights that are sure to impress your loved ones. Their versatility allows them to shine as desserts, snacks, or even breakfast treats. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with fresh fruits and honey, each bite promises an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon)
- 5 grams oil (olive or vegetable oil, roughly ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Fill a container halfway with water and place your mixing bowl on top to create gentle heat.
- In the mixing bowl, beat the eggs and castor sugar at high speed until light and fluffy (12 to 15 minutes).
- Gently sift in the cake flour and fold it into the mixture using a spatula.
- Add the oil and stir until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg