Matcha Castella Cake (Japanese Sponge Cake)

5 from 4 votes
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50 minutes
Servings 14 slices
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This easy Matcha Castella Cake is soft, fluffy, and full of gentle matcha flavor. Mix the batter until airy, bake slowly, and enjoy a light, perfectly balanced Japanese sponge cake!

Looking for more easy cake recipes? Try my Plain Castella or Banana Cake!

2 slices of matcha castella on a plate

Featured Comment

From Diane: “This cake has to be my favorite! It even beats all my chocolate varieties!”

Why You Will Love This Recipe 

  • This matcha castella cake is incredibly soft, airy, and full of gentle flavor!
  • It’s a simple one-bowl recipe that comes together easily.
  • With just six ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make this delicious cake at home.

Castella

Castella is a popular traditional Japanese sponge cake known for its moist and fluffy texture, rectangular shape, and beautiful brown top. It is made with simple ingredients such as eggs, sugar, flour, and honey. The batter is beaten for a long time to create a fluffy texture, then baked slowly.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Matcha Castella Cake:

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Matcha castella cake ingredients.
  • Matcha Powder: Choose culinary-grade matcha, perfect for lattes and desserts. Check the label, as some matcha powders may contain added sugar.
  • Flour: You can use all-purpose, cake, or rice flour (for a gluten-free option). Cake flour gives the softest and finest texture, which is why I use it in this recipe.
  • Sugar: Any type of sugar works well. For a deeper and richer flavor, try kurozato (Japanese black sugar).
  • Honey: The key ingredient that gives Castella its soft, moist texture, along with an elegant aroma.

How To Make Matcha Castella Cake: STEP BY STEP 

Here’s a quick visual guide! Check the recipe card below for the video and full details!

How to make matcha castella.

Step 1

Blend egg, sugar, and honey using a hand mixer.

How to make matcha castella.

Step 2

Add flour and matcha powder and stir until smooth.

How to make matcha castella.

Step 3

Pour the cake batter into the cake pan and bake.

How to make matcha castella.

Step 4

Wrap the cake with plastic wrap and rest.

2 slices of matcha castella on a plate

It’s time to enjoy this delicious matcha cake! Slice it and enjoy this fluffy cake with your favorite tea!

Recipe Tips

  • Bring eggs to room temperature: Room-temperature eggs mix more easily with other ingredients, helping the batter blend smoothly and rise evenly.
  • Let it rest for the best texture: You can enjoy the cake right away, but letting it rest for about half a day makes it even more moist and flavorful.
  • For an extra-fluffy texture: If you prefer a chiffon-like softness, separate the egg whites and yolks and beat them separately before combining.
  • Pan options: You can use a loaf pan, a square pan, or any similar-sized oven dish. If your pan size differs, adjust the baking time as needed.

Storage

many slices of Japanese castella cake in a container

Slice the cake and store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, warm a slice gently in the microwave. It’ll be just as soft and fluffy as freshly baked!

Variations

Replace the matcha powder to create a variety of delicious variations!

  • Chocolate Castella
  • Strawberry Castella
  • Sweet Potato Castella
  • Plain Castella (Discard matcha powder)
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many slices of matcha castella on an oval plate

More Matcha Recipes You Will Love

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this Matcha Castella Cake! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

Matcha Castella Cake (Japanese Sponge Cake)

5 from 4 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
Author: Juri Austin
This easy Matcha Castella Cake is soft, fluffy, and full of gentle matcha flavor. Mix the batter until airy, bake slowly, and enjoy a light, perfectly balanced Japanese sponge cake!
a slice of matcha castella on a plate with a folk

Equipment

  • Cake pan 15×15 cm (6×6 inches), or loaf pan
  • Hand mixer, or stand mixer
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Eggs
  • 5 Tbsp Sugar, 70g
  • Tbsp Honey, 30g
  • 2 Tbsp Water, 30g
  • ½ cup + 2 Tbsp Flour, 100g
  • 1 Tbsp Matcha Powder, 10g

Instructions
 

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a square cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whip Eggs: In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Place the bowl over a tray of hot water (or use a double boiler) and whip with a hand mixer on high speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes thick.
  3. Make the Batter: In a small bowl, mix honey and water. Add this to the egg mixture and whisk on low speed until combined. Sift the flour and matcha powder over the mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula until just incorporated.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and continue baking at 160°C (320°F) for 25 minutes.
  5. Wrap & Rest: Let the cake cool slightly, then remove the parchment paper. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, turn it upside down, and let it rest for a few hours before slicing.
  6. Serve: Remove the wrap, slice the cake, and enjoy its soft, fluffy texture!

Notes

  • Storage: It will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and one month in the freezer.
  • Bring eggs to room temperature: Room-temperature eggs mix more easily with other ingredients, helping the batter blend smoothly and rise evenly.
  • Let it rest for the best texture: You can enjoy the cake right away, but letting it rest for about half a day makes it even more moist and flavorful.
  • For an extra-fluffy texture: If you prefer a chiffon-like softness, separate the egg whites and yolks and beat them separately before combining.
  • Pan options: You can use a loaf pan, a square pan, or any similar-sized oven dish. If your pan size differs, adjust the baking time as needed.
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Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2.1g

This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: castella cake, matcha desserts

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Juri Austin

Hi! I’m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. I’m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Let’s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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