Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake

Introduction

Light, airy, and subtly sweet, Chinese Egg Cake (Ji Dan Gao) is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood bakeries and family gatherings. Unlike dense Western-style cakes, this traditional Chinese sponge cake is made without butter or baking powder, relying solely on whipped eggs to achieve its signature fluffy texture. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a delicate sweetness and a rich eggy aroma.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it as an afternoon snack, or adding it to a dessert spread, this simple yet satisfying cake is bound to impress. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, you can easily recreate this beloved classic in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore Chinese Egg Cake:

• Incredibly Fluffy – The whipped eggs give this cake a wonderfully airy texture.
• Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples like eggs, sugar, and flour.
• No Butter or Oil – A healthier alternative to butter-based cakes.
• Naturally Sweet – Just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
• Authentic and Nostalgic – A true taste of traditional Chinese bakeries.
• Perfect with Tea – Enjoy with a cup of jasmine or oolong tea for a delightful pairing.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just patience in whipping the eggs correctly.
• Great for All Occasions – Serve it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert.
• Versatile – Can be baked in a cake pan, muffin tin, or even steamed!
• Kid-Friendly – Soft and not overly sweet, making it great for little ones.

Preparation and Cook Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Calories per slice: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake:

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 120g (1 cup) cake flour (sifted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra aroma)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp milk or water (optional, for extra moisture)

Ingredient Highlights

• Eggs – The star ingredient! Whipping them properly is key to achieving the fluffy texture.
• Cake Flour – Has a lower protein content, resulting in a softer cake.
• Sugar – Provides just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the delicate egg flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Optional, but adds a lovely aromatic touch.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Separate the Eggs (Optional) – Traditional recipes use whole eggs, but you can separate them for an even fluffier cake. If separating, whip the egg whites first, then fold in the yolks.
3. Whip the Eggs and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and triples in volume.
4. Add Vanilla and Milk – Gently mix in the vanilla extract and milk (if using).
5. Fold in the Flour – Sift the cake flour and salt over the egg mixture. Using a spatula, fold gently in an “S” motion to avoid deflating the batter.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter – Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Tap to Remove Air Bubbles – Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
3. Bake – Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

There are many ways to enjoy Chinese Egg Cake:

1. Traditional Style – Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. With Tea – Pair with jasmine, oolong, or green tea for an authentic experience.
3. Drizzle with Honey – Add a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
4. Top with Fresh Fruit – Serve with sliced strawberries, mango, or kiwi for a refreshing contrast.
5. Spread with Jam – Enjoy with a layer of fruit jam for a touch of tartness.
6. Alongside Whipped Cream – Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
7. Make Mini Versions – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
8. Toast It – Lightly toast slices and serve with butter for a crispier texture.
9. Layer It – Cut the cake into layers and fill with whipped cream or custard.
10. Pair with Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or matcha ice cream for a modern twist.

Additional Tips

To ensure a perfect Chinese Egg Cake, keep these tips in mind:

1. Whip the Eggs Properly – The eggs should be beaten until they reach ribbon stage, meaning they leave a trail when lifted.
2. Use Cake Flour – It results in a softer, finer crumb compared to all-purpose flour.
3. Fold Gently – Avoid overmixing to prevent deflating the batter.
4. Bake Immediately – Once the batter is ready, bake right away to maintain airiness.
5. Don’t Overbake – Overbaking can dry out the cake, so check with a toothpick.
6. Cool Upside Down – Let the cake cool upside down (if using a chiffon pan) to prevent collapse.
7. Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
8. Experiment with Flavors – Add matcha, cocoa, or citrus zest for a twist.
9. Make it Steamed – Try steaming instead of baking for a softer texture.
10. Use Fresh Eggs – Fresh eggs whip better and create a more stable foam.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these fun variations:

• Matcha Egg Cake – Add 1 tbsp matcha powder for an earthy flavor.
• Coconut Egg Cake – Substitute milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Egg Cake – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a light chocolate version.
• Steamed Egg Cake – Steam instead of baking for a softer, moister cake.
• Honey Egg Cake – Replace some sugar with honey for a naturally sweet taste.
• Almond Egg Cake – Add a dash of almond extract for a nutty aroma.
• Lemon Egg Cake – Mix in lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Mini Egg Cakes – Pour batter into muffin tins for individual servings.
• Layered Egg Cake – Slice into layers and fill with fruit or cream.
• Gluten-Free Egg Cake – Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

FAQ Section

Got questions about Chinese Egg Cake? Here are some common ones answered for you!

Can I make cupcakes instead of a whole cake?
Yes! Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. For a closer result, replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of cake flour.

Why didn’t my egg cake rise properly?
This could be due to under-whipped eggs, overmixing the batter, or opening the oven door too soon. Ensure you beat the eggs until pale and fluffy, and fold gently to keep the air.

How do I know when my egg cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it’s done! Also, the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or citrus zest?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a drop of almond essence can enhance the cake’s flavor without overpowering its light texture.

Why is my cake dry instead of soft and fluffy?
Overbaking is a common reason. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and remove the cake as soon as it passes the toothpick test.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze Chinese egg cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?
It’s delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey.

Print

Conclusion

Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake is a delightful, nostalgic treat that brings the charm of traditional Asian bakeries right into your home. Light, airy, and subtly sweet, this simple sponge cake is a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. With just a handful of basic ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour—you can create a delicate, cloud-like cake that pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.

One of the best things about this classic recipe is its versatility. Serve it plain for a timeless treat, drizzle it with honey for an extra touch of sweetness, or top it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish. No matter how you enjoy it, each bite is sure to transport you back to the warmth of homemade treats from childhood.

So why not try making it today? Whisk up your batter, watch it rise to perfection, and savor the light-as-air texture of this beloved cake. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!