Chinese Egg Cake (鸡蛋糕) in Muffin Tin Recipe

Chinese Egg Cake (鸡蛋糕) is a light, spongy, and mildly sweet cake traditionally made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour. This easy version is baked in a muffin tin, making the process quicker and more convenient while creating perfect individual servings. These little cakes are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and have a delicate texture similar to sponge cake.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon milk for extra moisture
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a citrusy flavor
• Powdered sugar for dusting

For Serving:

• Fresh fruit
• Whipped cream
• Honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5-6 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
2. Add the vanilla extract (if using) and continue mixing.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in small portions, folding gently after each addition using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cake’s light and airy texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Cooking Notes

• Egg Beating: Beating the eggs and sugar long enough is key to achieving the light, fluffy texture. Make sure the eggs are room temperature for the best results.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cakes while baking, as oven temperatures may vary. Avoid overbaking to keep the cakes moist.

Variations

1. Lemon Egg Cake

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a fresh, zesty twist on the classic egg cake.

2. Chocolate Egg Cake

For a chocolate version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and sift it with the flour mixture.

3. Almond Egg Cake

Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the egg mixture for a subtle almond flavor, or sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the batter before baking.

4. Matcha Egg Cake

Sift 1 tablespoon of matcha powder into the flour mixture for a delightful green tea flavor.

5. Filled Egg Cake

Before baking, fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then add a teaspoon of jam, custard, or chocolate spread before topping with more batter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chinese Egg Cake ahead of time?
Yes! These cakes stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover egg cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can reheat them slightly in the microwave for a warm treat.

Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.

Q: Why are my cakes too dense?
If your cakes turned out too dense, it might be because the eggs weren’t beaten long enough. Be sure to whip the eggs and sugar until they’re light, fluffy, and pale in color. Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can also deflate the air, leading to denser cakes.

Q: Can I add fillings to the cakes?
Yes! You can add a small amount of filling, like custard, jam, or chocolate spread, into the center of each cake before baking for an extra surprise.

These Chinese Egg Cakes baked in muffin tins are a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a traditional sponge cake. Light, airy, and mildly sweet, they’re perfect for a variety of occasions, from breakfast to dessert. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these delicious little cakes in no time!