You may know Castella Cake, but did you know there are more flavors like Chocolate? Like the original Castella Cake, the texture is cottony fluffy and moist. It pairs perfectly with rich chocolate flavor. You'll especially enjoy the bottom part with coarse sugar, a major characteristic of Castella Cake, as it is crisp and delicious! The secret to its moisture and flavor is mirin syrup. Mirin is a type of sake but with more sugar and lower alcohol content. Typically used in Japanese dishes like Teriyaki sauce, using mirin for baking is quite unique and enhances the taste. Castella is a traditional Japanese sponge cake with roots in Spanish cuisine. Introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, it has evolved into a popular Japanese confection. Many bakeries in Japan produce and sell Castella cake, and it's also available pre-packaged in supermarkets. Various regions have their own unique variations and styles of Castella. Preparing Castella involves a unique method of mixing and baking. The batter is beaten to create a smooth, airy texture, and then baked slowly to achieve the desired consistency. For short-term storage (within a few days), keeping Castella at room temperature in a cool, dry place is acceptable. It should be covered to prevent it from drying out. For longer-term storage, it can be kept in the freezer. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This chocolate Castella pairs perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream, or even more cocoa powder. Get creative with your Castella enjoyment and indulge in this delicious Japanese treat!