Hokkaido cakes.
I'm sure that's not what they're called in Japan as they apparently have stemmed from the mind of a chef in Singapore/Malaysia (can't remember right now..). The concept was to emulate the many delicate breads and cakes that could be found in Hokkaido (if I'm not mistaken...).
You may now conclude that I'd make a terrible history teacher.
Continuing on with the series of bakes for mum, I remember how she used to buy these 'Hokkaido cakes' by the boxes when they made their appearance at a popular Japanese hall back home. I also remember continually trying to make them a few years back just to surprise her on special occasions but due to my lack of knowledge regarding how to handle egg whites and souffle-like things, you can imagine how they (didn't) turn out.
Putting the past behind, I'm happy how these light little treats turned out. Soft and cottony but still firm enough for cream to be piped into each of them. Another wonderful thing is that the ingredients needed are all pantry staples so really, you could be churning these out for days!
I'm sure that's not what they're called in Japan as they apparently have stemmed from the mind of a chef in Singapore/Malaysia (can't remember right now..). The concept was to emulate the many delicate breads and cakes that could be found in Hokkaido (if I'm not mistaken...).
You may now conclude that I'd make a terrible history teacher.
Continuing on with the series of bakes for mum, I remember how she used to buy these 'Hokkaido cakes' by the boxes when they made their appearance at a popular Japanese hall back home. I also remember continually trying to make them a few years back just to surprise her on special occasions but due to my lack of knowledge regarding how to handle egg whites and souffle-like things, you can imagine how they (didn't) turn out.
Putting the past behind, I'm happy how these light little treats turned out. Soft and cottony but still firm enough for cream to be piped into each of them. Another wonderful thing is that the ingredients needed are all pantry staples so really, you could be churning these out for days!
HOKKAIDO CAKES
Serves: 9
What you'll need:
Cake:
3 eggs
45g sugar (separated into 20g & 25g)
35ml vegetable oil
60ml whole milk
70g cake flour (low protein)
Filling:
4 Tbsp thickened/double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees C.
2.Separate the eggs into two bowls. Try not to use a plastic bowl to hold the egg whites. Instead, stick to metal, ceramic or glass as plastic tends to hold oils from any previous bakes.
3. Begin with the egg yolks. Add the 20g of sugar and whip until pale and frothy. Then, add in the oil and milk and whisk to combine. Set aside.
4. With the egg whites, begin whipping them until they begin to froth. At this point, you can pause the whisking to add the sugar but I advise to try to continue whisking whilst adding the sugar in a gradual stream. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
5. Incorporate the egg whites in 1/4 intervals so as not to knock out too much air. Fold until just incorporated. Flecks of egg whites still visible through the batter are fine.
6. Portion out into a muffin pan or paper cases like I used.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
8. Don't take them out immediately when time is up. Treat them like you would a souffle. Just turn the oven off and leave the door ajar for about 5 minutes so that the cakes can adjust to the change in temperament.
9. To make the filling, simply whip the cream until it becomes light and begins to thicken. Once you've reached a consistency thick enough, add the vanilla and whip for another minute.*
10. Using a piping bag, proceed to fill the cooled cakes with cream.
*If you like sweetened cream, simply add 1 or 1/2 a tbsp of honey or granulated sugar to your cream.
What you'll need:
Cake:
3 eggs
45g sugar (separated into 20g & 25g)
35ml vegetable oil
60ml whole milk
70g cake flour (low protein)
Filling:
4 Tbsp thickened/double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees C.
2.Separate the eggs into two bowls. Try not to use a plastic bowl to hold the egg whites. Instead, stick to metal, ceramic or glass as plastic tends to hold oils from any previous bakes.
3. Begin with the egg yolks. Add the 20g of sugar and whip until pale and frothy. Then, add in the oil and milk and whisk to combine. Set aside.
4. With the egg whites, begin whipping them until they begin to froth. At this point, you can pause the whisking to add the sugar but I advise to try to continue whisking whilst adding the sugar in a gradual stream. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
5. Incorporate the egg whites in 1/4 intervals so as not to knock out too much air. Fold until just incorporated. Flecks of egg whites still visible through the batter are fine.
6. Portion out into a muffin pan or paper cases like I used.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
8. Don't take them out immediately when time is up. Treat them like you would a souffle. Just turn the oven off and leave the door ajar for about 5 minutes so that the cakes can adjust to the change in temperament.
9. To make the filling, simply whip the cream until it becomes light and begins to thicken. Once you've reached a consistency thick enough, add the vanilla and whip for another minute.*
10. Using a piping bag, proceed to fill the cooled cakes with cream.
*If you like sweetened cream, simply add 1 or 1/2 a tbsp of honey or granulated sugar to your cream.
Here's to a great week ahead,