Fluffy Chinese Egg Cakes – Soft, Simple, and Nostalgic!

I read about it while translating – Chapter 38 of Daily Life of Raising Cubs in the 1980s. So I uploaded the recipe here.

If you grew up around a Chinese bakery or remember the sweet scent of eggy treats on bustling Asian streets, you’ve probably come across these little golden sponge cakes. Known as 鸡蛋糕 (jīdàngāo), these Chinese Egg Cakes are delightfully soft, subtly sweet, and incredibly comforting. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, with tea, or as an after-school snack, these treats are a beloved classic.

The best part? They’re made with just a few basic ingredients—no baking powder, no fancy machines—just the magic of whipped eggs and a bit of patience!

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 80g (about 6 tbsp) white sugar
• 100g (¾ cup) cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tbsp milk (optional for softer texture)

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease mini cupcake molds.

Whip the eggs & sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar using a hand mixer on high speed for 6–8 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and ribbon-like.
• Add vanilla extract, if using.

Sift in the flour

• Gently sift in the cake flour in 2–3 batches.
• Fold carefully with a spatula after each addition—do not overmix to keep the batter airy.

(Optional) Add milk

• Stir in 1 tbsp of milk for a slightly moister texture.

Pour & bake

• Pour batter into the molds (fill about 80%).
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool & enjoy

• Let them cool slightly before serving.
• Best enjoyed warm with tea or a glass of milk. ☕🥛

• Use room-temperature eggs for better volume.
• Beat eggs thoroughly—this is what makes them rise (no baking powder needed!).
• Use cake flour for a more tender crumb.
• Don’t open the oven too early; they may deflate.

These traditional Chinese Egg Cakes bring warmth and simplicity to your kitchen. Perfectly fluffy with a light sweetness, they’re a reminder that sometimes, the best things come from humble ingredients. 💛