
These baby castella (or “kasutera”) are soft, buttery, and just melt in your mouth. You’ll usually find them at Japanese matsuri (festivals) or night markets—often shaped like Hello Kitty, Doraemon, or cute characters.
But don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy mold! If you’ve got a takoyaki pan hiding in the back of your kitchen cabinet, you’re good to go! This version is super easy, made with sweetened condensed milk for extra richness. You can even add a touch of honey or pandan essence to mix things up.
The outside gets slightly crispy, while the inside stays fluffy and moist—even the next day. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll keep coming back for more.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No mixer needed – just a whisk and a bowl!
- Perfect for snacking or bento boxes
- Made with basic ingredients you probably already have
- Kids and adults love them!
- Takoyaki pan-friendly – no special molds required
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Ingredients (Makes ~6 servings / 24 pieces):
- 2 eggs
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 8 g baking powder
- 100 g margarine or butter, melted
- 60 g sweetened condensed milk
- 100 g sugar
- Vanilla essence, to taste
- A pinch of salt (skip if using salted butter)
- Milk as needed (eggs + milk should total 300 g)
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How to Make It (Takes about 1 hour):
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Sift in the Dry Ingredients: Add flour and baking powder, sifted, into the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the Butter: Pour in the melted margarine or butter and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Heat Your Takoyaki Pan: Grease the pan lightly with oil. Pour batter into each hole until about ¾ full (don’t overfill—it’ll puff up!).
- Cook Until Puffy: Let them cook until the surface bubbles and the top becomes dry enough to touch. Flip with a skewer to form balls.
- Seal & Finish Cooking: Pair two halves together and rotate them gently in the pan with a skewer. Toast all sides until golden and fully cooked.
- Serve Warm or Store: Serve warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container. Still soft and yummy the next day!
Tips & Variations Add a drop of pandan essence for a green twist! Swap vanilla for honey if you want a floral aroma. Want them extra rich? Use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream. 🧁 Perfect for Pinterest Boards: #BabyCastella #KasuteraRecipe #MiniCakes #TakoyakiPanRecipes #JapaneseStreetFood #CuteDesserts #SweetSnacks #FestivalSnacks
📦 Storage Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for a crispy outside!
🍭 Final Thoughts These baby castella are so simple but incredibly nostalgic and comforting. Soft, milky, and buttery with that signature golden brown shell... they seriously remind me of the red bell around Doraemon’s neck (if you know, you know 😄).
If you’ve got a takoyaki pan lying around, now’s your time to shine. Happy baking!