Name: Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 cup cake flour; 4 large eggs (at room temperature; approx. 190g without shell); 3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil; plus more for brushing); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; Sesame seeds or finely chopped nuts of your choice

If you’re looking for a delightfully light and fluffy treat that’s a little different from your usual cake, this Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe will become your new favorite. It’s subtly sweet, incredibly airy, and topped with nutty sesame seeds that add just the right crunch. Whenever I make this at home, it always disappears faster than I expect, especially with a hot cup of tea or coffee beside it.

What makes this cake truly special is its simple ingredient list and quick prep—perfect for those days when you want a homemade dessert without fuss. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a comforting snack, this Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe strikes a perfect balance between lightness and rich flavor. Give it a go; you won’t regret it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that iconic fluffy texture that makes this cake stand out. Each element plays a role: the eggs provide lift, the cake flour ensures tenderness, and the honey adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with sesame seeds.

Neutral oil: I use vegetable or canola oil for a clean flavor, but avocado oil works great too. It keeps the cake moist without overpowering the taste.
Cake flour: This is essential for the soft crumb. If you can’t find cake flour, try sifting all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch as a substitute.
Large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best volume when whisking. This is key for that fluffy texture I always aim for.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar does the trick here, balancing sweetness without fuss.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and great moisture. I always opt for mild honey so it doesn’t compete with the eggs.
Sesame seeds: My favorite topping! You can toast them lightly for extra aroma or swap for finely chopped nuts if you want a twist.

Variations

I love that this Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe welcomes personalization. Over time, I’ve played with tweaks that suit different moods or dietary needs—don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

Gluten-free option: I once swapped the cake flour for a gluten-free blend with great success—just be mindful of the batter’s consistency as it may need slight adjustments.
Honey alternatives: If you don’t have honey, you can replace it with maple syrup or even a mild corn syrup, but the flavor will shift slightly.
Add-ins: Sometimes I toss in matcha powder for a subtle earthy note or swirl in a little cinnamon for warmth—both give a fun twist to the classic flavors.

How to Make Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment

Bring your eggs to room temperature—this helps achieve maximum volume when whisking. Lightly oil your baking pan with neutral oil, and preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). This gentle heat ensures the cake bakes slowly and stays fluffy without drying out.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand whisk, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed until the mixture triples in volume and forms a thick, pale ribbon when the whisk is lifted. This step is the secret to the fluffiness—you want to trap as much air as possible here, so be patient and don’t rush it!

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Honey

Sift the cake flour over the egg mixture in batches, gently folding it in with a spatula. Add the honey and oil at this stage, folding carefully to maintain the air bubbles you just worked so hard to create. This gentle folding keeps your cake light and airy instead of dense.

Step 4: Pour, Sprinkle Sesame Seeds, and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top—don’t be shy with these! Bake for about 30 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; that’ll dry out your delicately fluffy cake.

How to Serve Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe

The image shows a round bamboo basket filled with six golden brown muffins topped with white sesame seeds. The muffins have a slightly cracked, textured surface with a warm, crispy edge and a soft center. The basket has a woven pattern and two handles that curve upwards. The background is a white marbled texture with part of a white ceramic teapot with colorful floral designs visible at the edge. The lighting highlights the muffins' warm color and sesame seed texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes this cake feel extra special without overshadowing the sesame aroma. I also enjoy a drizzle of honey or even a swipe of whipped cream for a touch of indulgence when serving guests.

Side Dishes

When I serve this cake, a pot of jasmine tea is my go-to because the floral notes complement the cake’s subtle sweetness wonderfully. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit like sliced mango or kiwi for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve turned this cake into petite individual portions using muffin tins. Topping each with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds adds an elegant touch that impresses every time. Wrapping them in parchment for a tea party is a sweet presentation idea I’ve tried and loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it sealed prevents the cake from drying out, which helps retain that lovely fluffy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works surprisingly well. I slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature, and the texture remains beautifully soft.

Reheating

To refresh the cake, I pop slices into a toaster oven for a couple of minutes or microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel to avoid drying. This quick tip restores moisture and fluffiness, making it taste just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in this Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if cake flour isn’t available, but the texture might be slightly less tender. To mimic cake flour’s softness, try sifting the all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup used. This helps reduce gluten development, making the cake lighter.
Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature?

Room temperature eggs whip up more easily and create a better foam with more air trapped inside, which is essential for that signature fluffiness in your cake. Cold eggs can slow down the whipping process and result in a denser texture.
Can I add flavorings like vanilla to this recipe?

Absolutely! A splash of vanilla extract or almond essence can add a lovely dimension of flavor without compromising the cake’s airy texture. Just add it in during Step 3 when folding in the honey and oil.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when you gently press the top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking because it can dry out this delicate cake.
Can I make this Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs for volume and structure, making a vegan version tricky without significant modifications. You might explore vegan egg substitutes like aquafaba, but results can vary—if you try, let me know how it turns out!

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Chinese Egg Cake with Sesame Seeds Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet so rewarding to make. It reminds me of cozy afternoons and casual gatherings with friends, where the focus is just savoring good food and company. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—so grab those eggs, whip up some magic, and treat yourself to a slice of light, fluffy heaven.