18 Pillow Cake Recipe Japanese Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
The Japanese are known for their exquisite and intricate desserts, and one of the most popular and unique treats is the pillow cake. This dessert not only looks like a fluffy, soft pillow, but it also tastes just as heavenly. The combination of delicate layers of sponge cake and creamy filling makes this dessert a must-try for any foodie. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to making a pillow cake, so you can impress your friends and family with this stunning and delicious Japanese dessert.
One of the most popular Japanese dishes, pork katsu is a crispy and flavorful fried pork cutlet served with a tangy sauce. To make this dish, the pork is coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried until golden brown. It's then served with a side of steamed rice and a tonkatsu sauce made from Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, pork katsu is a must-try for any Japanese food lover.
Fluffy, thick, and filled with delicious ingredients, Japanese style pancakes are a unique twist on the classic breakfast dish. Made with a combination of flour, eggs, and milk, these pancakes are much thicker and fluffier than traditional pancakes. They are often topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. If you want to take your pancake game to the next level, try making them Japanese style!
Also known as soufflé cheesecake, Japanese cotton cheesecake is a light and airy dessert that will melt in your mouth. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, this cheesecake has a unique texture that is described as a cross between a regular cheesecake and a soufflé. It's typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh fruit on top. If you're a fan of cheesecake, you have to try this Japanese version.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, pork belly, and octopus. It's then topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. This dish is popular as both a street food and a restaurant dish, and it's a fun and delicious way to experience Japanese cuisine.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, it's a perfect side dish to accompany any meal. It's also a great option for a light and healthy snack. Sesame seeds and shredded seaweed are often added for extra flavor and texture.
No list of Japanese dishes would be complete without mentioning ramen. This popular noodle soup dish has gained worldwide recognition and has countless variations. The broth can be made from pork, chicken, or seafood, and it's topped with ingredients such as scallions, soft boiled eggs, and pork belly. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy broth or a light and clear one, there's a ramen out there for everyone.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese lunchboxes. They are made with sushi rice and often filled with pickled plums, salmon, or tuna. The rice is then shaped into a triangle or ball and wrapped in seaweed. It's a convenient and tasty snack or meal option that is perfect for on-the-go eating.
Udon noodles are thick and chewy noodles made from wheat flour and are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are often served in a hot broth made from dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, and mirin (sweet rice wine). The broth is then filled with toppings such as tempura, tofu, and green onions. Udon noodle soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly day.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are typically filled with pork, cabbage, and garlic. They are pan-fried and served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. These dumplings are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japanese restaurants, but they are also easy to make at home. Once you try these delicious bites, you'll want to make them again and again.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It has a long and slender shape and a rich and meaty flavor. It's often grilled or fried and served with a drizzle of soy sauce or ponzu sauce. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, Japanese eggplant is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour and are a popular dish in Japan. They can be served hot or cold and are often topped with a creamy peanut sauce. The sauce is made from peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It's a unique and tasty combination that will have you coming back for more.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular dish in Japanese izakayas (pubs). It's made by grilling bite-sized pieces of chicken on skewers over a charcoal grill. The chicken is then brushed with a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sake. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for sharing with friends over drinks.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is used in many cuisines around the world, including Japanese cuisine. In Japan, it's often cut into thin slices and stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. It's a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any Japanese meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
When it comes to Japanese beef, Wagyu is the cream of the crop. This highly marbled and tender beef is known for its superior flavor and texture. It's often cooked as a steak and served with a side of steamed vegetables and teriyaki sauce. If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious and delicious meal, Japanese beef steak is the way to go.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish that is made with a breaded and fried pork cutlet, onions, and egg. The ingredients are simmered in a sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, and sake, and then served over a bowl of steamed rice. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Instead of using regular potatoes, this version of okonomiyaki is made with sweet potatoes. The result is a slightly sweeter and denser pancake that is just as delicious as the original. It's topped with the same okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, making it a must-try for any sweet potato lover.
Japanese curry is a popular dish that has its roots in Indian cuisine. It's made with a roux paste, vegetables, and meat, and it's served over a bed of steamed rice. The curry can be mild or spicy, depending on your preference, and it's often topped with fried chicken or pork cutlet. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is loved by both kids and adults.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
If you're not a fan of pork, you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen by making it with chicken. The broth is made from chicken bones, vegetables, and garlic, and it's topped with chicken breast, bamboo shoots, and nori. It's a lighter and healthier option for those who still crave a bowl of ramen.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're new to Japanese cuisine, yaki udon is a great dish to start with. Made with thick udon noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, it's a simple and delicious stir-fry dish. The noodles are cooked in a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. It's a great way to get a taste of Japanese cooking in the comfort of your own home.
Last but not least, we have tonkatsu, a Japanese-style breaded and fried pork cutlet. Similar to pork katsu, it's served with a tonkatsu sauce and a side of steamed rice. The main difference is that tonkatsu is made with a thicker and fattier cut of pork, giving it a juicier and more flavorful taste. It's a popular dish in Japan and is perfect for those who love a good fried meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
Cake Layers:
To make the perfect pillow cake, you will need cake flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Cake flour is essential for creating a light and fluffy sponge cake, while baking powder helps the cake rise. You can use any type of sugar, but we recommend using caster sugar for a finer texture. For the eggs, it is best to use room temperature ones. Lastly, milk and vegetable oil will add moisture to the cake and keep it soft and tender.
Cream Filling:
The filling is what gives the pillow cake its creamy and luscious texture. You will need heavy cream, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. The heavy cream will add richness and body to the filling, while the cream cheese will give it a tangy flavor. For a smooth and lump-free filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. And for a touch of sweetness, powdered sugar will do the trick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Making the Cake Layers
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift the cake flour, baking powder, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Making the Cream Filling
In a bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Assembling the Pillow Cake
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the cake horizontally into two equal layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread the cream filling evenly on top. Place the second layer on top of the filling. Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream filling, making sure to smooth out the edges and sides. You can also use a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top.
Step 4: Decorating Your Pillow Cake
To give your pillow cake the signature look, you can use a fork to create lines on top of the cake, resembling the folds of a pillow. You can also add sugar pearls or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
In Conclusion
And there you have it, a beautiful and delicious pillow cake that will impress anyone who tries it. This Japanese specialty may seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily make it at home. So why not give it a try and indulge in this fluffy and creamy treat?
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