Japanese festival food: baby castella

Castella is a type of sponge cake in Japan that was reportedly influenced by the cakes that the Portuguese merchants brought to the shores in the 16th century. Although, it was influenced by western confectionery, it is considered 'wagashi' or traditional Japanese confectionery. Baby castella is a mini sized version of castella ... or is it?

Baby Castella

Baby Castella is a popular festival food. You can normally find at least a handful of baby castella food stalls at medium to large size festivals. 'They' say that baby castella is a mini version of castella, but having eaten both on several occasions, I beg to differ! The ingredients maybe the same or similar, but, in my humble opinion, the taste is very different. Or maybe have just been unfortunate with the baby castella I've tried!

Although both are made with flour, sugar and eggs, the significance difference is the texture. Castella has a firm layer on the top and the slice is fluffy yet moist. Baby castella lack the fluffiness and taste more like a pancake mix to me. Regardless, they make a nice treat while walking around a traditional festival. And the kids love the character baby castella. They are just baby castella made in a mold that shapes them into popular characters, such as Hello Kitty or Doraemon. 

Have you tried baby castella at a festival? Do you think its similar in taste to regular castella?