Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake is unlike the dense, rich cheesecakes you might be familiar with. Instead, it’s a delicate dessert with a fluffy, jiggly texture that melts in your mouth. Achieving this cake’s signature texture involves careful mixing and baking, but the result is well worth the effort. Let’s dive into this recipe and make your own soft and airy cheesecake.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake:

• 4 oz (120 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (35 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) cornstarch
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for the meringue)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for the batter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing the meringue)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
2. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during the water bath.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and stir until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Once cooled, whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
3. Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into the mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

1. In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until foamy.
2. Add the cream of tartar (if using) and continue beating. Gradually add the sugar (for the meringue) in three additions, beating on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

1. Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the cream cheese batter using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
2. Add the remaining meringue in two more additions, folding gently each time until no streaks remain. The batter should be light and airy.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
2. Place the pan into a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the dish, creating a water bath (about 1 inch deep).
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake has risen slightly. Reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool the Cheesecake

1. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 15–20 minutes to cool gradually. This prevents the cake from collapsing too quickly.
2. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 7: Serve

• Remove the cheesecake from the pan and dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
2. Meringue Tips: Avoid over-beating or under-beating the egg whites. Stiff peaks that hold their shape are crucial for the cake’s fluffiness.
3. Water Bath: Ensure the aluminum foil around the pan is tightly sealed to prevent water from leaking into the cake.
4. Patience in Cooling: Gradual cooling is essential to prevent the cake from deflating too much.
5. Storage: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. With its pillowy texture and delicate flavor, it’s a delightful departure from traditional cheesecakes. Though the process may seem a bit involved, following these steps will help you achieve a perfect, jiggly masterpiece. Enjoy every bite of this melt-in-your-mouth treat!

Happy baking!