Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

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☁️ Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

(Ultra-Fluffy, Light & Cloud-Like Cheesecake)

🌟 Introduction

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a soft, airy, and lightly sweet dessert that melts in your mouth like a cloud. Unlike dense American-style cheesecake, this version is fluffy, delicate, and slightly jiggly in the center. It combines the richness of cream cheese with the lightness of a sponge cake.

Its golden-brown top and snow-white interior make it visually stunning and irresistible.

📜 History

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake was inspired by European cheesecakes, particularly German and French styles. In the 1960s, Japanese bakers adapted these recipes by incorporating whipped egg whites (meringue) to create a lighter texture.

Over time, this cheesecake became famous worldwide for its soft, “soufflé-like” consistency and elegant simplicity.

🧾 Ingredients (8-inch / 20cm cake)

🧀 Cream Cheese Base:

  • 200g cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 100ml milk
  • 60g cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
  • 20g cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

🥚 Meringue:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 100g sugar (added gradually)
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pan

  • Line bottom of cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Wrap outside with aluminum foil (for water bath).
  • Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).

Step 2: Melt Base

  • In a bowl over hot water, melt cream cheese, butter, and milk.
  • Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Yolks & Dry Ingredients

  • Add egg yolks one at a time.
  • Stir in vanilla and lemon juice.
  • Sift in flour and cornstarch.
  • Mix gently until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Meringue

  • Beat egg whites until foamy.
  • Add sugar gradually.
  • Beat until soft-medium peaks form (not stiff).

Step 5: Fold Carefully

  • Add ⅓ meringue into batter and mix gently.
  • Fold remaining meringue slowly using spatula.
  • Do not overmix.

Step 6: Water Bath Baking

  • Pour batter into pan.
  • Place pan in larger tray with hot water.
  • Bake 60–75 minutes.
  • Turn off oven and leave inside 15 minutes.
  • Cool completely before removing.

🍳 Cooking Methods Variations

1️⃣ Water Bath (Bain-Marie) – Recommended

Prevents cracking and ensures smooth texture.

2️⃣ Steam Oven Method

Maintains moisture for even baking.

3️⃣ Low & Slow Baking

Prevents sudden rising and collapsing.

🧬 Formation (Food Science)

  • Egg whites create air bubbles → fluffy structure.
  • Gentle folding preserves trapped air.
  • Steam from water bath ensures even cooking.
  • Cream cheese adds richness and smoothness.
  • Slow cooling prevents collapse.

Result: Soft, moist, airy cheesecake with cotton-like texture.

💪 Benefits

✔ Lighter than traditional cheesecake
✔ Lower fat than heavy cream-based versions
✔ High in protein (eggs & cheese)
✔ Soft texture easy to digest
✔ Elegant and impressive dessert

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

  • Calories: 180–220 kcal
  • Protein: 6–8g
  • Fat: 10–12g
  • Carbohydrates: 15–20g
  • Sugar: Moderate
  • Calcium: Good source

(Values vary depending on sugar and cheese brand.)

🌈 Flavor Variations

  • 🍫 Chocolate version (add cocoa)
  • 🍵 Matcha green tea
  • 🍓 Strawberry swirl
  • 🥭 Mango topping
  • 🍋 Extra lemon zest
  • 🧀 Mascarpone version

❤️ Who Loves This Cake?

  • Cheesecake lovers
  • Fans of light desserts
  • Japanese dessert enthusiasts
  • Tea-time lovers
  • People who dislike heavy cakes
  • Bakery-style dessert fans
  • Kids and adults alike

🧁 Expert Tips

✔ Do not overbeat meringue
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients
✔ Always bake in water bath
✔ Let cool slowly inside oven
✔ Refrigerate 2–3 hours for cleaner slices

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Dust with powdered sugar
  • Serve with fresh berries
  • Add whipped cream
  • Pair with coffee or tea
  • Perfect for celebrations

🎉 Conclusion

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a beautiful balance between cheesecake and sponge cake. Its light, airy texture and gentle sweetness make it a universally loved dessert.

Soft like a cloud. Light as air. Rich yet delicate. ☁️🍰✨

Whether for a celebration or simple tea time, this cake never disappoints.

If you’d like, I can also provide:

  • No-water-bath version
  • Air fryer method
  • Professional bakery version
  • Beginner simplified recipe
  • Step-by-step troubleshooting guide 😊

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