Heavenly Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe
A cloud on a plate. Fluffy, light, and full of love.
Introduction
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake, also known as Soufflé Cheesecake, is a beautiful cross between traditional creamy cheesecake and a sponge cake. It’s ultra-light, mildly sweet, and has that signature jiggle when it comes out of the oven. This dessert is often seen as a symbol of love and delicacy in Japanese culture — a perfect treat to share with loved ones or to impress guests.
History
The origin of Japanese Cotton Cheesecake dates back to the 1980s, when Japanese bakers began experimenting with Western-style cheesecakes. Inspired by the classic New York Cheesecake, they lightened it using meringue techniques drawn from French soufflés. The result was a uniquely soft, fluffy texture that became a sensation across Asia and eventually around the world. Over time, it has become a popular dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic occasions.
Ingredients
For a 9-inch round pan:
- 250g (8.8 oz) cream cheese (room temp)
- 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter (softened)
- 100ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
- 60g (2.1 oz) cake flour (sifted)
- 20g (0.7 oz) cornstarch (sifted)
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 140g (4.9 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional but helps stabilize meringue)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) Instructions & Method
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking during the water bath.
2. Cheese Mixture
- In a heatproof bowl, melt cream cheese, butter, and milk over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and creamy. Let it cool slightly.
- Add vanilla extract and lemon juice if using.
- Whisk in egg yolks, one at a time.
- Sift in cake flour and cornstarch, mixing gently to avoid lumps.
3. Meringue Magic
- In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar (optional) and gradually add sugar in three parts.
- Beat until stiff peaks form but don’t overbeat (you want glossy peaks).
4. Fold & Combine
- Gently fold 1/3 of the meringue into the yolk mixture to loosen it.
- Carefully fold in the rest using a spatula, turning the bowl as you fold, to keep the batter airy.
5. Bake the Dream
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Place it into a larger roasting pan filled with hot water (1 inch deep).
- Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 25 minutes, then lower to 120°C (250°F) and bake for another 55-60 minutes.
- Once done, turn off oven and let the cake sit inside with the door slightly open for 15 minutes to prevent collapse.
6. Cool & Decorate
- Remove from oven and let it cool completely before removing from the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve!
Formation
The formation of the Japanese Cheesecake relies on the interaction between whipped egg whites (meringue) and the rich cheesecake base. The air bubbles trapped in the meringue expand during baking, giving the cake its height and softness. Gentle folding ensures the structure isn’t lost, while the water bath ensures an even, crack-free bake.
Lovers of the Cheesecake
People fall for this cheesecake because:
- It’s not overly sweet.
- The texture is cloud-like and satisfying.
- It’s light on the stomach, so even after a big meal, it doesn’t feel heavy.
- It carries the sophistication of French desserts and the simplicity of Japanese culinary elegance.
- It’s often made for loved ones — birthdays, anniversaries, tea parties, and heartfelt gifts.
Nutritional Value (Per Slice, Approx. 1/10 cake)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Calcium | Good source |
| Gluten-Free? | (Contains flour) |
Note: You can make it gluten-free by swapping with almond flour or GF cake flour!
Benefits
- Low sugar: Compared to traditional cheesecakes.
- High protein: From eggs and cream cheese.
- Light & easy to digest: Great for those avoiding heavy desserts.
- Can be made gluten-free.
- Romantic appeal: It looks like it came straight out of a love story!
Conclusion
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is more than just a dessert. It’s a fluffy love letter baked into a round of delicious magic. With its gentle sweetness, soft texture, and classic elegance, it’s a dessert that whispers, “I made this with love.” Whether you’re a baker, a dessert lover, or someone just looking for a light treat, this cheesecake will win hearts — one bite at a time.