Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the light and airy texture of this Japanese Cotton Cheesecake, a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. With its fluffy interior and a delicate golden crust, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Autumn Pierce

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2025-12-09T00:49:51.641Z

The Fluffy Delight of Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake stands out from traditional cheesecakes due to its remarkably light and airy texture. Unlike classic cheesecakes that can often feel rich and dense, this version offers a delicate balance, making it incredibly easy to enjoy as a dessert or treat. The unique method of incorporating whipped egg whites gives the cake its signature cloud-like quality, allowing it to melt in your mouth.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Its playful texture and subtly sweet flavor profile create a dessert experience that feels luxurious, yet it's easy enough to make at home. Each slice is inviting and elegant, which makes it an ideal choice for a special occasion or a comforting treat at any time.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the dessert further with a variety of serving suggestions. Consider topping it with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its visual appeal and add different flavor notes. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also create a beautiful finishing touch, making it even more inviting.

For those who enjoy experimenting, try incorporating flavors into the batter itself. Adding a little matcha powder for a green tea twist, or citrus zest for a bright, zesty flavor can create a unique variation that’s still true to the light, fluffy essence of this cheesecake. Don't hesitate to get creative with your favorite ingredients while keeping the base recipe in mind.

Storing and Serving Tips

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake

  • 250g cream cheese
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 100ml milk
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 40g all-purpose flour
  • 20g cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before starting.

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Melt together in a double boiler until smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in the milk and mix until well combined.

Add Egg Yolks

Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, cornstarch, and salt to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Beat Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan. Place the cake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 60 minutes, or until set.

Cool and Serve

Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour, then refrigerate before serving.

Enjoy your light and fluffy cheesecake!

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the exquisite texture of Japanese Cotton Cheesecake. Cream cheese provides a rich base while ensuring the cake remains creamy and smooth. The use of unsalted butter adds richness, complemented by milk, which hydrates the batter for an even bake. This balance is what gives the cheesecake its signature softness.

The egg yolks contribute to the cake’s richness, while the egg whites are what really define its cotton-like texture. Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks allows them to trap air, which is then gently folded into the batter. This technique is vital for maintaining the lightness of the cheesecake, so be patient and avoid over-mixing.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go awry. If your Japanese Cotton Cheesecake cracks, don't worry! This can happen due to sudden temperature changes. To prevent this, remember to cool the cake slowly in the oven and ensure the oven temperature is accurate. Using a water bath during baking also helps in regulating the temperature.

If you find that the cheesecake is not rising as expected, check your egg whites. Ensure that they are whipped to the appropriate peaks before folding them into the mixture. It's crucial to maintain the structure of the batter to achieve that airy texture. Lastly, always double-check your ingredient measurements for accuracy to achieve the best results.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

For a different flavor, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

Experience the light and airy texture of this Japanese Cotton Cheesecake, a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. With its fluffy interior and a delicate golden crust, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 20 minutes

Created by: Autumn Pierce

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cheesecake

  1. 250g cream cheese
  2. 50g unsalted butter
  3. 100ml milk
  4. 3 large eggs, separated
  5. 100g granulated sugar
  6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  7. 40g all-purpose flour
  8. 20g cornstarch
  9. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Melt together in a double boiler until smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in the milk and mix until well combined.

Step 02

Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, cornstarch, and salt to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 03

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 04

Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Step 05

Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan. Place the cake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 60 minutes, or until set.

Step 06

Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour, then refrigerate before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 5g