An ethereally light and fluffy cheesecake with a delicate jiggle, combining the richness of Western cheesecake with the airy texture of a soufflé. This iconic Japanese dessert has a subtle sweetness and cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Author:ranime
Prep Time:25 mins
Cook Time:70 mins
Total Time:5 hours (includes cooling)
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Japanese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter
6 large eggs (separated)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (divided)
¼ cup (30g) cake flour
2 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line 8-inch springform pan with parchment (bottom and sides).
Melt cream cheese, milk, and butter over double boiler until smooth. Cool slightly.
Whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale. Add to cream cheese mixture with vanilla and lemon juice.
Sift flour and cornstarch into batter; mix until just combined.
In separate bowl, beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating to stiff peaks.
Gently fold meringue into batter in 3 additions until no streaks remain.
Pour into prepared pan. Tap to remove bubbles. Place in water bath (hot water halfway up pan sides).
Bake 60-70 minutes until golden and set (center should jiggle slightly).
Turn off oven; leave door ajar for 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before unmolding.
Chill 4 hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper rising
For taller cake: Use cake strip around pan
Prevent cracks: Avoid overmixing and sudden temperature changes
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 3 days (texture changes when frozen)
Traditional touch: Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream