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The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Cheesecake

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

  1. Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line 8-inch springform pan with parchment (bottom and sides).
  2. Melt cream cheese, milk, and butter over double boiler until smooth. Cool slightly.
  3. Whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale. Add to cream cheese mixture with vanilla and lemon juice.
  4. Sift flour and cornstarch into batter; mix until just combined.
  5. In separate bowl, beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating to stiff peaks.
  6. Gently fold meringue into batter in 3 additions until no streaks remain.
  7. Pour into prepared pan. Tap to remove bubbles. Place in water bath (hot water halfway up pan sides).
  8. Bake 60-70 minutes until golden and set (center should jiggle slightly).
  9. Turn off oven; leave door ajar for 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before unmolding.
  10. 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

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