Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake (Cotton Cheesecake) Recipe

🌸 Introduction

Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake is a light, airy dessert that melts in your mouth like a fluffy cloud. Unlike traditional Western cheesecakes, which are dense and rich, this cheesecake combines the creamy taste of cheesecake with the delicate texture of a soufflé. Its jiggly appearance and soft, pillowy consistency make it a favorite among dessert lovers worldwide.

📖 History

The Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake originated in Japan in the 1980s, influenced by European-style cheesecakes but adapted to suit Japanese tastes. Chef Tomotaro Kuzuno is often credited with popularizing this dessert. Unlike New York cheesecake, which is dense and heavy, the Japanese version is baked with whipped egg whites, creating a soufflé-like structure. Over the years, it became iconic in Japanese bakeries and cafés, later gaining international fame as the “jiggly cheesecake” due to viral videos showcasing its wobbling texture.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cheesecake:

250 g cream cheese (softened)

50 g unsalted butter

100 ml milk

60 g cake flour (sifted)

20 g cornstarch

6 large eggs (separated)

140 g granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize egg whites)

For the Baking Pan:

Parchment paper

Butter for greasing

Optional Serving:

Powdered sugar for dusting

Fresh berries or whipped cream

🥣 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Line the bottom and sides of a round cake pan (18 cm) with parchment paper.

2. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in (since it will be baked in a water bath).

Step 2: Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a heatproof bowl, melt cream cheese, butter, and milk over a double boiler until smooth.

2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Add egg yolks, sifted cake flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Egg White Meringue

1. In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.

2. Gradually add sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Combine

1. Gently fold 1/3 of the meringue into the cream cheese batter to lighten it.

2. Add the remaining meringue in two batches, folding gently with a spatula to maintain the airy texture.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap lightly to remove air bubbles.

2. Place the cake pan in a larger baking tray filled with hot water (water bath method).

3. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 25 minutes, then reduce to 140°C (285°F) and bake for another 45–50 minutes.

4. Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for 15 minutes with the door slightly open.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from the pan.

Dust with powdered sugar, top with fruit, or enjoy plain!

🌿 Benefits

1. Lighter than traditional cheesecake – easier to digest.

2. Lower sugar content – not overly sweet.

3. High in protein – thanks to egg whites.

4. Mood booster – its fluffy texture and mild sweetness bring joy.

5. Versatile – can be paired with fruits, creams, or eaten plain.

🏛️ Formation (How It’s Made Special)

The uniqueness of Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake lies in its formation technique:

Whipped egg whites (meringue) are folded into a cream cheese batter.

Gentle folding preserves air bubbles, creating the soufflé-like structure.

Baking in a water bath provides moisture, preventing cracks and keeping the cake soft.

The result: a jiggly, cotton-soft cheesecake that seems to float when you eat it.

💕 Lovers (Who Loves This Cake)

Japanese dessert enthusiasts – proud of this national treasure.

Cheesecake lovers – enjoy a lighter alternative to New York cheesecake.

Bakers worldwide – love making it for its viral “jiggly” effect.

Children & families – adore its soft, sponge-like texture.

Health-conscious sweet eaters – since it’s less rich than Western cheesecakes.

🏁 Conclusion

Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake is more than just a dessert – it’s a cultural delight. With its fluffy, cloud-like texture, mild sweetness, and delicate charm, it continues to win hearts across the globe. From its origins in Japan to becoming a worldwide sensation, it proves that sometimes simplicity creates the most joy.

💞 Conclusion with Lovers

This cheesecake isn’t just loved for its taste, but for the experience it gives. Lovers of soft, melt-in-the-mouth desserts often describe eating this cheesecake as “biting into a sweet cloud.” It has brought people together in cafés, homes, and celebrations, making it a true dessert of love and comfort.

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