Fluffy Delight: Heavenly Japanese Cheesecake Recipe

Konnichiwa! To all aspiring chefs and food lovers. 🍰🧀 Today's menu is the world-famous and delicious Japanese Cheesecake 🥄🍰 So grab your Toques and let's get baking.

Introduction

🍰🇯🇵 Experience pure culinary magic with Japanese Cheesecake! This airy delight, as light as a cloud, is a harmonious fusion of creamy goodness and delicate sweetness. 🍥🥮 Unlock a symphony of flavors with every fluffy bite of this delectable treat! 🍋🍮

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese        100 g
• Milk                        1/4 cup
• Unsalted Butter       1/4 cup
• All-Purpose Flour    1/3 cup
• Cornstarch               1/3 cup
• Granulated Sugar     1/2 cup
• Eggs                         4 large
• Cream of Tartar       1/4 tsp
• Vanilla Extract         1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a heat-proof bowl, melt cream cheese, milk, and butter together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Sift flour and cornstarch into the cream cheese mixture, and stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and half of the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Add the egg yolk mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another clean and dry bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat while gradually adding the remaining granulated sugar. Beat until soft peaks form.
6. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the cream cheese mixture in three parts, using a spatula. Make sure not to overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
8. Place the cake pan in a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water to create a water bath.
9. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
10. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 15-20 minutes.
11. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours or overnight.

Mix it,

Bake it,

Slice it.

Moving on, here are the answers to some of your most asked questions.

What makes Japanese cheesecake different?

Japanese cheesecake stands out for its unique characteristics compared to traditional Western-style cheesecakes:

1. Texture: Japanese cheesecakes are renowned for their incredibly light, fluffy, and cotton-like texture. This is achieved through the addition of whipped egg whites, which are gently folded into the batter, creating a soufflé-like consistency.

2. Ingredients: Japanese cheesecakes often use a combination of cream cheese, milk, and sometimes butter. They typically contain less cream cheese compared to Western-style cheesecakes, which contributes to their lighter texture.

3. Egg Whites:  One of the defining features of Japanese cheesecakes is the use of whipped egg whites. These beaten egg whites create air pockets in the batter, giving the cake its signature airy and delicate structure.

4. Water Bath: Japanese cheesecakes are often baked in a water bath, where the cake pan is placed in a larger pan filled with hot water. This helps to regulate the oven's temperature and provides even heat distribution, promoting the cake's uniform rise and preventing it from cracking.

5. Subtle Flavor: Japanese cheesecakes have a milder flavor compared to their Western counterparts. They are less sweet and showcase the subtle richness of the cream cheese without being overpowering.

6. Presentation: Japanese cheesecakes are typically served without heavy toppings or sauces. They are often dusted with powdered sugar or a light glaze, emphasizing their elegant simplicity.

Chef Remarks: Japanese cheesecakes are distinct due to their airy texture, use of whipped egg whites, and focus on achieving a delicate balance of flavors. The result is a delightful dessert that's both visually appealing and uniquely delicious.

What is Japanese cheesecake called?

Japanese cheesecake is commonly referred to as "Japanese Cheesecake." However, in Japan, it is often known as "Cotton Cheesecake" (ワンダフルケーキ, pronounced "wonderful cake") due to its light and fluffy texture that resembles cotton. This name reflects the cake's distinct characteristics and the delight it brings to those who taste it.