Introduction
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake—also known as Soufflé Cheesecake—is a light, fluffy, airy dessert that feels like a hybrid between a classic cheesecake and a sponge cake. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture comes from whipping egg whites into a meringue and baking the cake slowly in a warm water bath. It’s delicate, subtly sweet, and famously jiggly.
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Origin
This cheesecake originated in Japan in the 1980s, created by Japanese pastry chefs who wanted a softer, more cloud-like alternative to dense Western cheesecakes. Influenced by both European soufflés and Japanese castella sponge cake, it spread quickly across Asia and then worldwide through cafes, bakeries, and online “jiggly cake” videos.
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Cultural Significance
In Japan, this dessert represents:
Simplicity and elegance, aligning with Japanese minimalism.
A celebration of light, refined textures in sweets.
A popular treat found in cafés, specialty bakeries, and at celebrations.
A symbol of Japanese innovation in combining Western techniques with local preferences.
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Ingredients & Quantities (for one 8-inch / 20 cm cake)
For the Batter
250 g cream cheese
50 g unsalted butter
100 ml milk
60 g cake flour (or 55 g all-purpose flour sifted well)
20 g cornstarch
6 large eggs, separated
120 g sugar (divided: 30 g for yolks, 90 g for whites)
1 tsp lemon juice or ½ tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
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Optional Additions
Lemon zest (fresh citrus aroma)
Orange zest
Matcha powder (1 tbsp sifted)
Cocoa powder (1 tbsp sifted)
Strawberry or berry coulis (for serving)
Powdered sugar for dusting
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Tips for Success
Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth mixing.
Sift flour and cornstarch twice to avoid lumps.
Do not overbeat the meringue; medium peaks give the best rise.
Fold very gently using a spatula to keep the air in the batter.
Use a water bath to bake slowly and prevent cracking.
Wrap the pan with foil to avoid water leaking inside.
Bake low and slow: the hallmark of Japanese cheesecakes.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven with the door cracked open.
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line the bottom with parchment paper.
Wrap the outside of the pan with foil to prevent water seepage.
2. Melt Cream Cheese Mixture
Over low heat, melt:
cream cheese + butter + milk
Stir until smooth; let cool slightly.
3. Make the Base
Add egg yolks, vanilla, salt, and sugar (30 g).
Whisk until creamy.
Sift in the flour + cornstarch.
Mix gently until smooth.
4. Make the Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with lemon juice or cream of tartar.
Add 90 g sugar gradually.
Beat to medium peaks (soft and bendable, not stiff).
5. Combine
Add ⅓ of the meringue to the batter and mix gently.
Fold the remaining meringue in two additions.
Keep the texture airy—avoid overmixing.
6. Bake
Pour batter into the pan.
Place the pan in a larger tray filled with hot water.
Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 70–75 minutes, then
Turn off the oven and let the cake sit inside for 10–15 minutes.
7. Cool
Remove from the water bath.
Let it cool completely before unmolding.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
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Description
The finished cake is:
Cloud-like and airy
Delicately sweet
Slightly tangy
Jiggly when warm
Moist and softly creamy inside
Golden on top with a soufflé-like lift
Every slice feels like eating a soft, sweet cloud.
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice, 12 slices)
Calories: ~160–180
Carbohydrates: ~17 g
Protein: ~4 g
Fat: ~9 g
Sugar: ~12 g
Sodium: low
(Values vary depending on brands and optional additions.)
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Conclusion
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for those who love subtle sweetness and airy textures. It blends the best of cheesecake and sponge cake into a heavenly, cloud-soft treat. While it takes patience and gentle technique, the result is rewarding and delightfully elegant.
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Recommendation
Serve it:
chilled for a firmer texture
slightly warm for a jiggly, soufflé-like feel
with fruits, tea, or a light sauce
It’s ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or simply treating yourself.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoying Japanese Cotton Cheesecake can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Its light sweetness and fluffy texture mean you can indulge without feeling weighed down. Pair it with fresh fruit, enjoy a smaller slice, or share it with loved ones. Savoring desserts mindfully makes them even more delightful.
