Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe

This ultra-light and fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a heavenly dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the softness of a sponge cake. It’s the perfect treat for any special occasion!

Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
Prep Time: 25 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 20 min

Ingredients (for 6 servings):

• 7 tablespoons butter
• 4 oz cream cheese (100 g)
• ½ cup milk (130 mL)
• 8 egg yolks
• ¼ cup flour (60 g)
• ¼ cup cornstarch (60 g)
• 13 large egg whites
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (130 g)
• Hot water, for baking
• Powdered sugar, for serving
• 1 pint strawberries (340 g), for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C).
2. Melt the butter and cream cheese with the milk over medium heat in a small pot, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl, then slowly add the cooled cream cheese mixture, stirring to combine.
4. Sift in the flour and cornstarch, making sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
5. In another large bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold in the egg whites into the yolk mixture in batches, starting with ¼ of the egg whites, then folding in the remaining whites gently until well combined.
7. Prepare the pan: Grease the bottom of a 9 x 3-inch round cake pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. If using a springform pan, wrap the bottom and sides with foil to prevent leakage.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove any large air bubbles.
9. Set up the water bath: Place the cake pan into a larger baking dish with 2 paper towels at the bottom. Fill the outer pan with 1-inch of hot water.
10. Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 285°F (140°C) and bake for another 55 minutes until the cake has risen nearly double in height.
11. Remove from the oven and carefully invert the cake onto your hand or a plate. Peel off the parchment paper (be cautious, it will be hot).
12. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh strawberries for a light, airy, and irresistible treat!