DESSERT

Japanese Cheesecake (Sponge Cheesecake)

Introduction

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a unique twist on traditional cheesecake, characterized by its light, fluffy, and airy texture . Unlike New York cheesecake, which is dense and creamy, this Japanese version incorporates whipped egg whites, giving it a lighter structure and a soufflé-like appearance.

Its popularity is due to its delicate flavor and texture, making it a highly appreciated dessert both in Japan and around the world. Furthermore, its balance of sweetness and smoothness makes it ideal with coffee or tea.

Japanese Cheesecake , also known as Japanese Cotton Cheesecake or soufflé cheesecake , is one of the lighter and airier versions of the classic cheesecake. Its fluffy texture and softness distinguish it from other, denser cheesecakes like the New York cheesecake.

This dessert is popular for its delicate balance of flavors, with a sweet and creamy touch without being cloying. Its unique feature lies in the technique used to incorporate air into the mixture, giving it a soufflé-like consistency.

Preparing this cake requires precision, especially in the process of whipping the egg whites until stiff and baking them in a double boiler, which ensures its light and moist texture. Although it may seem like a challenging recipe, with the right steps, anyone can achieve a perfect cake.

Thanks to its golden appearance and characteristic shivering when moved, this cake has gone viral on social media and is highly appreciated in bakeries in Japan and around the world.

History of Japanese Cheesecake

The origin of Japanese cheesecake dates back to the 1960s, when Japanese chef Tomotaro Kuzuno traveled to Germany and tasted the famous käsekuchen (German cheesecake). Inspired by this dessert, he returned to Japan and decided to create his own version, adapting it to the Japanese palate, which tends to prefer less sweet desserts with lighter textures.

To achieve a fluffier consistency, she incorporated the technique of whipping egg whites until stiff, similar to making a soufflé. Thus was born the famous Japanese Cotton Cheesecake , a dessert that over time became a symbol of Japanese baking.

Today, this cake is very popular in Japanese cafes and bakeries, and has even spread internationally thanks to its social media presence and its characteristic jiggly texture when cut.

Japanese cheesecake , also known as Japanese cotton cheesecake or soufflé cheesecake , is one of the fluffiest and lightest variations of traditional cheesecake. Its origin lies in the influence of Western pastries in Japan, which began to spread throughout the 20th century.

European Origins and Influence

The history of this cake dates back to the 1960s , when Japanese chef Tomotaro Kuzuno traveled to Germany and discovered Käsekuchen (German cheesecake). This dessert, made with fresh cheese and a crispy crust, caught Kuzuno’s attention, and he wanted to adapt it to Japanese tastes.

Unlike European and American cheesecakes, which tend to be dense and rich in flavor, Japanese pastry chefs generally prefer lighter, more subtle desserts. Inspired by the airy texture of French soufflés, Kuzuno modified the Käsekuchen recipe by incorporating whipped egg whites. This created a much lighter and fluffier cheesecake, with a cotton-like texture, giving it its famous name, ” cotton cheesecake .”

Expansion and Popularity in Japan

This new version of cheesecake was immediately successful. Over the following decades, it began to be sold in bakeries and cafes throughout Japan , establishing itself as an iconic dessert. It became especially popular in Osaka, where several bakery chains specializing in this type of cake sprang up.

One of the factors that contributed to its popularity was its light texture and lower sugar and fat content compared to New York cheesecake. This made it a more appealing option for those seeking lighter desserts. Furthermore, its characteristic jitteriness and golden surface made it stand out visually.

Global Expansion and Virality on Social Media

Beginning in the 1990s and 2000s , Japanese cheesecake began to gain international recognition. It was introduced to other parts of Asia, especially Taiwan, South Korea, and China , where it became a beloved dessert. With the rise of social media and online cooking videos, the cake went viral thanks to its light appearance and vibrant movement when cut or shaken.

Today, Japanese Cheesecake is found in bakeries around the world and is one of the most sought-after recipes among pastry lovers. Thanks to its unique combination of softness, fluffiness, and delicate flavor, it continues to captivate palates and challenge those seeking to perfect their cooking technique.

Ingredients

To prepare an authentic Japanese Cheesecake, you need the following ingredients:

250 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
50 g of melted butter
120 ml of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
6 large eggs
150 g of sugar
60 g of wheat flour
20 g cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, to give more stability to the meringue)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 160°C and prepare a 18 cm diameter springform pan , lining it with baking paper.
Place a tray with hot water in the oven for the bain-marie.

2. Mix the cheese base

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese , melted butter , and milk until smooth.
Add the vanilla essence and egg yolks (reserving the whites for later).
Add the sifted wheat flour and cornstarch , mixing gently.

3. Prepare the meringue

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar .
When they begin to foam, gradually add the sugar , beating until firm peaks form.

4. Integrate both mixtures

Fold the meringue into the cheese mixture in three parts, using circular motions to prevent air loss.

5. Baked in a bain-marie

Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and place on the tray with hot water in the oven.
Bake at 160°C for 60-70 minutes , until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. Cooling and presentation

Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door ajar for 15 minutes to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Then, remove and let cool completely before unmolding.
Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or decorate with fresh fruit.

Tips and Variations

For an even fluffier texture , beat the egg whites well and fold them gently.
For a citrusy touch , you can add lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
For a creamier version , increase the amount of cream cheese and reduce the flour.
If you prefer a sweeter version , you can serve it with honey, jam, or berry sauce.

Questions about Japanese Cheesecake

What is the difference between Japanese cheesecake and traditional cheesecake?
Why is Japanese cheesecake so fluffy?
What is the key technique to achieving the airy texture of this cheesecake?
Why is it cooked in a bain-marie instead of baking directly?
Can a no-oven version be made?
What are the most common mistakes when preparing this cake?
Can it be made without cream of tartar?
What variations of this recipe exist?
Can cream cheese be substituted with another ingredient?
How can the presentation of the cake be improved?

Other Interesting Information

Preparation time: Approximately 90 minutes (including baking and cooling).
Difficulty level: Medium-high, requires technique in beating the egg whites and temperature control.
Accompanying Recommendations: Serve with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, honey, jam, or whipped cream.
Variations: There are versions with matcha tea, chocolate, coffee or lemon to give it different flavors.
Storage: Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Japanese Cheesecake is a soft, light, and delicious dessert , ideal for those looking for a fluffier alternative to traditional cheesecake. Its history reflects the creativity of Japanese pastry making, blending Western techniques with the local taste for light and airy textures.

With simple ingredients and a preparation that requires patience and precision, this cheesecake has become a classic that continues to conquer palates around the world. Give it a try and enjoy its unparalleled texture!