Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

Introduction

The Japanese cotton cheesecake is a light and airy dessert that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Known for its delicate texture and subtle sweetness, this cheesecake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, the Japanese version has a softer and more cloud-like consistency, making it melt in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 100 grams graham cracker crumbs
• 50 grams melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cheesecake:

• 250 grams cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Make the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the cornstarch, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Combine the batters: Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with 1 inch of hot water. This creates a water bath, which helps to prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
7. Cool: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
• To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, open the oven door slightly during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a more decadent dessert, top the cheesecake with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Conclusion

This Japanese cotton cheesecake is a truly delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Its light and airy texture, combined with its subtle sweetness, makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is relatively easy to follow and produces a delicious result.