Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake – 3 Easy Steps to the Softest Dessert Ever

Table of Contents

Introduction

Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth cakes. This Japanese classic, often called “soufflé cheesecake,” is famous for its delicate texture and gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through exactly how to achieve that signature fluffiness in just three simple steps, so you can impress your family and friends with a bakery-quality cheesecake right from your own kitchen.

If you love fluffy and creamy desserts, you might also enjoy this Lemon Cream Cake Recipe for another soft, airy treat.

Ingredients for Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake

To create that signature airy texture, we’ll be working with a delicate balance of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and flour.

For the cheesecake batter:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
6 large eggs, separated
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (divided into ¼ cup for yolks, ¼ cup for whites)
½ cup (60g) cake flour, sifted
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp cream of tartar (or a pinch of salt)

For dusting:

Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions – Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare your oven and pan:
Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking.
Make the cream cheese mixture:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the cream cheese, butter, and milk over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
Incorporate the dry ingredients:
Remove from heat and whisk in the sifted cake flour and cornstarch. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Whip the egg whites:
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add the remaining sugar while continuing to beat until soft peaks form.
Combine mixtures:
Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the yolk batter to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining meringue until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.
Bake in a water bath:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and fill it with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve:
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cake cool slowly for 15 minutes to prevent shrinkage. Remove from the oven, unmold, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations for the Perfect Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Gentle folding: Overmixing will deflate the batter—fold carefully to keep it airy.
Flavor twists: Try adding matcha powder for a green tea version or a hint of citrus zest for brightness.
Serving ideas: Pair slices with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

If you’re into creamy and smooth desserts, our Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake also delivers a soft, rich texture you’ll love.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices

Tools Used

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
8-inch round cake pan
Parchment paper
Aluminum foil
Baking dish for water bath

Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake – Light as a Cloud

This Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a true masterpiece of texture and flavor. The combination of airy meringue and rich cream cheese results in a cake that feels indulgent but never heavy. Every bite is like a sweet puff of happiness.

If you’ve been searching for a cheesecake that’s both elegant and comforting, this recipe is your new go-to. And for more cheesecake inspiration, you can check out creative ideas from AllRecipes.

Final Thoughts on Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake

Baking Japanese Cotton Cheesecake might seem intimidating at first, but it’s truly a simple process once you get the hang of it. With its heavenly texture, subtle sweetness, and gorgeous presentation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So preheat your oven, grab your whisk, and prepare to enjoy a slice of cloud-like perfection.