Description:
This Fluffy Cheesecake is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines the richness of classic cheesecake with the airy texture of a soufflé. It’s baked low and slow, resulting in a silky, feather-light filling with just the right amount of sweetness — perfect for any occasion where you want cheesecake without the heaviness.
Origin:
Inspired by Japanese-style cheesecakes and French soufflés, this modern take originated from the fusion of East and West baking styles, designed for those who love the taste of cheesecake but want a lighter feel.
Ingredients (Quantity):
Cream Cheese Base:
- 250g (8.8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50g (3.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) whole milk
Dry & Flavoring:
- 60g (½ cup) cake flour, sifted
- 20g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice (or ½ tsp zest)
- Pinch of salt
Meringue:
- 6 large egg whites
- 6 large egg yolks
- 120g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar or 1 tsp lemon juice
Ingredients (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries or whipped cream for topping
- 1 tbsp honey (for a floral note)
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (for tang)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside with foil if using a springform pan (for water bath).
- Melt the base:
Over a double boiler or low heat, melt cream cheese, butter, and milk. Stir until smooth and lump-free. Remove from heat and cool slightly. - Add yolks & dry ingredients:
Whisk in egg yolks, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Then sift in flour and cornstarch. Mix until smooth. - Beat egg whites:
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat to soft, glossy peaks. - Fold gently:
Gently fold ⅓ of the meringue into the cheese batter to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining meringue in two batches. - Pour & bake:
Pour the batter into your pan. Tap to remove air bubbles. Place the cake pan into a larger dish and fill with 1 inch of hot water. - Bake:
Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25 minutes, then reduce to 285°F (140°C) and bake for another 40 minutes. Turn off oven and let the cake rest inside (door ajar) for 15 minutes. - Cool & chill:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (best overnight) before removing and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth blending.
- Avoid overbeating egg whites — soft peaks are key to a fluffy texture.
- Use a gentle folding technique to avoid deflating the batter.
- A water bath prevents cracks and keeps the cake moist.
- Chill before slicing for the cleanest, creamiest texture.
Recommendation:
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with berries, citrus curd, or a drizzle of honey. Great alongside green tea, chamomile, or sparkling wine.
Nutrition (Per slice, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Simple Vanilla Sponge Cake
- Spinach, Avocado & Egg Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potato
- Fresh & Flavorful Grilled Chicken Pasta Bowl with Herb Yogurt
- Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Plate with Garlic Herb Yogurt & Tomato Salad
- Epic Herb-Grilled Chicken with Roasted Veggie Medley
- Creamy Dreamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Fettuccine
- Caramel Oreo Drip Cheesecake
- Soft Castella Cake (Japanese Kasutera)
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Bread
- Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
- Grandma’s Cherry Delight Dessert
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Greek Blue Cheese Dressing
- Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Summer Mango Passionfruit Smoothie
- Summer Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
- Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake
- Moist Orange Loaf Cake
- Summer Strawberry Cheesecake Shake
- Mini Sponge Cakes
- Chocoflan Cake (Impossible Cake)
- Vanilla Custard Cream Donuts
- Classic Glazed Doughnuts
- Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
- Fluffy Mini Pancakes Recipe
Let me know if you’d like a low-sugar version, step-by-step photo guide, or mini cheesecake variation.