Quick Description
This Japanese-style cheesecake is light and airy, with a smooth and creamy texture. The fluffy cake is topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and fresh raspberries, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8โ10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60โ70 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Cheesecake:
- 1 cup (240g) cream cheese, softened
- ยผ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- ยผ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ยฝ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ยผ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ยผ teaspoon cream of tartar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Pan
- Preheat the oven to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and grease the sides with butter or cooking spray.
- Wrap the outside of the cake pan with aluminum foil to prevent any water from leaking in during the water bath process.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.
- Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the egg yolks, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour and cornstarch together to remove any lumps.
- Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until combined, and set aside.
4. Whip the Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, meaning the egg whites hold their shape.
5. Fold the Mixtures Together
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three parts, ensuring not to deflate the batter. Use a spatula to gently combine the ingredients.
6. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Place the cake pan into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the cake pan (this creates a water bath to help the cheesecake bake evenly).
- Bake for 60โ70 minutes or until the cheesecake is golden on top and slightly jiggly in the center. You can test it by gently shaking the pan; if the center moves slightly, itโs done.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 10 minutes to cool gradually.
7. Cool and Chill
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After it cools, remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Make the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
9. Serve the Cheesecake
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh raspberries.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a final touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cheesecake chilled with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Add a fruit compote (such as strawberry or blueberry) on the side for extra sweetness and flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container for 3โ5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Fruit Topping: You can use any fresh berries or fruits as toppings, such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate Version: Mix in melted chocolate into the batter for a chocolate cheesecake flavor.
Enjoy this light, airy, and fluffy cheesecake thatโs as beautiful as it is delicious!