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Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by softening the cream cheese and butter. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make them easier to blend.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites, placing the whites in a clean bowl for later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and milk. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir gently until the cream cheese and butter melt together, creating a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- Once the cream cheese mixture has cooled slightly, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, cake flour, and cornstarch. Mix everything together until smooth. The batter should have a thick, creamy consistency.
- Whisk the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, a tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and firm.
- Fold the Meringue into the Batter:
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the meringue; use a gentle folding motion to combine them until the batter is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the cheesecake’s soft, airy texture.
- Prepare the Steaming Setup:
- Prepare a large steamer or a pot with a lid. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a steaming rack or trivet to keep the cheesecake pan elevated above the water.
- Lightly grease a round 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
- Steam the Cheesecake:
- Bring the water in your steamer or pot to a gentle simmer. Place the cake pan into the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam for about 60-70 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during the steaming process to maintain consistent temperature and steam.
- Check the cheesecake with a toothpick or skewer. If it comes out clean, the cheesecake is done. If not, cover and steam for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and develop its full flavor.
- When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into portions.
Why Japanese Steamed Cheesecake is So Special
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The signature feature of Japanese steamed cheesecake is its incredibly light and airy texture. The use of whipped egg whites in the batter is what gives this cheesecake its characteristic “cotton” feel. It’s like eating a cloud — rich but not overwhelming.
- Mild Sweetness: Unlike many other cheesecakes, which can be quite rich and sweet, Japanese steamed cheesecake has a milder sweetness. The balance of cream cheese and eggs provides just the right amount of flavor without being too heavy.
- Perfectly Moist: Steaming the cheesecake helps keep it incredibly moist and soft, unlike baked cheesecakes that may sometimes turn out drier if overcooked. This technique ensures the cake remains soft, tender, and melts in your mouth.
- Versatility: This cheesecake is perfect on its own, but you can also get creative with toppings. Some people enjoy it with a drizzle of fruit syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkling of berries to add a fresh touch. You can even serve it with a dusting of matcha powder or a hint of citrus zest for an extra twist.
Final Thoughts
Japanese steamed cheesecake (cotton cheesecake) is the ultimate dessert for those who love light, fluffy textures with the comforting taste of cheesecake. It’s a dessert that’s both satisfying and delicate, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without overwhelming your guests. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet snack or serve it at a special gathering, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
The beauty of this cheesecake lies in its simplicity and the use of basic ingredients, yet it produces a result that’s extraordinary. Now that you have this recipe in your hands, it’s time to give it a try — and discover just how truly delightful Japanese steamed cheesecake can be!
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