Cheesecake is a dessert that has captivated foodies worldwide with its rich and creamy texture.
While there are many varieties of cheesecake, Japanese cheesecake is known for its unique texture and taste.
So, what does Japanese cheesecake taste like, exactly?
Japanese cheesecake is a fluffy and creamy dessert with a light and airy texture. It has a subtle sweetness compared to traditional cheesecake and a distinct flavor of egg and cream that is not overpowering.
What Is Japanese Cheesecake?
Japanese cheesecake, also known as Japanese cotton cheesecake, is a type of cake that originated in Japan. It was first introduced in the 1970s, and since then, it has become a popular dessert worldwide.
Japanese cheesecake has a unique texture that sets it apart from traditional cheesecake. It is light and fluffy, almost like a sponge cake, and much less dense than traditional cheesecake. The secret to its texture is whipped egg whites, which are folded into a cream cheese batter to create a light and airy cake.
The base ingredients of Japanese cheesecake include cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a small amount of flour. The addition of flour helps to stabilize the cake and gives it a slight cake-like texture.
What Does Japanese Cheesecake Taste Like?
Japanese cheesecake has a subtle sweetness compared to traditional cheesecake. It is not overly sweet, which allows the flavors to come through, but has just enough sweetness to balance the other flavors. This is a key difference between Japanese cheesecake and other types of cheesecake.
One of the most distinct flavors of Japanese cheesecake is the taste of egg and cream. The high number of eggs in the recipe gives the cake a distinct eggy flavor. The cream cheese also adds a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Japanese cheesecake also has a slightly nutty taste. This comes from the use of cake flour, which is a type of flour that has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. The lower protein content results in a lighter and fluffier cake, but it also creates a slightly nutty flavor.
How Is Japanese Cheesecake Made?
Making Japanese cheesecake requires a bit more effort than making traditional cheesecake, but the results are well worth it. Here’s how it’s done:
Ingredients
- 7 oz cream cheese
- 2.5 oz whole milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 oz cake flour
- 1 oz corn starch
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Mix in the whole milk and egg yolks until smooth.
- Sift in the cake flour and corn starch and mix well.
- Add the lemon juice and mix until the batter is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk until the egg whites become glossy and stiff.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Serve the cheesecake chilled.
How to Enjoy Japanese Cheesecake?
Japanese cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. This helps to bring out the light and fluffy texture of the cake.
Unlike traditional cheesecake, which is often served with a crust, Japanese cheesecake is served plain, with no toppings or sauces. This allows the delicate flavors of the cake to shine through.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your Japanese cheesecake, you can try dusting the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Some people also like to serve their cheesecake with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side.
Conclusion
Japanese cheesecake is a unique and delicious dessert that offers a different flavor and texture experience than traditional cheesecake. With its light and airy texture and subtle sweetness, Japanese cheesecake is perfect for those who love cheesecake but want something a bit less heavy.
The distinct flavors of the egg and cream cheese, along with the slight nuttiness from the cake flour, make Japanese cheesecake a dessert that is not to be missed. And with its simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s a dessert that anyone can make at home.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.