I gave this Japanese cheesecake a try, and after many tests, I finally found a foolproof version that’s easy to follow and delivers a fluffy, jiggly, cloud-like cake. Let’s bake it together!

Baked Japanese Cheesecake

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Discover a simple yet foolproof Japanese cheesecake recipe that delivers a light, fluffy, and jiggly cake every time. With easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, this recipe ensures a perfect result whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker. Enjoy a delicate cheesecake that’s not too sweet and perfect for any occasion!

Author: LivelyTable

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meringue:

5 large egg whites
¼ tsp cream of tartar (or lemon juice)
¼ cup (50g) fine granulated sugar

For the Batter:

5 large egg yolks
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter
½ cup (125ml) milk
¼ cup (50g) fine granulated sugar
2 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
¼ cup (34g) all-purpose flour (or Mochiko for gluten-free)
Optional: vanilla, lemon juice, or matcha for extra flavor

Toppings (Optional):

Strawberries, powdered sugar, fruit, honey—whatever you love

Instructions

1️⃣ First, I separated my eggs, yolks in one bowl, whites in another.
2️⃣ I melted the cream cheese, butter, and sugar over low heat until smooth, then whisked in the egg yolks.
3️⃣ I sifted in cornstarch and flour, stirred in milk (and a little vanilla), and whisked until the batter was silky.
4️⃣ Then, I beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, adding sugar slowly until I had glossy stiff peaks.
5️⃣ I folded one-third of the meringue into the batter, then folded in the rest. It’s key to be gentle here—don’t overmix!
6️⃣ I preheated my oven to 330°F and set up a water bath. I lined my pan with parchment, poured in the batter, and placed it in the water bath.
7️⃣ I baked it for 25 minutes, cracked the oven door for a few seconds, then reduced the heat to 250°F and baked for another 45 minutes.
8️⃣ After baking, I let the cake rest in the oven for 10 minutes, then flipped it out carefully onto a plate.
9️⃣ I couldn’t resist giving it a little jiggle—it was so soft and bouncy! I served it warm for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

✔ Be patient when folding the batter. It’s worth it for that fluff!
✔ If it cracks a little, don’t panic—it’ll still taste amazing.
✔ Try matcha, chocolate, or lemon zest for fun flavors.
✔ Always use a water bath—it’s the secret to that smooth, delicate texture.