Name: Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: ¼ cup (30 g) cake flour; 2 tablespoon (20 g) cornstarch; ¾ cup (180 g) cream cheese, full fat brick; 2 tablespoon (30 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 ½ tablespoon (50 g) milk, full fat; 3 large egg yolks, room temperature; 3 large egg whites, room temperature; ½ teaspoon (2 g) vanilla extract; ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon (2 g) lemon juice; Powdered sugar for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 86 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to master a dessert that’s delightfully fluffy, irresistibly light, and simply melts in your mouth, then you’re going to love this Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe. It’s softer than your regular cheesecake, with a unique airy texture that puts a smile on your face with every bite. This dessert feels like a little cloud of happiness, combining subtle sweetness and creamy cheesecake flavor that’s sure to impress both family and friends without any complicated steps or fancy equipment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, thick, pale cream sits inside a pink bowl with a handle on a round cork mat. A silver whisk is resting inside the glass bowl, slightly lifted with the cream forming soft swirls around it. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and light feeling to the image. The scene is bright, showing soft shadows and natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping this recipe straightforward is key, which is why the ingredients list is refreshingly simple yet perfectly balanced. Each element contributes to the cheesecake’s signature texture, flavor, and that pristine, delicate color that invites you to dive right in.

Cake flour (¼ cup / 30 g): Provides the light structure without weighing down the cheesecake.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons / 20 g): Helps keep the texture custardy and smooth, preventing it from becoming dense.
Cream cheese – full fat (¾ cup / 180 g): The star ingredient that delivers rich, velvety flavor and creamy body.
Unsalted butter – room temperature (2 tablespoons / 30 g): Adds silkiness and depth of flavor while helping the cake stay moist.
Milk – full fat (3 ½ tablespoons / 50 g): Lightens the batter for that ethereal, soft crumb.
Egg yolks – large, room temperature (3): Adds richness and color, binding all the ingredients beautifully.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon / 2 g): Infuses a gentle aromatic sweetness that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
Egg whites – large, room temperature (3): Whipped to achieve the signature fluffy height and cottony texture.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup / 70 g): Sweetens the meringue, helping it to stabilize and give lift.
Lemon juice (½ teaspoon / 2 g): Enhances the brightness and stabilizes the meringue for that perfect rise.
Powdered sugar (for garnish): A light dusting for visual appeal and a hint of sweetness on top.

How to Make Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter Base

Start by sifting together the cake flour and cornstarch to prevent lumps and ensure an ultra-smooth batter. In a bowl, gently melt the cream cheese and butter until silky, then whisk in the milk and vanilla extract to create a rich, creamy base. Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, folding carefully to combine everything without deflating the mixture.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Using a clean, dry bowl and whisk or electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they start to foam. Slowly add the granulated sugar along with the lemon juice and continue to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form. This meringue is the secret to the cake’s signature fluffiness, so take your time and get those peaks firm.

Step 3: Combine Meringue and Batter

Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the batter to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining meringue in two additions. Use soft motions to preserve the airy texture—this step is crucial to keep the cheesecake light as air rather than dense.

Step 4: Bake Your Cheesecake

Pour the mixture into a lined or greased 7-inch cake pan, then tap gently to remove any big air bubbles. Place the pan in a water bath inside a preheated 320°F (160°C) oven to bake for about 50–60 minutes until it’s just set and beautifully golden on top. The water bath helps create steam, ensuring a moist, tender cake with that infamous cotton-like texture.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Allow your cheesecake to cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar—this step prevents cracking. Once mostly cooled, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to help the flavors meld and the texture firm up just right before serving.

How to Serve Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe

A close-up shot shows pale yellow thick batter being poured from a large clear bowl into a round silver cake pan lined with white parchment paper. The smooth batter creates a swirling texture on the surface as it fills the pan. A woman's hand holds the bowl steady from the right side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light, and a white tiled wall can be seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for that elegant snowy look. If you want to jazz it up, fresh berries or a berry compote add a bright, tangy contrast that elevates the creamy softness of the cake beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cottony dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of high-quality green tea to balance sweetness and cleanse the palate. A light fruit salad or a spoonful of whipped cream can also complement without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing perfectly round mini cheesecake “cupcakes” baked in individual ramekins for a charming party treat. Drizzle with a touch of honey or a homemade fruit glaze, or serve with edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Japanese cotton cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain its tender texture for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a little slice of happiness whenever you want.

Freezing

While the cotton cheesecake is best fresh, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying to preserve as much of that silky texture as possible.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy it slightly warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven or microwave in short bursts. Avoid overheating as this cheesecake’s magic lies in its soft, delicate crumb.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While all-purpose flour can substitute in a pinch, cake flour’s lower protein content is key to giving this cheesecake its tender, soft texture. Using all-purpose flour may result in a denser cake, so it’s best to stick with cake flour or use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

Why do I need to bake in a water bath?

The water bath provides gentle, even heat and moisture that prevents cracking and keeps the texture moist and tender, which is essential for achieving the signature Japanese cotton cheesecake consistency.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This particular recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its unique creaminess and texture, so vegan or dairy-free adaptations would require ingredient substitutions like plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, which may alter the texture somewhat.

Why is the egg white meringue so important?

The whipped egg whites form the light, airy structure that gives this cheesecake its cloud-like softness. Without properly whipped meringue, the cake will be dense and lack the signature fluffiness.

Can I add flavors or fillings to this cheesecake?

Absolutely! The beauty of this Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe is its versatility. You can add citrus zest, matcha powder, or swirl in fruit purees before baking to customize it to your taste while maintaining that delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the soft, airy texture of this Easy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe that makes every slice feel like a little celebration. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over because it’s just that good—simple enough for everyday baking and special enough to impress anyone at your table. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a slice of fluffy happiness that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.