Cotton Cheesecake - Prepare from Scratch

      Photo by Joann Pai

      This cheesecake obtains its airy texture through careful, deliberate steps. Whisked softened cream cheese mixed with egg yolks, milk, and flour creates a smooth base, and straining the mixture guarantees a silky batter before it is folded into the meringue. The baking technique, which involves a high-to-low temperature shift devised by Japanese pastry chefs in the 1960s, produces a delicate rise and characteristic wobble that appears remarkably light.

      Yields 1 (15cm) cake

      Recipe by Sawako of Fait Beau

      200 grams cream cheese

      50 grams egg yolks

      50 ml milk

      30 grams cake flour

      70 grams granulated sugar

      1 tablespoon lemon juice

      105 grams egg whites

      Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Prepare a 15cm cake pan by lining it with reusable Teflon baking paper. In a bowl, soften the cream cheese, then incorporate the egg yolks. Add the milk and flour, mixing thoroughly. Strain this cheese mixture into another bowl to eliminate any lumps.

      To make the meringue: Combine all the sugar and lemon juice with the egg whites, whisking until soft peaks form (be careful not to overwhip). Incorporate one-third of the meringue into the cheese mixture using a whisk to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining meringue using a rubber spatula. Pour the prepared batter into the cake pan.

      Bake in a water bath at 200°C (390°F) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 110°C (230°F) and continue baking for an additional 60 minutes. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before taking it out of the pan. Typically, you can remove it from the pan right away. It is best enjoyed warm.

      Bake from Scratch replaced a high-sided 6-inch round cake pan with a 15cm round pan and substituted Bob's Red Mill Cake Flour for Japanese cake flour. Regular parchment paper, lightly sprayed with baking spray containing flour, can be used instead of reusable Teflon baking paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.

      We would love to hear how it turned out!