Description
These Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes are delicate, cloud-like desserts with a lightly sweet flavor and a texture between soufflé and sponge cake. Baked in a water bath, they’re soft, creamy, and perfect for tea time or a refined dessert.
Ingredients
5 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, and place it inside a larger baking dish for a water bath.
- In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the cream cheese, milk, and butter, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Sift together the flour and cornstarch, then mix into the cooled cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- Whisk in the egg yolks to form a smooth, glossy batter.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three additions to maintain a light texture.
- Divide the batter among cupcake liners. Pour hot water into the outer baking dish to reach halfway up the muffin tin.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tops are set and lightly golden.
- Turn off oven and let cupcakes rest inside for 10 minutes with the door slightly open.
- Remove and let cool completely. Chill for at least 1 hour. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Add 1 tsp matcha powder with the flour for a green tea version.
Stir in lemon zest with the egg yolks for a fresh citrus flavor.
Use ramekins instead of muffin tins for a soufflé-style presentation.
Can be made dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and milk.
Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the batter for a marbled effect.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
