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### Instructions
Making this soft and fluffy cheesecake is a simple, but somewhat meticulous process. You’ll need patience and a few important steps to get the perfect cotton texture, but once you do, the result is totally worth it. Follow these steps:
#### 1. **Prepare the Pan**
Before starting with the batter, it’s crucial to prepare your pan. Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan with parchment paper. You can also wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to ensure the batter doesn’t leak. This step will also help create that smooth, soft outer layer on your cake.
#### 2. **Melt the Cream Cheese, Milk, and Butter**
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cream cheese, milk, and butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. This step is important as it creates the creamy base for the cake. Once fully melted, remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
#### 3. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.
#### 4. **Beat the Egg Yolks**
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become light and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled cream cheese mixture to the egg yolks while stirring continuously. Once combined, sift in the dry ingredients and mix until you get a smooth batter. This will be the base of your cheesecake.
#### 5. **Whip the Egg Whites**
This is where the magic happens. Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. The egg whites will help make the cake airy and give it that signature cotton texture, so be sure to get them perfectly stiff.
#### 6. **Fold the Egg Whites into the Batter**
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cheesecake batter in batches. Use a spatula to carefully mix the two together, making sure not to deflate the egg whites. The goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible, which will ensure your cheesecake is light and fluffy.
#### 7. **Bake the Cheesecake**
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap the pan on the counter to release any large air bubbles. Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in a preheated oven at **320°F (160°C)** for about 60-70 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (it should be moist, not wet). Note that the cheesecake may crack slightly on the top—that’s totally normal and part of its charm!
#### 8. **Cool the Cake**
Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for about 15 minutes. This helps prevent a sudden drop in temperature, which can cause the cake to shrink. After 15 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven, and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
#### 9. **Chill and Serve**
Once the cheesecake has cooled, remove it from the pan, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the cake to set properly and achieve that perfect cotton-like texture.
When ready to serve, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a nice finish. Slice it up and enjoy the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
### Tips for Success
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure the cream cheese, milk, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This will help create a smooth batter and prevent lumps.
– **Don’t Overmix the Egg Whites**: When whipping the egg whites, be careful not to over-whip them. The texture should be firm but not dry or too stiff.
– **Water Bath (Optional)**: To avoid cracks on the surface of the cheesecake, you can place the cake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water. This creates a water bath that helps regulate the temperature, resulting in a smoother texture.
### Why You’ll Love Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
This Japanese cotton cheesecake is everything you want in a dessert—**light, fluffy, and full of flavor**. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will make you feel like you’re floating in cloud nine. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests (and yourself!).
### Final Thoughts
Japanese cotton cheesecake is a versatile and show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, airy texture and subtle sweetness, it offers a unique take on the traditional cheesecake that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try today—you might just be shocked at how easy and delicious this light, fluffy cake can be!
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