Description
Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes are light, airy, and delicately sweet mini cheesecakes with a melt-in-your-mouth texture — a perfect blend of souffle and cheesecake in cupcake form.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cake flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners and place it inside a larger deep baking pan for a water bath.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt cream cheese, butter, and milk together until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk in egg yolks until well combined. Sift in cake flour and cornstarch, and mix until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar (in 2–3 additions) and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, using a spatula. Mix carefully to maintain the airy texture.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling about ¾ full.
- Pour hot water into the outer baking pan to reach halfway up the sides of the muffin tin (for a water bath).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are set but still jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cupcakes inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes to prevent collapsing.
- Remove from oven, let cool completely, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs for the fluffiest texture.
- The water bath helps prevent cracking and keeps the cheesecakes moist.
- These cupcakes taste even better chilled — refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (Water Bath)
- Cuisine: Japanese