JAPANESE CHEESECAKE

1. Prepare the pan and oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
   • Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during baking (this is known as the water bath method).
   • Prepare a large baking dish with hot water for the water bath. The cake pan will sit in this later.
2. Make the cheesecake batter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese, milk, and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
   • Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
   • Once cooled, whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time.
   • Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
   • Sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the mixture, whisking until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Beat the egg whites:
   • In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
   • Gradually add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine the mixtures:
   • Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it.
   • Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites, making sure not to deflate the batter. The mixture should be light and airy.
5. Bake the cheesecake:
   • Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared cake pan.
   • Place the cake pan in the prepared water bath (the larger dish with hot water).
   • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
   • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
   • After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
6. Chill and serve:
   • Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
   • Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Japanese Cheesecake is incredibly light, soft, and almost soufflé-like, with a delicate flavor. It’s perfect for those who love a lighter version of cheesecake that still delivers on the creamy goodness! 😋🍰

Let me know if you’d like to add a fruit topping or other fun variations to this fluffy treat!