Description
This Tiramisu Japanese Cotton Cheesecake is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the light, fluffy texture of Japanese cotton cheesecake with the rich flavors of classic Italian tiramisu. Featuring a smooth cream cheese batter infused with espresso and topped with a mascarpone-vanilla cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, this cake offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for coffee lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
Mascarpone Topping
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare for a water bath.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: Place cream cheese, butter, and half of the granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add wet and dry ingredients: Stir in egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, salt, flour, cornstarch, and the dissolved coffee granules into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining granulated sugar until stiff peaks form, ensuring they are light and airy.
- Fold egg whites into batter: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in batches. Use gentle motions to maintain the fluffy texture of the batter.
- Prepare water bath and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Place this pan into a larger baking dish and add hot water around it to create a water bath, which helps in baking the cheesecake evenly and prevents cracking. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the cake is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely while still in the pan to maintain moisture and texture.
- Prepare mascarpone topping: In a small bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add topping and dust: Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Finish by dusting the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve this fluffy, coffee-flavored cheesecake chilled for the best experience.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, sprinkle a little brewed espresso over the cake before adding the mascarpone topping.
- Be sure to fold the egg whites gently into the batter to maintain the cake’s signature fluffy texture.
- Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and texture.
