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Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

4.7 from 50 reviews

These fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes are light, airy, and perfect for impressing guests with their delicate texture and subtle sweetness. Featuring a creamy cream cheese base combined with softly whipped egg whites, these cupcakes offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Optional additions like cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or mashed bananas for extra moisture can elevate the flavors further, making them versatile for any taste preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free option.)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Milk (Almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option.)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 6 large Egg Yolks
  • 6 large Egg Whites (Whipped to soft peaks.)
  • 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Optional Flavor Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (For a chocolate twist.)
  • 1 cup Mashed Bananas or Applesauce (For added moisture.)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (For a surprising kick.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, milk, and unsalted butter. Beat this mixture for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time into the creamy mixture. After each addition, beat thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes to create a smooth batter.
  4. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they reach soft peaks, which means they hold a gentle shape but are still slightly droopy.
  5. Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese batter in three gradual additions. This technique helps maintain the light and airy texture.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to preserve the fluffiness.
  7. Fill Muffin Liners: Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and milk with almond milk.
  • Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for gluten-free cupcakes.
  • Optional ingredients such as cocoa powder, mashed bananas, chopped nuts, or cayenne pepper can be added to customize flavor and texture.
  • Do not overmix after adding whipped egg whites to maintain the cupcake’s fluffy texture.
  • Ensure egg whites are whipped to soft peaks for optimal lightness.
  • Serving these cupcakes slightly chilled enhances their delicate texture and flavor.

Keywords: japanese cotton cheesecake cupcakes, fluffy cheesecake cupcakes, light cheesecake dessert, Japanese dessert, baked cheesecake cupcakes