Japanese cheesecake, with its airy, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness, has taken the dessert world by storm. Among its most famous renditions, Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecake stands out as an icon, loved for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unmistakable jiggly charm. In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to recreate Uncle Tetsu-style cheesecake at home. Ready to bake your own masterpiece? Let’s get started!
What Makes Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake Special?
1. Light and Fluffy Texture
Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecake is renowned for its cloud-like consistency. This is achieved by carefully incorporating whipped egg whites (meringue) into the batter.
2. Mild Sweetness
Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this Japanese version is subtly sweet, allowing the cream cheese’s natural flavor to shine.
3. Unique Baking Techniques
A water bath (bain-marie) ensures the cake bakes gently and evenly, resulting in a silky, smooth texture.
4. Global Popularity
From Japan to cities around the world, Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecakes have become a cultural phenomenon, with long lines of fans waiting for a taste.
Ingredients
Recipe details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
Main Ingredients
- 250g (8.8 oz) cream cheese
- 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter
- 100ml (3.4 oz) milk
- 6 large eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 100g (3.5 oz) granulated sugar
- 60g (2.1 oz) cake flour
- 20g (0.7 oz) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special Tools
- 8-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Large roasting pan for the water bath
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Line the bottom and sides of the springform pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside with foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the cream cheese, butter, and milk over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
- Sift the flour and cornstarch together, then whisk them into the cooled cream cheese mixture.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Create the Meringue
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Fold the Batter
- Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining meringue in two batches, being cautious not to deflate the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in a large roasting tray and pour hot water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Gradually
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 15-20 minutes. This prevents sudden deflation. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Nutritional facts (per slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 12g
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Japanese Cheesecake
1. Mastering the Meringue
Over-whipping can make the cake dense, while under-whipping won’t provide enough lift. Aim for stiff peaks that hold their shape.
2. Folding Technique
Fold gently but thoroughly to avoid streaks of meringue while preserving the batter’s airiness.
3. Avoiding Cracks
Use a consistent oven temperature and ensure the water bath has enough water throughout baking.
4. Cooling Down
Gradual cooling is essential to maintain the cake’s delicate structure and prevent collapse.
Serving and Storing Your Japanese Cheesecake
How to Serve
Dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries for an elegant touch. A drizzle of honey or caramel can add extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Wrap the japanese cheesecake tightly and store for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Slice the cake, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Making a copycat version of Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese cheesecake at home is easier than you think! With its fluffy texture, mild sweetness, and elegant simplicity, this cake is sure to impress friends, family, and even yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this masterpiece.