Japanese Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these fluffy Japanese Cheesecake Cupcakes, a light and creamy dessert with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist on traditional cheesecakes, featuring whipped egg whites for airy softness and a subtle, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Customize with cocoa powder, bananas, or nuts for added flavor variations.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 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.)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, milk, and unsalted butter. Beat this mixture for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a lump-free texture.
- Add Egg Yolks: Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly for 2-3 minutes after each addition to achieve a homogeneous batter.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. This step is essential for creating a light and airy texture in the cupcakes.
- Fold Egg Whites Into Batter: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three portions. Use gentle folding to maintain the airiness without deflating the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and losing volume.
- Incorporate Optional Add-ins: If using, gently fold in cocoa powder, mashed bananas or applesauce, chopped nuts, and cayenne pepper to customize the flavor and texture.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops turn lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preserving their delicate texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and milk with almond milk.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Whipping egg whites to soft peaks is crucial to the cupcakes’ fluffy texture; avoid over-beating.
- Folding in ingredients gently maintains the air incorporated in egg whites, preventing dense cupcakes.
- Adding optional ingredients like cocoa powder, bananas, nuts, or cayenne pepper can enhance flavor but may slightly alter texture.
- Ensure cupcakes are not overbaked to keep them moist and soft.
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