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Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes to Wow Your Guests Recipe

4.9 from 106 reviews

Discover the ultimate fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes that effortlessly combine lightness and rich flavor. These cupcakes feature a creamy texture with a delicate balance of sweetness and a subtle tang from cream cheese, perfect to impress your guests at any gathering. Infused with options for chocolate, fruit, and nuts, this recipe allows customization while maintaining the signature cotton-soft crumb.

Ingredients

Scale

Base 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 Enhancements

  • 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 prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, milk, and unsalted butter. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well blended.
  3. Add Egg Yolks: Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing each addition thoroughly for 2-3 minutes to achieve a smooth batter.
  4. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they reach soft peaks, creating a light airy texture necessary for the fluffy cakes.
  5. Fold Egg Whites: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese batter in three parts, using gentle folding techniques to retain air and volume.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing them into the batter just until combined to avoid overmixing and preserve softness.
  7. Customize Batter: Optionally, mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor, mashed bananas or applesauce for moisture, chopped nuts for texture, and cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. Fold these ingredients gently into the batter.
  8. Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
  9. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cupcakes are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to maintain the perfect fluffy texture.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and milk with almond milk.
  • To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
  • Do not overwhip egg whites; soft peaks are ideal to maintain the cake’s light and fluffy texture.
  • Folding should be done gently to preserve air in the batter, which is key to the fluffy rise.
  • Adding cocoa powder, fruits, nuts, or cayenne pepper is optional and can customize the flavor profile.
  • Ensure cupcakes cool completely before handling for best texture and shape retention.
  • These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2 days and can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated.

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