Soft and Light Cheesecake

A step-by-step recipe for a fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake.

704 3 minutes read

Few desserts are as satisfying as a perfectly soft and light cheesecake: creamy yet airy, rich but delicate, with a subtle tang and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

This style is often called a Japanese-style cheesecake or soufflé cheesecake, known for its featherlight texture compared to dense New York-style cheesecakes.

Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or as a lighter option after a meal, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser that feels elegant and indulgent. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Ensure the parchment is at least 2–3 cm above the rim. Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with aluminium foil to prevent water from leaking into the pan during baking. Prepare a large roasting pan or baking dish that will fit the springform pan for a water bath (bain-marie).

Have boiling water ready for later. Place cream cheese, butter, and milk in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler setup). Stir constantly until completely smooth, creamy, and combined — this takes about 5 minutes.

Then remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to lukewarm (around 40°C or warm to touch, not hot). Melting ensures the cream cheese and butter emulsify smoothly, preventing lumps in your batter later. In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, cornstarch, and salt.

Sifting twice ensures there are no clumps and that flour incorporates evenly for a delicate crumb. Once the cream cheese mixture is cooled slightly, whisk in egg yolks one at a time until smooth. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract; whisk gently to combine.

Gradually sift in the flour mixture, folding gently with a spatula until smooth and lump-free, then set aside. Do not overmix this batter. You want everything smooth but without developing gluten, which can make the cake tough. In a clean, grease-free bowl, start whisking egg whites at medium speed until foamy.

Gradually add sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) while continuing to beat and beat until firm peaks form — the peaks should hold, but tips should slightly bend. Stable, firm peaks give structure and airiness to the cheesecake without collapsing.

Take ⅓ of the meringue and fold gently into the yolk batter to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining meringue in 2 additions, using a spatula and cutting through the batter gently. Ensure the mixture is uniform with no large white streaks, but do not overmix — this can deflate the air you’ve whipped in.

Pour batter into the prepared springform pan and tap pan lightly on the counter to remove large air bubbles. Place the springform pan into your larger roasting pan, then pour hot water into the roasting pan (about halfway up the sides of the springform pan).

Carefully transfer the whole setup into the oven. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake for another 30–40 minutes.

The cake should rise beautifully, turn golden brown on top, and have a slight jiggle in the centre when gently shaken.

Once baked, turn off the oven, leave the oven door ajar, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 15–20 minutes. This slow cooling prevents sudden shrinkage and cracking.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting:

Pro Tips:

All ingredients should be at room temperature for smooth blending.
Ensure egg whites are properly whipped to firm peaks but not dry or clumpy.
When folding meringue, use a gentle lifting and turning motion to avoid deflation.

Common problems and fixes:

Cracks on top: Ensure you use a water bath and cool the cake gradually in the oven.
Dense texture: Folding too roughly or under-whipping egg whites can cause this.
Soggy base: Ensure your pan is tightly wrapped in foil to prevent water from entering during baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage:

Make-Ahead: Best made a day in advance; chilling overnight improves flavour and texture.
Short-Term Storage: Store covered in fridge up to 3 days.
Long-Term Storage: Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Variations and Customisations:

Flavour enhancements:

Add lemon zest for more citrus fragrance.
Swap lemon juice for yuzu juice for a Japanese twist.

Dietary options:

Gluten-free: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and plant milk.

Decoration ideas:

Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Top with seasonal fresh berries or fruit compote for a colourful finish.

That’s your detailed, step-by-step roadmap to mastering the perfect Soft and Light Cheesecake — airy, smooth, and delicate with just the right balance of flavour and texture.

Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.