3 Viral Japanese Yogurt Cheesecakes You Need to Try
3 Viral Japanese Yogurt Cheesecakes You Need to Try is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 8. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Eatsbystella on YouTube.
Prep: 26 min | Cook: 6 hrs | Total: 6 hrs 36 min
Cost: $11.40 total, $1.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat; base for all versions)
- 2 tbsp Honey (sweetens the base; optional)
- 120 ml Warm Milk (for soaking biscuits or cookies)
- 200 g Strawberries (sliced; for strawberry‑matcha version)
- 1 tsp Matcha Powder (dust on top of strawberry version)
- 8 pieces Biscoff Biscuits (crushed and soaked for strawberry version)
- 10 pieces Oreo Cookies (crushed and soaked for chocolate version)
- 120 ml Strong Coffee (cooled; for soaking ladyfingers)
- 1 tsp Rum Essence (adds warmth to tiramisu version)
- 8 pieces Ladyfingers (soaked in coffee‑rum mixture for tiramisu version)
- 1 tsp Cocoa Powder (dust on top of tiramisu version)
- 0.5 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional, adds subtle flavor to the base)
Instructions
Blend the Yogurt Base
Place the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract (if using) in the mixing bowl and blend with a hand mixer or blender until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Soak Biscoff Biscuits (Strawberry‑Matcha Version)
Break the Biscoff biscuits into small pieces and briefly dip them in warm milk for about 10 seconds until softened.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Strawberry‑Matcha Cheesecake
Layer half of the softened Biscoff pieces at the bottom of each serving glass, spoon a layer of the yogurt mixture over them, add sliced strawberries, then repeat. Finish with a light dusting of matcha powder.
Time: PT5M
Soak Oreo Cookies (Chocolate Version)
Crush the Oreo cookies and briefly dip them in warm milk for about 10 seconds, or add them directly to the yogurt if you prefer extra crunch.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake
Place a layer of softened Oreo pieces at the bottom of each glass, add a generous spoonful of the yogurt base, and repeat. Top with a few whole Oreo halves for decoration.
Time: PT5M
Soak Ladyfingers (Tiramisu Version)
Combine the cooled coffee with rum essence, then quickly dip each ladyfinger for 5‑7 seconds until just moist.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Tiramisu‑Inspired Cheesecake
Layer soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each glass, spread a layer of the yogurt mixture (you may stir a spoonful of honey into the yogurt for extra sweetness), repeat, and finish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Time: PT5M
Chill the Cheesecakes
Cover the glasses or molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Strawberry and chocolate versions need at least 2 hours; the tiramisu version is best after 6 hours or overnight.
Time: PT6H
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using coconut or soy yogurt and dairy‑free biscuits
Allergens: Milk, Gluten, Soy (if soy yogurt is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: coconut yogurt, soy yogurt, mascarpone, ricotta, cottage cheese
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup, agave nectar
- Instead of Warm Milk: almond milk, soy milk
- Instead of Strawberries: raspberries, blueberries
- Instead of Matcha Powder: green tea powder
- Instead of Biscoff Biscuits: graham crackers, digestive biscuits
- Instead of Oreo Cookies: chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate wafer cookies
- Instead of Strong Coffee: espresso, strong brewed coffee
- Instead of Rum Essence: rum extract, dark rum
- Instead of Ladyfingers: sponge cake strips
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: unsweetened chocolate shavings
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Blender or Hand Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spoon or Spatula
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Serving Glasses or Small Molds
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the biscuits, Oreos, or ladyfingers briefly in warm liquid to soften without becoming mushy.
- Chilling the assembled cheesecakes for the full recommended time to allow the texture to set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use full‑fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest mouthfeel.
- For extra flavor, swirl a thin line of honey or maple syrup through the yogurt before chilling.
- A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the Oreo version adds a glossy finish.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits or ladyfingers become too soggy.
Reduce soaking time to 5‑7 seconds and drain any excess liquid before layering.
Cheesecake remains runny after chilling.
Add an extra 2‑3 tbsp of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of mascarpone to increase firmness, and ensure the fridge is at least 4°C.
Matcha powder clumps on top.
Sift the matcha through a fine mesh sieve just before dusting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become grainy.
Room temperature: Serve within 2 hours of removal from the fridge.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the yogurt base up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled.
- All three versions can be assembled the night before; just add the final dusting (matcha or cocoa) right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese yogurt cheesecake in Japanese cuisine?
Japanese yogurt cheesecake, often called “soufflé cheesecake,” originated in Japan in the 1990s as a lighter, fluffier alternative to dense Western cheesecakes. It combines the tang of yogurt with a delicate, airy texture that reflects Japan’s preference for subtle sweetness and elegant presentation.
What are the traditional regional variations of Japanese yogurt cheesecake in Japanese cuisine?
While the classic version uses plain yogurt, regional twists include adding matcha in Kyoto, yuzu citrus in Shikoku, and sweet red bean paste in Kansai. The three variations in this recipe—strawberry‑matcha, chocolate Oreo, and tiramisu‑style—draw inspiration from both Japanese and Western flavors.
How is Japanese yogurt cheesecake traditionally served in Japan?
It is typically served chilled in individual ramekins or small glass jars, often dusted with powdered sugar, matcha, or cocoa. The presentation is minimalist, allowing the light texture and subtle flavor to shine.
What occasions or celebrations is Japanese yogurt cheesecake traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Because of its lightness, it is popular at tea‑time gatherings, summer festivals, and as a dessert after a formal meal. Its quick preparation also makes it a favorite for birthday parties and casual get‑togethers.
What makes Japanese yogurt cheesecake special or unique in Japanese cuisine?
The use of yogurt instead of cream cheese creates a lower‑fat, tangy base, while the gentle folding of air gives it a soufflé‑like lift. This balance of lightness and subtle sweetness sets it apart from richer Western cheesecakes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese yogurt cheesecake versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the cake uses plain Greek‑style yogurt, sugar, eggs, and a light sponge or biscuit base. Acceptable substitutes include coconut or soy yogurt for dairy‑free versions, and Biscoff, graham crackers, or ladyfingers for the base, as demonstrated in this recipe.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with Japanese yogurt cheesecake?
Pair it with a cup of green tea, hojicha, or a light fruit tea. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside wagashi (Japanese sweets) such as dorayaki or anmitsu for contrast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Japanese yogurt cheesecake?
Common errors include over‑soaking the biscuits, which makes the base soggy, and not chilling long enough, which prevents the cheesecake from setting. Also, blending the yogurt too aggressively can deflate the airy texture.
Why does this Japanese yogurt cheesecake recipe use warm milk to soak the biscuits instead of cold milk?
Warm milk quickly softens the biscuits without making them overly soggy, allowing the base to absorb just enough moisture for a smooth texture while preserving the lightness of the yogurt mixture.
Can I make the Japanese yogurt cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble the cheesecake a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The strawberry and chocolate versions are best after 2‑4 hours, while the tiramisu version benefits from at least 6 hours or overnight for full flavor development.
What does the YouTube channel Eatsbystella specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eatsbystella specializes in simple, approachable dessert recipes that blend Asian flavors with Western techniques, often focusing on quick, no‑bake or minimal‑cook creations for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Eatsbystella's approach to Japanese dessert cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Eatsbystella emphasizes flexibility—showing how to swap dairy for plant‑based alternatives and how to use pantry staples like biscuits or Oreos—while many traditional Japanese channels stick strictly to classic ingredients and techniques.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
