Japanese cheesecake, also known as "soufflé cheesecake," originated in the 1980s in Japan and blends the lightness of a soufflé with the richness of a traditional cream cheese cake, creating a fluffy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth dessert that has become a staple in Japanese bakeries.

Japanese cheesecake is airy and less dense because it relies on whipped egg whites and a lower proportion of cream cheese, while New York‑style cheesecake uses a heavy cream cheese base and no whipped eggs, resulting in a rich, dense texture.

In Osaka, a lighter version called "cotton cheesecake" is popular, while in Hokkaido bakers often add local dairy for extra creaminess; some regions incorporate matcha or yuzu for unique flavor twists.

Japanese cheesecake is commonly served at tea‑time gatherings, birthday celebrations, and seasonal festivals because its delicate flavor pairs well with green tea and it looks elegant on dessert platters.

Traditional Japanese cheesecake uses cream cheese, butter, milk, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites. This simplified version replaces the dairy base with plain Greek yogurt and eliminates eggs, relying on Biscoff crumbs for structure.

It pairs nicely with matcha ice cream, dorayaki pancakes, or a side of fresh seasonal fruit such as sliced strawberries or kiwi, balancing the cheesecake’s richness with bright flavors.

Common mistakes include under‑mixing the jam and yogurt, which leaves streaks; crushing the Biscoff cookies too coarsely, resulting in a gritty texture; and not chilling long enough, which prevents the cheesecake from setting properly.

Greek yogurt provides a high‑protein, low‑fat base that mimics the tang of cream cheese while keeping the recipe ultra‑simple and egg‑free, making it accessible for home cooks without special equipment.

Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it sealed in its container and store it in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal texture.

The YouTube channel KALEJUNKIE by Nicole K. Modic focuses on quick, minimalist recipes that use few ingredients, often highlighting viral food trends and healthy twists for busy home cooks.

KALEJUNKIE emphasizes ultra‑simple, two‑ or three‑ingredient adaptations of classic desserts, like this raspberry Japanese cheesecake, whereas many other channels stick to traditional, multi‑step methods that require specialized equipment.