Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes ☁️🍰🧁
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
120g (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
60g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, separated
60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour, sifted
20g (1 tbsp + 1 tsp) cornstarch, sifted
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Whipped Cream Topping (optional):
100ml heavy cream, chilled
15g (1 tbsp + 1 tsp) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. If using silicone molds, you can skip this step.
2. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold: Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
8. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
9. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Whipped Cream Topping (Optional): While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
12. Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spoon the whipped cream topping onto the cupcakes. You can dust with powdered sugar for extra decoration.
13. Enjoy! Serve your Fluffy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes and enjoy the light and airy texture!