Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate, melt-in-your-mouth desserts, then the Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine a cheesecake so airy and fluffy it feels like biting into a cloud, perfectly balanced with a luscious strawberry sauce that adds just the right amount of fruity brightness. This recipe brings together simple ingredients with careful technique to create a dessert that’s elegant yet surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a delightful treat any day, this cheesecake guarantees smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in achieving that signature soft and cottony texture, as well as the rich flavor that makes this cheesecake irresistible. Gathering these essentials ensures both a perfect structure and a luxurious taste.

• 200g cream cheese: The creamy base of the cheesecake that provides richness and subtle tang.
• 60g unsalted butter: Adds moisture and smoothness without overpowering other flavors.
• 100ml milk: Lightens the batter, contributing to that tender, airy crumb.
• 6 egg yolks: These enrich the batter with color and velvety texture.
• 60g cake flour: Offers structure while keeping the cake soft and tender.
• 20g cornstarch: Helps stabilize the batter and maintain the cheesecake’s fluffy consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, lifting the overall flavor.
• 6 egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks, they’re crucial for that signature lift and lightness.
• 100g granulated sugar: Sweetens the egg whites and creates stability when beaten.
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring maximum volume and durability.
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pretty finish.
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish: Completes the dish with a fresh, colorful touch and natural sweetness.

How to Make Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C). Preparing the oven early ensures even baking from the start. This temperature is perfect for baking the cheesecake gently without browning the top too quickly.

Step 2: Melt and Combine the Base

Using a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. This step guarantees a silky base that will blend effortlessly with the other ingredients. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Whisk the egg yolks into the cooled cheese mixture until fully incorporated, lending richness and a golden hue to the batter. Next, sift in the cake flour and cornstarch to avoid lumps and create a light texture. Finish by adding vanilla extract, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and homogenous.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, start beating the egg whites until they turn foamy. Add the cream of tartar, which helps keep the egg whites stable, and then gradually add the granulated sugar. Keep beating until you reach stiff peaks—this is the magic ingredient that gives this cheesecake its signature cotton-like lift.

Step 5: Fold in the Egg Whites

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese batter in three additions. Use a spatula and fold carefully to retain the airy volume without deflating the mixture. This technique is crucial for an ultra-light and soft cheesecake.

Step 6: Prepare the Pan and Batter

Line a cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and pour in the batter. Give the pan a few gentle taps to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps maintain a smooth texture once baked.

Step 7: Set Up the Water Bath

Place the cake pan inside a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water. This water bath or bain-marie ensures gentle, even heat that prevents cracks and keeps the cheesecake wonderfully moist.

Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake for 1 hour at 320°F (160°C). Once the baking time is up, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour to cool slowly. This step allows the texture to set perfectly without sudden temperature changes.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

After removing the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool to room temperature. Then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—or ideally overnight—to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up just right.

Step 10: Final Touches

Before serving, dust the top generously with confectioners’ sugar and add a drizzle of strawberry sauce topped with fresh strawberries. This last step adds a lovely sweet finish and a burst of refreshing fruitiness.

How to Serve Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To make this cheesecake truly pop, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a pretty snowy effect, while fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness. You can also drizzle extra strawberry sauce or add a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This Soft Cotton Cheesecake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A side of fresh berries or a small fruit salad also complements the creamy texture without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in clear glasses layered with strawberry sauce and crumbled biscuits for a delightful play on the classic cake presentation. Alternatively, arrange slices on a wooden cheese board surrounded by fresh fruit and edible flowers for a stunning display at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other food odors. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days while retaining its soft, fluffy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake if needed. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. When frozen properly, it retains flavor and texture for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Because this cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying, ensuring you don’t lose that coveted softness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this cheesecake?

Cream cheese is ideal for this recipe because of its smooth texture and mild flavor. Using other cheeses might change the texture and taste, so it’s best to stick with cream cheese for the perfect Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe experience.

What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons and replace with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then sift well to lighten the flour.

How important is the water bath in this recipe?

The water bath is essential because it helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking by maintaining moisture. Skipping this step can lead to a drier, cracked cheesecake without that signature soft cotton texture.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy and eggs for texture and flavor, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions and may alter the soft cotton texture. For those dietary needs, consider specifically formulated vegan cheesecakes.

How long can I store the strawberry sauce?

Fresh strawberry sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but fresh sauce delivers the best flavor and brightness for this cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe is truly a show-stopper that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Its delicate, airy texture combined with luscious strawberry sweetness will make it your go-to dessert for celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this delicious cloud-like cheesecake with your loved ones—it’s pure joy on a plate!

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