Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel like a gentle cloud melting in your mouth, then you absolutely must try this Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe. This delightful treat combines a light, fluffy texture with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all enhanced by a vibrant strawberry sauce that adds a perfect touch of sweetness and freshness. It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make, sure to impress both family and friends while offering that comforting homemade vibe every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients list. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending creaminess, providing structure, or contributing to that irresistible texture and subtle sweetness.

• 200g cream cheese: The creamy base crucial for the cheesecake’s rich flavor and smooth consistency.
• 60g unsalted butter: Adds a velvety texture and enhances the overall taste.
• 100ml milk: Helps to thin out the batter for that signature soft crumb.
• 6 egg yolks: Provide richness and bind the ingredients together.
• 60g cake flour: A lighter flour type that helps maintain the cheesecake’s delicate texture.
• 20g cornstarch: Supports structure without weighing down the cake.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aromatic note to elevate every bite.
• 6 egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks to give the cake its iconic fluffy, airy rise.
• 100g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the egg whites for volume.
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar: Helps maintain the egg whites’ stiffness during baking.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting a delicate finishing touch.
• Fresh strawberries: Used for garnish and to prepare the strawberry sauce.

How to Make Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C). This moderate temperature is key to gently baking the cheesecake so it sets beautifully without cracking or becoming dense.

Step 2: Melt the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and milk. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth mixture, then remove it from the heat to cool slightly. This step ensures everything blends harmoniously without lumps.

Step 3: Blend in Yolks and Dry Ingredients

To the cooled cream cheese mixture, whisk in the egg yolks one at a time for that rich custardy base. Next, sift in the cake flour and cornstarch to keep the texture light, then add in your vanilla extract for that extra flavor pop. Stir everything gently until it’s perfectly smooth and silky.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites to Perfection

In a clean, dry bowl, start beating the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar to stabilize, then gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until you get those stiff, glossy peaks. Achieving the right consistency is crucial to create the cheesecake’s famous cotton-like fluffiness.

Step 5: Fold and Combine

Now, lovingly fold the stiff egg whites into the cheese mixture in three gentle additions. Be careful to maintain as much air as possible for that delicate fluff while making sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Prepare the Bake

Pour your batter into a cake pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased for easy release. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release trapped air bubbles, which helps prevent holes or cracks during baking.

Step 7: Create a Water Bath

Place the cake pan inside a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the side of the cake pan. This water bath will gently regulate heat and keep the cheesecake moist while it bakes.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for one whole hour, allowing the cheesecake to set slowly. Then, turn off the oven but leave the cake inside for another hour to cool gradually, which prevents cracking and sinking.

Step 9: Chill for Perfection

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step helps the texture firm up and deepens the flavor.

Step 10: Finish with Strawberry Sauce

Finally, dust the cake lightly with confectioners’ sugar and serve alongside a fresh strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries. The fruity brightness contrasts beautifully with the creamy, airy cheesecake, making every bite a delight.

How to Serve Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a charming snow-kissed look, while fresh strawberries not only bring color but also a fresh burst of flavor and texture. You can also drizzle your homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce for an extra zesty finish.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprig of fresh mint or a handful of toasted almonds provide interesting contrasts without overpowering the delicate cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this cake in individual glass jars topped with strawberry sauce makes for an elegant presentation at parties. Alternatively, you can layer slices between fresh strawberries and whipped cream for parfait-style servings, offering a playful twist on the traditional slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It remains delicious and fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every last bite without any disappointment.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for longer storage—up to 1 month. Thaw it slowly overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its soft texture and full flavor when ready to serve again.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmed, gently microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to lose the delicate fluffiness by overheating.

FAQs

What makes this cheesecake “soft cotton”?

The “soft cotton” texture comes from gently folding stiff egg whites into the cream cheese mixture and baking it in a water bath, which produces a light, airy cake that melts in your mouth.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

While you can use lower-fat cream cheese, it’s best to stick with full-fat for the creamiest, richest results. Low-fat versions may affect the cheesecake’s texture and flavor.

How do I make the strawberry sauce?

For a quick strawberry sauce, simmer chopped fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a syrupy consistency. Cool before serving with the cheesecake.

Is the water bath necessary?

Yes, the water bath is essential. It gently distributes heat around the cake, helping prevent cracks and keeping the cheesecake moist and delicate.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free as well. This will maintain the soft texture without gluten.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Soft Cotton Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce Recipe that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. It’s a dessert that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, perfect for any special occasion or a cozy night in. I hope you dive in and enjoy every fluffy, creamy, strawberry-kissed bite just as much as I do.

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