Matcha Cheesecake - Japanese (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 200g softened cream cheese
02 - 60g butter, no salt
03 - 100ml full-fat milk
04 - 6 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
05 - 100g white granulated sugar

→ Dry Ingredients

06 - 30g cornstarch
07 - 70g cake flour
08 - A small pinch of salt (1/4 tsp)

→ Flavoring

09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
10 - 2 tablespoons of premium-quality matcha powder

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 320°F (160°C) and get an 8-inch round pan ready by lining it with baking paper.
02 - Mix the matcha powder with hot water until it's a smooth paste, then allow it to cool off.
03 - Combine cream cheese, butter, and milk in a double boiler. Stir until it's completely smooth, then leave to cool a bit.
04 - Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they're pale and fluffy. Add in the vanilla, the cooled cheese mixture, and the matcha paste.
05 - Sift the cake flour, cornstarch, and salt. Carefully fold these into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix.
06 - Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then delicately fold them into the batter to keep it light and airy.
07 - Pour the batter into your prepared pan, and tap it lightly to remove any bubbles. Bake for 60-70 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden color and a set center.
08 - Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open. Chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For the best texture, you need to keep the temperature steady while baking.
02 - Folding the mixture gently is super important to create the cake's fluffy, airy texture.