Samlip Soft Cheesecake Recipe

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This Korean-inspired Samlip Soft Cheesecake has gained a cult following for its feather-light texture, gently sweet flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. But here’s the thing: there’s something extra special about whipping up this delicate cheesecake in your own kitchen. Not only is it surprisingly simple to make, but you can also tweak it to perfection based on your own taste preferences.

How to make Samlip Soft Cheesecake

Samlip Soft Cheesecake is a type of Korean-style soft cheesecake — a light, tender cake-like dessert made by the South Korean brand Samlip (part of the SPC Group, a big bakery/confectionery company from Korea).

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Batter

• Cream cheese: 200g (softened at room temperature)
• Unsalted butter: 50g (softened at room temperature)
• Whole milk: 100ml
• Granulated sugar: 80g
• Egg yolks: 4
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (optional but recommended)
• Cake flour: 70g (sifted; all-purpose flour works too, but cake flour is ideal for its softness)
• Cornstarch: 20g
• Salt: A pinch

For the Meringue

• Egg whites: 4
• Granulated sugar: 60g
• Lemon juice or vinegar: 1 tsp (helps stabilize the meringue)

For Baking

• Hot water: For the water bath (to create steam and keep the texture moist)
• Parchment paper: To line your pan
• Powdered sugar or fresh fruits like berries for topping

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or hand whisk, but it will require effort)
• Spatula
• Sieve (for sifting dry ingredients)
• 8-inch round or square cake pan (lined with parchment paper)
• Baking tray or roasting pan (to pour water for the water bath)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides lightly with butter.
2. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place a shallow roasting pan at the bottom rack of the oven and fill it halfway with hot water to create a water bath.

2. Make the Cheesecake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually stir in the milk, mixing until combined. If lumps form, you can strain the mixture for smoothness.
3. Add the sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Sift the cake flour, cornstarch, and salt into the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until well combined and smooth.

3. Whip the Meringue

1. In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form using a hand or stand mixer.
2. Gradually add in the granulated sugar (in three additions) while beating, until stiff peaks form. Add the lemon juice or vinegar during this step to stabilize the meringue.

4. Combine the Meringue and Batter

1. Take one-third of the meringue and gently fold it into the cheesecake batter to lighten the mixture.
2. Gradually fold in the remaining meringue in two more additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Use a “fold and cut” motion with your spatula to keep the batter airy.

5. Pour and Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles.
2. Place the pan into the preheated oven on the middle rack, above the water bath. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set but jiggles slightly in the center.

6. Cool Gradually

1. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door slightly ajar for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents it from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.
2. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.

Tips for the Perfect Samlip Soft Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Meringue: Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks is crucial, but overmixing can cause them to dry out, making it harder to fold into the batter.
• Gentle Folding: When combining the meringue with the batter, don’t rush. Folding gently keeps the air trapped, creating the signature fluffy texture.
• Use a Water Bath: The steam from the water bath prevents the cheesecake from cracking and keeps it moist. Make sure your cake pan is tightly lined so no water seeps in!
• Check with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake near the end of baking. If it comes out clean or with minimal crumbs, your cheesecake is ready.
• Patience While Cooling: Cooling the cake gradually avoids sudden shrinkage or cracking on the surface. Resist the temptation to slice it before it has cooled completely.

What to serve with

Samlip Soft Cheesecake, with its delicate sweetness and cloud-like texture, is the ideal dessert to savor on its own—but pairing it with complementary flavors and textures can elevate your experience even further.

Hot Drinks

• Coffee: A strong black coffee (like Americano or espresso) or a creamy latte pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy undertones of the cheesecake. The bitterness cuts through the sweetness perfectly. You can also try a cappuccino for a foamy, luxurious combination.
• Tea: Opt for delicate teas like chamomile, green tea, or jasmine tea to complement the lightness of the cheesecake. Earl Grey or black teas with floral notes (like Darjeeling) are also great choices.
• Matcha Latte: The earthy, umami flavor of matcha contrasts beautifully with the sweet and fluffy cheesecake. Matcha’s slight bitterness adds depth to the pairing.

Cold Drinks

• Iced Milk Tea: A chilled milk tea (like Hokkaido or classic boba milk tea) complements the cheesecake’s creamy texture and adds a hint of indulgence.
• Fresh Fruit Juice: Lightly tart juices, such as freshly squeezed orange juice or lemon-lime juice, add brightness to offset the cheesecake’s richness.
• Sparkling Water or Lemonade: For a refreshing option, serve sparkling water infused with lemon or fresh herbs like mint to cleanse your palate between bites.

Ingredient Substitutes

When making Samlip Soft Cheesecake, you may encounter situations where certain ingredients aren’t available—or perhaps you’re making tweaks to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. Thankfully, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate substitutions without compromising its light, fluffy, and creamy texture.

1. Cream Cheese

Purpose: Cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake, providing smoothness, creaminess, and tangy flavor.

Substitutes:

• Mascarpone Cheese: A great alternative to cream cheese, mascarpone delivers a similar creamy texture but has a milder, sweeter flavor. You may want to increase the amount of sugar slightly to balance the tang.
• Greek Yogurt: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use full-fat, strained Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. While it’s less rich, it does provide a tangy flavor that works well in the recipe.
• Cottage Cheese: Blended cottage cheese can replace cream cheese but will require straining to remove excess liquid. This makes for a lighter but slightly grainy texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Similar to cottage cheese, ricotta can work when blended to a smooth consistency. Its texture isn’t identical to cream cheese but still produces a creamy result.
• Silken Tofu (Vegan Option): For a dairy-free option, silken tofu blended until smooth can mimic cream cheese’s creamy texture, although it lacks the tangy flavor. Enhance the flavor with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

2. Butter

Purpose: Butter contributes to richness and adds a subtle flavor.

Substitutes:

• Margarine: A common alternative to butter, margarine replicates the texture and moisture in the batter. Opt for unsalted margarine for the best results.
• Neutral Oils (e.g., Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil): If you’re short on butter, neutral oils can work as a substitute. Use 40g of oil for every 50g of butter required.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, though it adds a slight coconut flavor to the cheesecake.
• Applesauce (Healthy Option): For a lighter version, replace the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Note that this will slightly affect the richness of the cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Samlip Soft Cheesecake at home is incredibly rewarding. With its pillowy texture and rich flavor, this dessert will impress your family and friends—or maybe just yourself! 

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
• Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake Recipe