If you are in Japan, you must definitely visit “House of Flavors,” the well-known cafe founded by Fusako Holthaus. The cafe is famous for baking what many call the “most expensive cheesecake in Japan.” Today, we will get to know more about the baker and know how you can make her famous, “three-layered cheesecake” at home.
Who Is Fusako Holthaus
Fusako Holthaus is more than just a baker; she is regarded as a “culinary bridge” between East and West. Her philosophy of being a baker is deeply rooted in “uncompromised-quality.” At her cafe, “House of Flavors,” located in the scenic Kamakurayama, guests are required to pay a premium price because every bite of desserts represents decades of refined technique and the finest ingredients available.
The Structure Of The Perfect Cheesecake
The unique feature of this recipe that makes it appear so special is due to the three distinct layers that creates a symphony of textures.
The Crust: Crust of this cheesecake includes a buttery, crunchy graham cracker or a fine cookie-base that provides a sturdy foundation.
The Filling: A dense, velvety cream cheesy layer that is rich in flavor but perfectly balanced.
The Topping: A tangy, chilled sour cream layer that cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
1. To prepare the "Crust," the ingredients you will need:
• 150 grams crushed graham crackers,
• 50 grams melted unsalted butter,
• 1 tbsp table sugar.
2. To prepare the "Cheese Layer," the ingredients you will need:
• 500 grams high-quality cheese
• 100 grams granulated sugar,
• 3 large-sized eggs,
• 1 tsp vanilla extract,
• 1 tbsp lemon juice.
3. To prepare the "Sour Cream Topping," the ingredients you will need:
• 400 grams sour cream,
• 2 tbsp table sugar,
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions To Follow For Baking The Cheesecake
1. Preparing the Base: Take a big bowl and mix well the crushed crackers, sugar and melted butter. Then, press them firmly into the bottom of a 20cm springform pan. After this, you can bake it in the oven at around 180°C for at least 10 minutes, take the base out and let it cool for some time.
2. Mix The Filling: Mix the creamy cheese and sugar together and continue it till you see a smooth texture being formed. Then, add one egg at a time, followed by the vanilla and lemon juice. After you are done with this, you can pour the filling over the cooled crust.
3. The First Bake: You can bake at around 160°C for about 45-50 minutes approximately. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
4. Add The Topping: To add toppings on your dessert, whisk the sour cream, sugar and vanilla together. You can spread it evenly over the hot cheesecake.
5. The Final Set: To set the topping perfectly, return it back to the oven and heat it again for 5-8 minutes at 180°C.
6. Chill the Dessert: Now, you are at the final stage of your baking process, so let the dessert get cooled and then refrigerate it for at least 24 hours. This cheesecake definitely tastes better, especially when taken either on the second or third day!
Visiting The House Of Flavors
If you ever travel to Kanagawa, do visit the cafe, a pilgrimage worth visiting for dessert lovers. You will be mesmerized by seeing the minimalist use of glass architecture, overlooking the lush green valley of Kamakurayama. You can enjoy this enchanting scenic beauty along with a slice of cheesecake and a cup of tea. Overall, you will have an experience that a perfect recipe can take a few hours more of yours to be fully prepared, but it is always worth the wait!
