This national day, try out a new twist of our local breakfast: Soymilk with Youtiao (豆浆油条).

If you love sweet things and trying out new unique desserts, this Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake is worth adding into your baking list. Combining the silkiness of tofu and the richness of the cream cheese, elevate this otherwise normal tofu cheesecake with a rare pairing of the crispy texture of youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks). This cheesecake delivers a delicious balance of flavours and textures. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unlike a traditional cheesecake, this Tofu Youtiao version is lighter while keeping that signature creamy texture. The youtiao provides a unique chewy texture and flavour, complimenting the soft consistency perfectly. The ingredients are simple, found easily in a supermarket, making it the impeccable fusion of Western Cheesecake and our Asian Breakfast. 

Ingredients

Ingredients:

• Youtiao (we used store bought ones)
• 300g Silken Tofu
• 300g Cream Cheese
• 12g (1 tbsp) Gelatin Powder
• 75ml Soy Milk
• 70g (⅓ Cup) Sugar
• 60ml (¼ Cup) Hot Water (for the gelatine) 

How to Make Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake

The following steps are similar to making a typical tofu cheesecake, with the main difference being the base under the tofu cheesecake. However, these small differences give a stark contrast between these two variations! 

If you’re interested in making the normal tofu cheesecake, with a biscuit base instead, check out our previous blog post here.

Step 1: Dissolve Gelatine

Bloom your gelatine by softening it in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Add your hot water and gelatine powder together and mix. 

Stir until gelatine powder is completely dissolved into a completely clear liquid with no visible grains and lumps.

(Optional) Step 2: Crispen Youtiao

Bake youtiao in 160º C for 10 minutes. 

Though step is optional, we found it gives the best results for the dessert as it helps with drying out the youtiao, making sure that it does not turn too soggy after refrigerating. Ensure that your youtiao isn’t too oily nor hot while making this.

We highly recommend you follow through with this! Feel free to multitask by handling this stage as you proceed with the following instructions.

Step 3: Blend Cheesecake Mixture together

Add heavy cream, soy milk, tofu, sugar, cream cheese, and gelatine together.

Blend using a blender or a mixer until smooth with no lumps visible. 

Step 4: Assembling Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake

Line a 6x6x6 container with baking paper, ensuring it fits on nicely. 

Using scissors, cut the crispy youtiaos to fit the container. 

Add the Youtiaos and pour in the blended mix on top. 

Step 5: Overnight chilling

Place your tofu youtiao cheesecake into the fridge overnight to harden.

Or minimally 5 hours in the fridge, or around 8 hours for the best results.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut into smaller servings and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Youtiao Tofu Cheesecake

Use Silken Tofu

Silken Tofu provides an ultra-smooth filling that doesn’t affect the flavour too much. 

Chill Overnight

Giving the Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake enough time to chill improves both its flavour and texture.

While 5 hours is enough time for the filling to form, you’ll realise that an additional 3 hours (total 8 hours) brings out even more flavours.

Add Youtiaos at the Last Minute

Youtiao softens quickly when exposed to moisture, so add it only before pouring the cheesecake mix to keep its chewiness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use firm tofu?

Silken tofu is recommended as firm tofu contains less moisture and will produce a denser texture. While making it with firm tofu is possible, the texture and flavour of the final cheesecake will be different.

Does Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake taste like tofu?

Not really, as silken tofu creates a lighter and creamier texture while the cream cheese and soy milk remains the dominant flavour.

How long can I keep the Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake in the fridge for?

You may keep the Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake for up to 4 days in the fridge.

A modern twist on a Classic Dessert 

This Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake recipe brings together familiar ingredients in an unexpected yet delicious way. The silky tofu keeps the cheesecake wonderfully light, while crispy youtiao adds a satisfying crunch that transforms into something memorable. 

Give this Tofu Youtiao Cheesecake a try this National Day holiday and discover why this deserves a permanent place on your dessert table. 

Recipe Credit: This recipe was inspired by and adapted from the original creation by @jun.and.tonic and @melngtf on Instagram.