Japanese Cheesecake – The viral 2-ingredient trend put to the test

Japanese cheesecake with only 2 ingredients – this viral TikTok trend has been following us for a few days now. It was popping up all over our feeds: enthusiastic voices raving and skeptical comments like, “It’s just yogurt and cookies!” We had to find out for ourselves. And yes, we have revealed the secret why some are disappointed and others are completely thrilled.

The difference? The quantity of cookies makes the crucial difference between “aha” and “wow”! If, like us, you are looking for a dessert that is prepared in a flash, requires no baking skills and still tastes like something special, then this recipe is for you.

By the way: If you love creamy desserts, check out ours too Apple tiramisu or that Spaghetti ice cream dessert on – perfect for every season.

The yogurt is the heart of this dessert. The following applies here: the higher the fat content, the creamier and more cheesecake-like the result will be. We recommend yogurt with 10% fat – Greek yogurt is ideal here. Low-fat yogurt also works, but provides a much thinner consistency that is less reminiscent of real cheesecake. Skyr is also an option for those who like it higher in protein, although the result will be firmer and less creamy. It’s a little too dry for us.

Lotus’ famous caramel cookies are a classic for this trend – and for good reason. Their spicy, caramel taste harmonizes perfectly with the slight acidity of the yoghurt. The cookies soak up the moisture from the yoghurt overnight and become buttery and soft, almost like a classic cheesecake base. Alternatively, you can also use Oreos (for chocolate fans), butter cookies (milder) or speculoos. Spiced speculoos comes very close to the same experience. Matching: Ours Speculoos brownies are also a dream for caramel lovers.

Here comes the most important part – because this is exactly where most people who are disappointed by this trend fail:

1. Fat content is crucial: Use yogurt with at least 10% fat. This is the only way to get this creamy, dense consistency that is reminiscent of real cheesecake. Low-fat yogurt remains too liquid and the magic is lost.

2. The Magic Cookie Formula: There are about 10 cookies per 4 tablespoons of yogurt. That sounds like a lot, but it’s an absolute game changer! If you don’t eat enough cookies, you’ll actually only have the experience of yogurt with a few soft cookies. The right amount ensures that everything combines into a harmonious mass.

3. The vessel makes the difference: Choose a cup or glass with the top of the cookies slightly protruding above the yogurt. These ends remain minimally crunchy and provide great textural contrast.

4. Patience pays off: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This is when the magic happens – the cookies become soft, the yogurt hardens, and everything combines into that irresistible creaminess.

We tested countless variations before we found our perfect ratio. Most recipes online remain vague – “a few cookies” or “as many as will fit”. This often leads to disappointment because the result often only tastes like yogurt with soft cookies. In pretty much every video where people were disappointed, the number of cookies was too low.

Our secret lies in the precise quantity: 10 cookies to 4 tablespoons of yogurt. That sounds like a lot, but it’s exactly this ratio that ensures that the caramel flavor of the Biscoff cookies penetrates the yogurt and creates a perfect balance between sweet and creamy-sour.

We also love that this dessert is so versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, top it with fresh berries, or add a dollop of caramel sauce on top. For everyone who likes it even sweeter: Our speculoos spread as a topping is absolutely amazing!

The preparation is so simple that you can hardly call it “cooking” – but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

Step 1 – Portion the yogurt (1 minute) Place 4 heaping tablespoons of yogurt in a cup or small glass. The container should be chosen so that the cookies can later protrude about 0.5-1 cm from the top of the yoghurt. A flat floor is also an advantage.

Step 2 – Insert cookies (2 minutes) Now stick about 10 Lotus Biscoff biscuits vertically into the yoghurt. Press them in lightly, but make sure the tops are sticking out. The cookies can be placed close together.

Step 3 – Put it in the fridge (6+ hours) Cover the container or simply place it in the refrigerator covered with a small plate. Now it’s time to be patient! At least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Step 4 – Enjoy The next day you can expect a creamy dessert that is actually reminiscent of cheesecake. The cookies have become buttery-soft, the yogurt has thickened, and the ends sticking out provide a slight crunch. Just spoon and enjoy!

Tip: Prepare several portions at once – the dessert will easily keep in the fridge for 2-3 days and is perfect as a quick snack or dessert. Just make sure to cover the containers so that the “fridge taste” doesn’t get into your cheesecake.

The viral Japanese Cheesecake is one of those recipes that is so simple, it’s hard to believe – until you try it. With our perfect cookie formula, you’ll understand why this trend has taken over the internet. Try it out and show us your results on Instagram at @gernekochen! And if you feel like more creamy desserts afterwards, ours is Tiramisu the next logical step.