Filipino Chiffon Cheesecake (Pinoy Yema Chiffon Cheesecake) – Soft, Light & Sweetly Irresistible

The Perfect Fusion of Filipino Flavors and Classic Chiffon Cake

If you’re a fan of moist coffee cake, easy breakfast cake, or cream cheese coffee cake, this Filipino Chiffon Cheesecake will absolutely win your heart.

Known in the Philippines as Pinoy Yema Chiffon Cheesecake, this dessert blends a light, airy chiffon cake with a rich, velvety custard frosting (inspired by yema, the beloved Filipino milk-based candy). Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, this cake offers that signature sweet-salty balance Filipino desserts are famous for.

Whether you’re making it for brunch, a family celebration, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is pure joy on a plate!

Ingredients

For the Custard (Yema) Frosting:

4 egg yolks
1 cup sweetened condensed milk (305g)
1 cup whole milk (250ml)
1 tbsp cornstarch (8g)
1 tbsp salted butter (12g)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)

For the Chiffon Cake:

4 egg yolks
¼ cup sugar (50g)
¼ cup neutral oil (60 ml)
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
1 cup cake flour (120g) or all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder (4g)
½ tsp salt (2g)

For the Meringue:

4 egg whites
½ tsp white vinegar (2 ml)
½ cup sugar (100g)

For Topping:

Grated cheddar cheese (use amount to your preference)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Custard Frosting (Yema)

1️⃣ In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and cornstarch.
2️⃣ Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
3️⃣ Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chiffon Cake Base

1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and oil until smooth.
2️⃣ Add milk and vanilla; whisk again.
3️⃣ Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the yolk mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Meringue

1️⃣ In a clean mixing bowl, combine egg whites, vinegar, and sugar.
2️⃣ Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip on medium-high until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

1️⃣ Gently fold a few spoonfuls of meringue into the batter to lighten it.
2️⃣ Carefully fold in the remaining meringue until well incorporated.
3️⃣ Pour batter into an 8×3-inch round pan, chiffon pan, or 8×8-inch square pan (un-greased).
4️⃣ Bake in a preheated oven:

Convection oven: 160°C / 320°F for 35–40 minutes
Conventional oven: 170°C / 340°F for 35–40 minutes

⏳ Step 5: Cool the Cake

1️⃣ Invert the pan and let the cake cool upside down completely to prevent deflating.

Step 6: Frost & Finish

1️⃣ Once cooled, remove cake from pan.
2️⃣ Stack and frost with prepared custard frosting.
3️⃣ Generously top with grated cheddar cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Filipino Chiffon Cheesecake

Light & Airy – Perfectly soft chiffon base.
Rich Custard – Silky-smooth yema frosting.
Sweet & Salty – A classic Filipino flavor combo.
Perfect for Brunch or Dessert – A stunning addition to any table.

Related Recipes on RangerMT.com

If you love unique and comforting baked goods, try these:

Trusted U.S.-Based Baking Resources

King Arthur Baking – Baking Cake Tips
AllRecipes – International Cheesecake Recipes
Food Network – Filipino Dessert Recipes

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