What is the viral no-bake ‘Japanese Cheesecake’ and how can you make it in a few simple steps?

Laziness meets genius in the kitchen when the tastiest dishes are cooked with the fewest ingredients readily available at hand.

The Japanese cheesecake is the internet's latest obsession, going viral online, especially on TikTok and Instagram.

But what is this viral cheesecake that netizens are obsessing over? Is it like any other cheesecake that requires dedicated effort to make, or is there another secret to it?

What is ‘Japanese cheesecake’?

Born in Japan with simple sablé cookies and yogurt, it has evolved into a Biscoff-infused treat that tastes surprisingly like the real deal - no oven, no fuss, just fridge magic. High in protein from thick Greek yogurt, it's a perfect treat for quick breakfasts, guilt-free snacks, or last-minute desserts that impress without effort.

This new social media trend has chefs and home cooks hooked on this ultra-easy, no-bake dessert, which is similar to cheesecake but can be made with just yogurt and cookies.

How did this trend originate?

This "Japanese yogurt cheesecake" started in Japan with sablé cookies but later evolved into the American version, featuring Biscoff for its browned butter and spice notes, similar to American cheesecake crusts.

How to make this viral Japanese cheesecake?

Here are some simple steps to make this handy cheesecake:

• Take thick Greek yogurt for tang and protein - plain or vanilla both work well. Avoid thin yogurt or salty blended cottage cheese, as they reduce the magic.
• Place as many Biscoff cookies vertically into the yogurt tub. If the tub is full, spoon out some yogurt first to prevent spills.
• Space the cookies slightly apart for even softening.
• Use more cookies than yogurt, as the yogurt flavor is strong.
• Seal the container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4–5 hours.
• The cookies will absorb moisture and become soft and pudding-like, similar to Nilla wafers in banana pudding.

Very similar to real cheesecake feel

It won’t fool you into thinking it’s baked cheesecake - there’s no cream cheese, sugar overload, or eggs here - but it’s "undeniably delicious," with creamy, tangy yogurt paired with spiced, buttery Biscoff.

What comes out is a tasty, fun, scoopable delicacy, with separate kernels of softened cookie in rich yogurt, closer to cheesecake than you'd expect. Crush extra crisp Biscoff on top for a crunch contrast.