Find out what the secret is to Jen's fluffy Japanese cheesecakes
Over the years we’ve covered a lot of startup foodie ventures, from doughnuts, to mac and cheese, French eclairs, and do you remember those Slab shots? Whilst all delicious and each having a unique back story, JenSmith Cheesecakes would have to be one of the tastiest and most delightful yet.
Spending almost two years perfecting the recipe out of her Edgeworth kitchen, it’s clear from the love Jen’s been receiving online that she has nailed the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s synonymous with Japanese cheesecakes.
With word spreading quickly about JenSmith Cheesecakes, I was keen to check out what the fuss was all about, ordering a last-minute Mother’s Day treat.
Deciding on the OG option, the range of flavours to choose between includes: honey & yorkshire tea, chocolate, and matcha tea, as well as the super creamy Basque Burnt cheesecake.
Within the hour I was off to Edgeworth to collect the goods, as well as having the pleasure of meeting Jen and hearing her cheesecake story.
Originally from Thailand, Jen was a teacher for much of her career, but recalls growing up helping her mum bake Thai desserts, which is where her love of cooking desserts first began. It wasn’t, however, until she relocated to Australia that her interest in cooking was reignited.
When I asked why, of all the desserts in the world to choose, did she decide to focus all her energies on the Japanese cheesecake, it was a pretty straightforward response,
“No one else is doing it, it’s a nice cake, and I wanted to do something different.”
Watching Jen working away in her snazzy silver caravan you very quickly pick up on her love of cooking, and her love of being able to share what she creates with her guests.
Yes, that’s right, not only can you order and collect one of Jen’s Cheesecakes for your next occasion, Jen also offers a very intimate, maximum 10 people, backyard dine-in experience at her home in Edgeworth that features not only her beautiful range of cheesecakes, but her equally as famous pancakes. To make sure your seats confirmed, book ahead of time via's Jen's website.
Jen has perfected the art of fluffing her meringue so much so it results in pancakes more than an inch thick, and the freshness is evident in the little jiggle they do as they’re placed on the table. Accompanied with a selection of fresh seasonal fruits, and maple syrup, the spongy lightness of the texture allows you to easily devour the tower of three.
Just how has Jen managed to create such tasty perfection, every time, she explains,
“I make a limited number of cakes, just what I can manage so the freshness and quality is always there.
“There’s no secret ingredient or special method to my cakes, working with fresh ingredients is important, but it’s mostly been just a lot of practice, making lots of mistakes, and making with lots of love.” [Jen laughs].
Served with coffee or tea by her husband Luke, the very handy barista, Jen’s tranquil backyard setting offers the perfect excuse to try Jen’s treats, at a slow and relaxed pace, and we can assure you, you’re in for a real treat.
