Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake

Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Line the bottom of an 8x3" round cake pan with a parchment paper circle or generously butter ONLY the bottom of the pan. Set it aside.

Separate the eggs and place the whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Place the yolks in a small bowl. Set both aside.

Place the cream cheese in a metal or heatproof glass bowl and place over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese softens and melts and becomes totally smooth. Whisk in the crème fraîche and butter until well combined. Remove from the heat and whisk in the lemon zest and vanilla. Whisk in the egg yolks and 3 Tbsp. (40 g) of the superfine sugar. Sprinkle the cake flour and salt evenly over the top. Use the whisk to gently fold in the flour.