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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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You’ve probably seen it by now—there’s a new dessert trend sweeping TikTok and Instagram, and it might be the simplest cheesecake‑inspired treat yet: the Japanese two‑ingredient cheesecake.
The concept couldn’t be easier. All you need is a pot of Greek yogurt and a handful of Biscoff biscuits. The spiced, caramelized cookies are pressed into the yogurt and left for 24 hours. By the next day, the yogurt thickens into a velvety, cheesecake‑like texture that creators can’t stop raving about.
It’s no surprise the trend is taking off. A June 2025 study of 5,000 U.S. adults found that 77 percent of Americans now make mealtime decisions based on what’s trending online. The survey—commissioned by McCain and conducted by Talker Research—also revealed that more than half (58 percent) have saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook of their own.
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On social media, the hashtag #japanesecheesecake has already accumulated more than 313,000 combined views as users test the hack for themselves. To understand whether the dessert is as healthy as it looks, Newsweek reached out to registered dietitian nutritionist Kristy Thomas.
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Is It Actually Healthier?
“I see this trend in a positive light since it is a high-protein dessert," Thomas, told Newsweek: “Compared to cheesecakes, it is a lot easier to fit into most nutrition plans.”
A classic cheesecake typically includes a crust made from crackers or biscuits, butter and sugar, plus a creamy filling made from cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like vanilla extract. Some recipes add heavy cream, sour cream, ricotta or mascarpone, creating a dessert that Thomas says usually lands at around 500 or more calories per serving.
In contrast, the viral version leans on high‑protein, lower‑calorie dairy.
Thomas said: “I emphasize that 0 percent Greek yogurt and Quark can have between 15‑30 grams of protein per serving, making them viable options for muscle recovery.
"These yogurts are also calorie-friendly, at 150–350 calories per serving.”
How Many Biscoff Biscuits Should You Use?
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While Thomas isn’t against the dessert itself, she does note that the cookies are “unnecessary added sugars and refined carbs.”
She said: “Although the protein content is admirable - more health-centred protein cookies or sugar-free biscuit alternatives are often suggested.”
But for those who want the authentic Biscoff flavor, Thomas recommends moderation. When pairing with 400–500 grams of Greek yogurt, she suggests using four to nine biscuits.
Newsweek also spoke to 25-year-old Greta, who shares cooking videos on TikTok (@cookbakemake1) and recently earned over 330,000 views on a clip of this viral recipe.
She said: "I loved the dessert and it did taste like a cheesecake."
However not all commenters are convinced, one user said: "It’s not a cheesecake because doesn’t have [any] cheese inside!!!"
Should You Eat the Whole Tub?
In many viral videos, creators use large yogurt tubs—but rarely clarify if they’re eating the entire thing in one sitting. Even healthier desserts can cause issues when consumed in oversized portions.
Greta told Newsweek: "I would have loved to eat the whole tub but I shared it with my family."
Thomas said: “Small single-serve tubs (125–170g) are designed for one sitting, but with big tubs (500g–1kg), it's not appropriate to eat them all at once.
"A good portion is 150–250g, so eating a big tub all at once would be too many calories and sugars and would be bad for your digestion."
Most health recommendations prefer to have breaks when eating throughout the day.
Be Mindful
Thomas adds that the trend can fit into balanced eating habits when portion sizes and biscuit quantities are kept in check.
She said: “Overall, these desserts are regarded as ‘mindful indulgences’ for cheesecake lovers as they are rich and creamy, yet cut down on the sugar and fat.
"The no-bake, mousse-like cheesecake has the easiest preparation, while the baked version is a light and airy soufflé, with slightly lower calories, high in protein content, and is more like a soufflé.”
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