At a Glance
- A simple two-ingredient recipe-Greek yogurt and coconut sables-has sparked a TikTok craze that has already racked up 630,000+ views.
- The trend, first posted on Jan. 7, has inspired over 20,000 user-generated videos and is spreading to other cookie varieties.
- Fans and food influencers alike are testing the hack, with some claiming the result tastes remarkably like cheesecake.
- Why it matters: The trend shows how a simple recipe can ignite a global food conversation and influence brand marketing.
The viral trend began when a popular TikToker, known as @worldofxtra, posted a short clip on Jan. 7 showing how to make a “cheesecake” using only Greek yogurt and coconut sables. The video, which quickly gained momentum, was shot in an Asian grocery where the creator collected the ingredients, then returned home to combine them in a jar.
The Viral Recipe
The core of the trend is deceptively simple:
- Greek yogurt – the base that provides protein and creaminess.
- Coconut sables – a French cookie that, when crushed, mimics the crust of a traditional cheesecake.
Fukase, the TikToker, explains the process: he places the crushed cookies into the yogurt container, seals it, and refrigerates for 12 hours. After the chill, he claims the mixture has the texture and flavor of cheesecake. In the video, he notes that one serving contains 30 grams of protein, a point that appeals to health-focused audiences.
The recipe’s simplicity is its strength. By removing the need for baking, the hack can be replicated anywhere, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.
How It Works
The science behind the trend is straightforward. The yogurt’s natural acidity and thickness act as a binder, while the crushed cookies provide structure and a hint of sweetness. When left to chill, the mixture sets into a firm, sliceable dessert.
A table below summarizes the key steps and timing:
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crush coconut sables | Instant |
| 2 | Mix with yogurt | 2 minutes |
| 3 | Seal and refrigerate | 12 hours |
| 4 | Serve and taste | Instant |
Fukase’s video ends with him tasting the final product, declaring it “remarkably cheesecake-like” before he even takes a bite. He encourages viewers to experiment with other crackers, such as Oreos, to see if the same effect occurs.
Fan Reactions
The trend has attracted a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Influencers such as @18hens and Soogia have shared their own experiments, with @18hens substituting coconut crackers for graham crackers to mimic a traditional cheesecake crust. Her video alone amassed 5.4 million views.
> “In my mind, there’s no way that Greek yogurt and crackers will taste like cheesecake, but we’re gonna test it out,” said a TikToker in a clip.
Another influencer, a food enthusiast, recorded three variations-Oreo, sesame cracker, and Biscoff-reporting that the versions were “skeptical, but still hopeful.” She later posted the results, noting that she and her kids enjoyed the desserts.
The hashtag #japanesecheesecake has over 20,000 videos, indicating a rapid spread across the platform. The trend’s popularity is also evident in the sheer volume of comments, with many users praising the recipe’s convenience and protein content.
Beyond the Trend
While the recipe’s origins are tied to a TikTok video, the concept echoes older desserts. Some commentators note a resemblance to the American icebox cake, a no-bake dessert that combines chocolate wafer cookies, heavy cream, and sugar. Historically, similar desserts have been known by different names worldwide-zebra cake in Australia, tiramisu in Italy, and bløtkake in Norway.
The trend also highlights how brands may benefit. Yogurt and cookie manufacturers could see increased sales as consumers experiment with the recipe. The trend’s simplicity allows for cross-promotion, with brands offering recipe kits or special packaging.
Key Takeaways
- A two-ingredient recipe can ignite a global conversation on TikTok.
- The trend’s success hinges on its accessibility: yogurt and cookies are pantry staples.
- Influencers play a crucial role in amplifying the recipe, with over 5.4 million combined views for the top videos.
- The trend may influence future product marketing for dairy and snack companies.
- The recipe’s protein content and low sugar appeal to health-conscious consumers.
In short, TikTok’s two-ingredient cheesecake trend demonstrates the power of social media to turn a simple kitchen hack into a worldwide phenomenon. Whether it becomes a lasting staple or a fleeting fad remains to be seen, but its impact on food culture and marketing is undeniable.
