“Seijo Ishii,” a popular supermarket chain in Japan, offers an exceptionally wide variety of cheesecakes. And when it comes to the store’s quintessential flagship, it has to be the “Premium Cheesecake.” A long-selling classic that has reigned as Seijo Ishii’s signature sweet for years, this cake has long been a personal favorite of mine—so much so that I once ate an entire loaf in a single evening before I even realized it.
I already knew full well that this is a dangerously addictive, irresistible cheesecake, but this was my first time tasting it through the analytical lens of serious cheesecake research.
It is a baked-style cheesecake.
A Baked Cheesecake Packed with Raisins and Roasted Nuts
The crumbly coating dusted across the surface is known as streusel.
Streusel is a crumbly topping made by combining flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon before baking. It is characterized by its crisp, crunchy texture.
Folded generously into the cheese batter are plump raisins and roasted nuts.
The base is supported by a soft sponge cake layer.
This particular version omits graham crackers, roasted nuts, or raisins, featuring a blend of six different cheeses instead.
Dense, Velvety Cheesecake Paired with the Delightful Crunch of Roasted Nuts and Raisins
Now, let’s dive into the tasting impressions.
It is undeniably delicious—truly living up to its reputation as a top-selling powerhouse. The dense, luscious texture clings delightfully to your tongue, followed by the mellow, fragrant sweetness of raisins. The raisins have no unpleasant astringency and are wonderfully juicy and tasty.
I am generally not the biggest fan of raisins, yet I can effortlessly devour the ones in this cheesecake. They likely select fresh raisins with low tannins and minimal bitterness. Rather than interfering with the cheese flavor, they serve as a wonderful accent.
On top of that, the crunchy roasted nuts mingle seamlessly with the streusel crumbs on the surface. From the initial crisp bite to the velvety mouthfeel, every element is superb, delivering maximum chewing satisfaction.
Juicy Raisins and a Sponge Cake Base Keep It from Feeling Overly Heavy
What surprised me most is how easily you can keep eating it without feeling weighed down, despite its rich and dense profile. Why is that? I believe the secret lies in the sponge cake base.
This sponge layer is balanced in just the right proportion, acting as a buffer against the richness. Aided by the natural juiciness of the raisins, the rich, dense cheesecake never feels cloying. You can eat slice after slice without tiring of it—truly a devilishly tempting cheesecake.
An exquisite sweet-and-savory balance. A satisfying weightiness. And an intricate tapestry of textures woven by raisins, roasted almonds, and cookie crumbs. Thanks to these elements, your tenth bite tastes just as delightful as your very first. It is a well-deserved, long-selling superstar cheesecake of impeccable deliciousness.