I purchased the “Dried Fruit and Nut Cheesecake,” an exclusive sweet released by “Natural Lawson,” a specialty convenience store chain affiliated with Lawson. While priced higher than standard convenience store desserts, it offers a luxurious experience filled with diverse textures. Here is my detailed review of how it actually tastes.
Price and Portion Size
Priced at 340 yen (tax included), it is somewhat pricier than average convenience store sweets—a reflection of Natural Lawson’s positioning as an upscale urban premium convenience store. The portion is just right for a light dessert, with an accessible calorie count of 185 kcal.
According to their official website, this product was originally sold in the past. In celebration of Natural Lawson’s 25th anniversary, it made a comeback due to strong demand and revival requests within their fan community.
A Rare Cheesecake Loaded with Dried Fruits and Nuts
Let’s take a closer look at the actual cake. It features a two-layer build: the base is made of crushed cookie crumbs, while the main layer above is a smooth rare (unbaked) cheesecake packed with nuts and dried fruits.
When thinking of desserts combining dried fruits and nuts with dairy, traditional classics like Italy’s ricotta-based frozen dessert “Cassata” or France’s whipped cream and meringue-based “Nougat Glacé” come to mind. While this product is sold chilled rather than frozen, it shares many culinary similarities with them. You could think of it as a chilled, cheesecake-style interpretation of Cassata or Nougat Glacé. In fact, chilled Cassata-inspired treats like this have been featured across various Japanese convenience store chains in recent years.
Tasting Impressions
The rare cheesecake filling has a tender, gently wobbly texture. The dried fruits and nuts are surprisingly large in size, delivering a satisfying crunch from the nuts and a chewy, dense resistance from the dried fruits. With the crumbly crunch of the cookie crust joining in, it creates an engaging mouthfeel—gliding smoothly over the tongue while offering a satisfying bite.
As for the flavor, the creamy base carries a rich depth reminiscent of white chocolate (though white chocolate doesn’t appear to be listed in the ingredients). While the sweetness is somewhat pronounced, the concentrated tartness of the dried fruits, the earthy warmth of the nuts, and the buttery aroma of the cookie crust unfold in harmony across the palate. Surprisingly, it never feels cloying or heavy, remaining delightfully enjoyable until the very last bite.
Because the flavor of the dried fruits is quite distinct and forward, it might not suit those who dislike dried fruit. However, anyone who appreciates desserts like Cassata or Nougat Glacé is almost certain to fall in love with it.
Product Information
- Store: Natural Lawson
- Product Name: Dried Fruit and Nut Cheesecake
- Price: 340 yen (tax included)
- Calories: 185 kcal
■ This article is a translation of a post originally written in Japanese (Original Article).