Welcome to a culinary adventure that takes you straight to the heart of Spain’s Basque region with our Basque Burnt Cheesecake Recipe. If you’re a cheesecake lover, prepare to be dazzled by this delightfully unique dessert known for its gorgeously caramelized top and irresistibly creamy interior.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe promises to deliver the elegance and decadence of a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
What is Basque Burnt Cheesecake?
Basque Burnt Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that hails from the Basque region of Spain, celebrated for its strikingly caramelized top and velvety, creamy interior. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, its baking method involves high heat, which gives it a rustic, almost charred appearance that belies its silky smooth center.
This unique cheesecake has become a global sensation, thanks to its simple yet bold flavors. To elevate your Basque Burnt Cheesecake experience, consider pairing it with fresh berries, whose tartness cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and adds a refreshing contrast.
A drizzle of honey or a side of caramel sauce can enhance its sweet notes and add a layer of indulgence. Finally, serving it with a glass of dessert wine, like a Moscato, complements its creaminess with a hint of floral and fruity aromas, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake Ingredients
3 (8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, room temperature – This is the main ingredient of our cheesecake, providing the creamy and rich consistency we all crave.
5-6 large eggs, room temperature – Eggs add structure and richness to the cheesecake. Remember, the more you use, the richer your cheesecake will be.
1 ½ cups sugar – This not only sweetens the cheesecake but also helps in browning and keeping the texture moist.
½ tsp. salt – A pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and other flavors present in the cheesecake.
2 ½ cups heavy cream, room temperature – Heavy cream gives a rich, smooth, and creamy texture to our cheesecake.
½ cup All-Purpose flour, sifted – Flour provides structure to the cheesecake, helping it to set and maintain its form.
½ tsp. vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds a classic flavor to the cheesecake, complementing the creaminess.
Extra butter, softened, to grease the pan – Butter helps prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan and provides a nice, buttery flavor.
How to Make Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to make this luscious cheesecake!
- The first step is to preheat your oven to 400F.
2. Once this is done, take your softened cream cheese and sugar and combine them in the mixing bowl of your stand mixer.
3. Using the paddle attachment, beat them together at a medium-low speed for about 30 seconds.
4. After your cream cheese and sugar are well incorporated, it’s time to add your eggs.
5. Do this one at a time, making sure each one is beaten into the mixture before adding the next. Continue this process until all your eggs are added and the mixture is smooth.
6. Next, add your heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract to your mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is once again smooth.
7. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is mixed in properly.
8. Sift it into your mixture and beat just until everything is incorporated. It’s important not to overbeat the mixture at this stage, as it should be smooth, silky, and free of lumps.
9. Once your batter is ready, it’s time to prepare your baking pan.
10. Grease the bottom and sides with softened butter, then line it with parchment paper.
11. Grease the paper as you did the pan, then add another layer of parchment paper on top.
12. Pour your batter into the pan. If necessary, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top.
13. Your cheesecake is then ready to bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be a dark golden brown or dark brown color.
14. Once the cheesecake is baked, let it cool down completely to room temperature before serving. As it cools, the middle of the cake will sink, but not to worry – this is part of the process. If you’re not ready to serve it immediately, your cheesecake can be frozen for up to a month.
Video of How to Make a Basque Burnt Cheesecake
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Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, creamy cheesecake, start with all your ingredients at room temperature. This will ensure seamless and easy mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cheesecake and may introduce air bubbles, which contribute to cracking.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Higher quality ingredients like fresh eggs and real vanilla extract can amplify the flavors of your cheesecake.
- Grease Well: Don’t be shy with the butter when greasing your pan and parchment paper. This will ensure your cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Wait for It: Allow your cheesecake to cool to room temperature before serving, this lets it set properly for the perfect texture.
- Freeze for Later: If you’re not planning on serving your cheesecake right away, you can freeze it for up to a month, preserving its delectable taste and texture for later enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Basque Burnt Cheesecake different from a regular cheesecake?
The key difference lies in its baking method. Basque Burnt Cheesecake is baked at a high temperature, resulting in a beautifully charred top and a creamy, custard-like interior. This technique gives it a rustic look and intense flavors that set it apart from its more traditional counterparts.
What is the best way to serve Basque Burnt Cheesecake?
For a delightful experience, serve the cheesecake at room temperature, which allows the flavors to shine. Pair it with fresh berries for a tart contrast or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream can also complement its creamy texture.
Can I store leftover Basque Burnt Cheesecake?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Do I need any special equipment to make this cheesecake?
All you need is a springform pan to ensure easy removal after baking. A mixer or food processor will help achieve a smooth batter, but it’s not strictly necessary if you don’t have one. A whisk and some arm power will do the trick!
Conclusion
And there you have it! A luxurious, velvety Basque burnt cheesecake, begging to be savored. We believe that food is not just about the taste, but also about the journey of creating it. So, have you given this recipe a try?
Go ahead, and share a slice of your baking journey with us. We’d love to see your creations and hear about your experience. Snap a photo and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Remember, every baker has a story to tell. Let this cheesecake be the start of yours.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in the rich, caramelized flavor of Basque burnt cheesecake. Easy to make with a creamy center and perfectly burnt top!
Ingredients
- 3 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, room temperature
- 5-6 large eggs, room temperature (the more eggs that you use, the richer the cheesecake will be)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, room temperature
- ½ cup All-Purpose flour, sifted
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- Extra butter, soften, to grease the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine soften cream cheese at room temperature and sugar and beat on medium-low speed, about 30 seconds.
- Add one egg at a time to the cream cheese mixture and beat until everything is incorporated for about 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with the spatula a couple of times during the mixing process.
- Finally, add sifted flour and beat just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overbeat the mixture.
- The batter should be smooth, silky, and free of the lump.
- Grease the bottom and the sides of the baking pan with softened butter. Cut a big piece of parchment paper and line the pan. Continue greasing the parchment paper like you grease the pan. Then cut another piece of parchment and line on top of it.
- Basque burnt cheesecake won’t have smooth outer edges like regular cheesecake because of the parchment linings.
- Pour batter into the pan, use a spatula or back of a spoon to smooth out the top if necessary.
- Bake cheesecake for 45 to 50 minutes. It should have a dark golden brown or dark brown top.
- Let the cheesecake cool down completely to room temperature before serving. The middle of the cake will be sunken as it’s cooling down.
- Cheesecake can be frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 405Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 194mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 0gSugar: 32gProtein: 6g