The creamy, delightfully rich Basque burnt cheesecake will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the first bite – a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, complemented by a slightly charred surface that adds a hint of caramelized flavor. This dessert is not just a feast for the palate; it’s an experience that evokes memories of sun-drenched afternoons in charming Spanish streets.
I remember the first time I tried this cheesecake at a quaint little café in San Sebastián. My friends and I were on a food quest, sampling every delicious morsel we could find. Nothing could have prepared me for the moment I took my first bite of this unforgettable dessert. It was love at first taste, and now it’s become my go-to recipe for impressing guests or simply indulging myself on a cozy evening.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Basque burnt cheesecake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike
- Its rich, creamy flavor profile combined with a subtle smokiness creates an irresistible treat
- The dramatic presentation with its dark top adds visual appeal that will wow your guests
- This dessert is versatile enough to be served at parties or enjoyed solo after a long day
Sometimes I catch my friends stealing bites straight from the serving dish, their eyes wide with happiness as they indulge in this creamy delight.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture; it makes all the difference in creaminess.
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granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the cheesecake.
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eggs: Fresh eggs are key; they help achieve that perfect custardy consistency.
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heavy cream: This gives the cheesecake its luscious richness; don’t skimp on quality here.
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vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma that elevates the overall taste.
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flour: Just a bit of flour helps stabilize and set the cheesecake as it bakes.
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salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives your cake an excellent initial heat for that lovely burn on top.
Prepare your pan: Line an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overlaps over the edges. Grease lightly for easy removal later.
Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth using an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Add heavy cream and vanilla: Gradually pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract into your mixture while blending until you reach that silky-smooth consistency.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold in flour and salt to avoid overmixing. Make sure you’re careful not to deflate all that wonderful air you’ve whipped into your batter.
Bake: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s puffed up and has a dark brown top. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning too much!
Cool down: Once baked, let it cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight for best results.
Serve up: Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice into wedges, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they take their first bite!
Enjoy this simple yet stunning Basque burnt cheesecake that promises to leave everyone coming back for seconds!
You Must Know
- This delightful basque burnt cheesecake is rich, creamy, and has a perfectly caramelized top
- The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like heaven
- Its unique texture and flavor profile create a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you mix the batter. This ensures a quick bake for that signature burnt top. Pour the batter into a lined springform pan and bake until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly for a creamy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or a hint of lemon zest to the batter. You can also swap cream cheese for mascarpone for an even richer taste. Top it off with fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy it warm again, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Bake your cheesecake at a high temperature to achieve that deliciously burnt top while keeping it creamy inside
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain its airy texture
- Letting it cool completely before slicing makes serving easier and more enjoyable, too!
I remember making this basque burnt cheesecake for my friend’s birthday party. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and I felt like a pastry rockstar as they devoured every slice!
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Low-fat cream cheese may alter the texture and flavor of your basque burnt cheesecake.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
What’s the secret to achieving that burnt top?
Baking at a high temperature creates that beautiful caramelization on top while keeping the inside creamy and smooth.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Basque burnt cheesecake is a rich, creamy delight with a beautifully charred top that adds a unique flavor twist. This indulgent dessert melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious experience that transports you to sun-soaked streets of Spain. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this easy-to-make cheesecake will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and dark brown on top.
- Allow to cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
- Carefully remove from the pan, slice, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or swapping cream cheese with mascarpone cheese. Top with fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant finish.