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Basque Cheesecake – A Cozy Kitchen

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Basque Cheesecake – A Cozy Kitchen

This burnt basque cheesecake is enveloped in a caramelized crust with a creamy, rich interior. This cheesecake is from the Basque region of Spain and is quickly become my go-to dessert to make. 

Basque Cheesecake on counter

I lived way too long without having basque cheesecake in my life. And I’m guessing you have too! If you haven’t had it, I’m happy to attempt to convince you to make this ASAP. 

And while I love cheesecake (including but not limited to my Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie, Matcha Swirl Cheesecake and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars), Basque Cheesecake is wildly different.

What Is Basque Cheesecake 

Excuse my ignorance but when I first went to research this cheesecake, I thought it was going to go WAY back to the 1800s or something lol. But instead, I found that basque burnt cheesecake first started to get popular in the 1990s in San Sebastian, Spain. Apparently a little restaurant called La Viña invented this burnt-topped silky smooth cheesecake that defies all cheesecake rules. 

Basque Cheesecake on counter

whats the difference between basque cheesecake and regular cheesecake  

Firstly, there is zero crust, zero water bath. And it has its notably burnt exterior that is 100% planned and intentional. I like to think that its interior is more custard-like versus a fluffy cream cream cheese-type texture.

This one is creamy but not too creamy. If you want it to be on a near collapse-able creaminess, you can add less flour (32 grams to be exact).

Basque Cheesecake on counter.

How to Make Basque Cheesecake 

  1. You can use an electric hand mixer and a large bowl OR a stand-up mixer with the paddle attachment. Either way, add the cream cheese to a bowl.
  2. Beat it until smooth.  Pour in the sugar and vanilla seeds (or vanilla extract) and beat it until fluffy, about 2 minutes. 
  3. Next, crack in one egg and mix it in until combined. Add the next egg and repeat with eggs until it’s combined. 
  4. Pour in the heavy cream in a slow and steady stream. And beat it until it’s incorporated and smooth. 
  5. Lastly, you’re going to sift in the flour. The sifting part is important because you want it to melt into the batter.
  6. Mix it in and then pour the mixture into the prepared pan.  Bake it up!
  7. When it’s done, it’ll be golden brown on top and super jiggly. 
  8. Let it set at room temperature for a few hours. It’ll fall as it cools.  Slice it up and serve it. 

What to Serve with Basque Cheesecake 

Nothing. I’m serious. This cheesecake doesn’t need a fruit compote or a syrup or a chocolate sauce. Nothing. It’s supposed to be eaten at room temperature and completely on its own. You’ll understand when you take the first bite. 

Tips and Tricks 

  • Cream cheese – This recipe is super easy. But be sure to beat the cream cheese first. Just to ensure total smoothness. 
  • Vanilla substitution – If you don’t have a vanilla bean pod, just use 2 teaspoons of extract.
  • Buttering the pan! – The butter in the pan seems strange because we’re using parchment but it helps with the parchment sticking to the pan and not moving.  Make sure the parchment paper goes up the sides of the cake pan. 
  • Avoiding it from cracking – A lot of cheesecakes will crack when they’ve fluctuated from the oven to a shockingly cooler temperature, i.e., the room temperature in your kitchen. To avoid it from cracking, I like to open the oven door slightly toward the end of baking so it can gradually come to room temperature.
  • How To Tell if Basque Cheesecake is Done – You’ll know when the timer goes off. It should jiggle in the center. Don’t worry, it will set. You want it to be creamy in the center.
  • Can I Freeze Basque Cheesecake – Yes! Be sure to allow it to thaw completely in the fridge before serving.

recipe faqs

Why is Basque Cheesecake so popular?

I feel like basque cheesecake in part grew its popularity thanks to TikTok. I saw it everywhere on that app and that’s what convinced me that I must try it!

What does Basque Cheesecake taste like?

It’s light and airy with a delicious burnt, caramelized flavor.

If you tried these Basque Cheesecake or any other recipe on my website, please leave a  star rating and let me know how it went in the  comments below. Thanks for visiting!

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