Discover the magic of this Basque burnt cheesecake—a stunningly creamy dessert with a slightly caramelized top that tastes nothing like it looks. Though it appears ‘burnt,’ every bite melts in your mouth, leaving a rich, velvety flavour that will quickly become a family favourite.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 340g (12 oz) |
| Sugar | 80g (2.8 oz) |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 3 pcs |
| Vanilla extract | 3ml |
| Salt | 1g |
| Whipping cream | 150g (5.3 oz) |
| Cornstarch or cake flour | 10g (0.4 oz) |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C) and lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Lightly mash with a spatula or use an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and airy. Gradually add the sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and the cream cheese is lighter in texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogeneous batter. Once combined, the mixture should appear very light and slightly fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor. Gradually add the whipping cream and mix until smooth. Sift in the cornstarch (or cake flour) and fold gently to create a silky batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap gently on the countertop to remove air bubbles. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will still jiggle slightly in the middle when done.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing. The flavour and texture improve the longer it rests.
Pro Tips:
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth texture; soften in the microwave if needed.
- Use room-temperature eggs to prevent separation and achieve a uniform batter.
- Adjust the cream or cheese amount for stronger flavor or softer texture.
- Oven temperatures may vary—avoid baking longer than 30 minutes to keep the cheesecake perfectly creamy.
This Basque burnt cheesecake is a simple yet elegant dessert that balances richness and lightness. Its creamy interior and caramelized top make it a true showstopper for any occasion.
