Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe
This Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake is a luscious dessert characterized by its deeply caramelized, burnt top and irresistibly creamy interior. Baked at high heat to achieve a signature dark crust, this cheesecake offers a delightful contrast of textures and a rich, silky flavor enhanced with subtle hints of lemon and vanilla. Perfect for an elegant finish to any meal or a special treat to impress guests.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Cheesecake Batter
- 18 oz (500g) brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup plus 1 tsp (155g) granulated sugar, divided
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) 35% whipping cream
- 2 tbsp (18g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line an 8-inch round non-stick springform pan with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends at least 2 inches above the pan on all sides. Place the second sheet at a 90° angle to the first to guarantee full coverage and accommodate pleats for a snug fit, resulting in rustic edges on the cheesecake.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Gradually add ¾ cup of sugar, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the bowl twice to remove lumps and achieve a silky batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing. Then beat in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt, blending thoroughly for balanced flavor.
- Incorporate Flour and Cream: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar, and half of the whipping cream until smooth and lump-free. Add this mixture to the main batter and mix well. Gradually beat in the remaining cream until the batter is smooth, silky, and lump-free.
- Strain and Bake: Pour the batter through a sieve into the prepared pan to remove any remaining lumps. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the top is deeply dark brown and burnt-looking, but the center remains very jiggly. This creates the cheesecake’s signature burnt crust and creamy center.
- Cool and Chill: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan; it will deflate significantly as it cools. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to set firmly and develop flavor.
- Serve: Carefully peel away the parchment paper from the sides of the cheesecake. Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature for optimal creaminess. Pair with a glass of sherry for a complementary tasting experience.
Notes
- The parchment paper lining should overlap and extend above the pan to contain the batter and create the characteristic rustic edges.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better incorporation.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture after chilling.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool fully before refrigeration to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Best served at room temperature after chilling to maximize creaminess and flavor.
- This cheesecake is naturally gluten-based due to the addition of all-purpose flour.
Keywords: Burnt Basque Cheesecake, Basque cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, burnt top cheesecake, Spanish dessert, no crust cheesecake