This Burnt Basque Cheesecake recipe is light, creamy, and unbelievably delicious. The caramelized topping makes it just perfect! This dessert originates from Spain, but cheesecake lovers all over the world will enjoy it!
Burnt Basque Cheesecake
This Burnt Basque cheesecake recipe is ultra-creamy, slightly sweet, and has a perfect caramelized top!
Basque cheesecake originates from the Basque region of Spain, and it’s a little bit different than what we’re used to in the United States. American cheesecakes are typically dense and very sweet, while Basque cheesecakes are lighter, creamier, and only slightly sweet.
Why You’ll Love this Burnt Cheesecake Recipe:
- LIGHT: This cheesecake has a light texture, and it isn’t overly sweet or rich (but still delicious!).
- CARAMELIZED: Don’t let the word “burnt” worry you! The broiling creates a caramelized crust that adds an extra depth of flavor that is just perfect.
- UNIQUE: This isn’t your typical cheesecake! Its combination of flavors is unique and delicious.
Basque cheesecake is light and creamy, with a depth of flavor that is enhanced by the burnt top.
How to Make Basque Cheesecake
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Make the cheesecake batter.
- Place the cheesecake into the oven and bake.
- Broil at the end to get that perfectly burnt texture.
- Once cooled, cover and place in the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours.
- Once chilled, release the springform and unmold it to serve.
Basque cheesecake is a cheesecake originating from Spain that is baked at a high temperature, which caramelizes the outside, leaving the interior light and airy.
Yes! The method for baking a Basque cheesecake is much different from the low and slow method of baking a New York-style cheesecake. This method favors a faster, higher-heat bake for a lighter, less dense interior. Furthermore, the scorched exterior has a wonderfully deep, bitter caramel flavor.
Unlike creamy, dense New York-style cheesecake, Basque cheesecake is crustless with a light, souffle-like interior and a scorched, caramelized top. It favors imperfection as part of the bake, and you don’t have to worry about cracking. It’s all part of the look!
Yes! Do NOT skip the parchment paper. Unlike a more traditional cheesecake, a Basque cheesecake does not have a crust. Because of this, you need to line the pan to prevent the wet batter from seeping out of the springform pan before it firms up in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or dust with powdered sugar. Or finish it off with one of these sauces!
This Burnt Basque Cheesecake is like a blank slate. Once you complete the recipe for the actual cheesecake, you can add your own toppings, fruit, or sauce. Or eat just as is–it’s already amazing!
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Basque cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze Basque cheesecake whole or in slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Substitutions
- Mascarpone: 8 ounces of cream cheese may be used instead; however, it will slightly alter the texture.
- Sour Cream: Plain or Greek yogurt may be used instead with a slight flavor difference as the consequence.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice may be used instead.
Cheesecake Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Be sure to scrape the bowl down several times while making the cheesecake batter, especially at the beginning before too many ingredients are added to the batter. Doing so ensures that no clumps of cream cheese remain at the end. If clumps do remain, simply press them against the side of the bowl with a rubber or wooden spatula to ensure they are dispersed.
- Do not skip lining the pan with parchment, as the overhang keeps the cheesecake from overflowing when baking.
- Be sure to chill the cheesecake for several hours before unmolding. This helps the middle to set properly and the flavors to develop. It will still be soft and jiggly prior to chilling.
- Serve with homemade caramel sauce (click for recipe).
Next time you need a dessert, make this Basque Cheesecake. You’ll love the flavor of this cheesecake and the way it looks. The next gathering you attend, make sure you bring this dessert.
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy!
Recipe
Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
It’s time to step up your cheesecake game with this Burnt Basque Cheesecake recipe. The cake originates from Spain but cheesecake lovers all over the world will enjoy it!
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with enough parchment to hang 2 inches over the sides of the pan. Set aside.
To make the cheesecake batter, start by placing the cream cheese, sugar, and mascarpone cheese into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat together on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl down intermittently to ensure everything is well incorporated.
32 ounces cream cheese, 1⅓ cups granulated sugar, 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
Add the eggs and beat together for 30 seconds.
3 large eggs, 3 egg yolks
Add the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice and mix until incorporated.
1⅓ cups heavy cream, ½ cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Lastly, add the cornstarch and flour and mix just until combined.
3½ tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pour the cheesecake batter into the parchment-lined pan and smooth out.
Place the pan into the oven to bake for 45 minutes.
Once baked, turn the broiler on and broil for 30 seconds or until the top is dark brown but not black. Remove from the oven and place onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cover and place in the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours. Once chilled, release the springform and unmold to serve.
Becky’s tips
- Mascarpone: 8 ounces of cream cheese may be used instead; however, it will slightly alter the texture.
- Sour Cream: Plain or Greek yogurt may be used instead with a slight flavor difference as the consequence.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice may be used instead
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Be sure to scrape the bowl down several times while making the cheesecake batter, especially at the beginning before too many ingredients are added to the batter. Doing so ensures that no clumps of cream cheese remain at the end. If clumps do remain, simply press them against the side of the bowl with a rubber or wooden spatula to ensure they are dispersed.
- Do not skip lining the pan with parchment, as the overhang keeps the cheesecake from overflowing when baking.
- Be sure to chill the cheesecake for several hours before unmolding. This helps the middle to set properly and the flavors to develop. It will still be soft and jiggly prior to chilling.
- Serve with homemade caramel sauce (click for recipe).
Storage: Store Basque cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1slice Calories: 590kcal (30%) Carbohydrates: 31g (10%) Protein: 9g (18%) Fat: 48g (74%) Saturated Fat: 28g (175%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 220mg (73%) Sodium: 276mg (12%) Potassium: 160mg (5%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 26g (29%) Vitamin A: 1853IU (37%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 139mg (14%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
