The Creamiest Basque Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Rich, creamy Basque cheesecake tantalizes taste buds with its unique burnt edges and velvety interior.

This rustic dessert breaks all traditional baking rules, creating a stunning culinary masterpiece.

Originated in san sebastian, spain, the recipe embraces imperfection with its intentionally cracked, caramelized surface.

Unlike classic cheesecakes, this version skips the crust and delivers intense flavor through simple, high-quality ingredients.

The elegant yet unpretentious dessert brings professional bakery magic straight to your kitchen.

Each slice promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances sweet, rich notes with a subtle burnt undertone.

Let this classic spanish confection become your new go-to dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 13

Basque Cheesecake Ingredient List

• Cream Cheese: Silky foundation that creates the signature dense, rich texture of Basque cheesecake, using full-fat variety ensures maximum smoothness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious moisture and contributes to the cake's signature soft, custardy interior.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior for that gorgeous rustic burnt look.
• All-Purpose Flour: Subtly stabilizes the cheesecake and helps prevent excessive cracking while maintaining the signature crumbly texture.

• Eggs: Act as the primary binding agent, creating the cake's signature wobbly consistency and adding richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting background notes that complement the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the dessert from becoming one-dimensional.

Equipment for Basque Cheesecake

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming cream cheese and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for mixing all ingredients together.
• 9-inch Springform Pan: Critical for creating the classic round shape and easy removal.
• Parchment Paper: Important for lining the pan and creating the signature rustic edges.
• Sifter: Used to evenly distribute flour and salt without lumps.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding ingredients and smoothing batter surface.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven: Required for baking the cheesecake at the right temperature.

Instructions for Baking Basque Cheesecake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 400F and grab a springform pan. Wrap the pan’s inside with parchment paper, letting it peek over the edges like a paper crown.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Grab your mixer and whip cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth. Drop in eggs one by one, stirring gently. Splash in vanilla for an extra flavor boost.

• Smooth Mixture

Pour cream slowly into the batter, creating a luxurious swirl. Sprinkle flour and salt, folding them in with a light touch to keep the mixture airy and soft.

• Baking Magic

Pour the dreamy batter into the paper-lined pan. Slide it into the hot oven and let it transform. Watch for a dark, caramelized top and a slight wobble in the center – that’s when you know it’s perfect.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the cheesecake rest and cool down naturally. After an hour, carefully lift it out of the pan. Slice into beautiful wedges and chill for a couple of hours to let the flavors settle and the texture become divine.

Tips for That Signature Burnt Top

• Rustic Charm Secrets: Embrace the beautifully imperfect, burnt-looking surface that makes Basque cheesecake unique – it's intentionally cracked and dark, not a baking mistake!
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy batter. Cold ingredients can cause uneven mixing and texture issues.
• Storage Savvy: This cheesecake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain its delicate texture and prevent absorbing other flavors.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with subtle flavor additions like orange zest, lavender extract, or a splash of bourbon to elevate the classic recipe without overwhelming its delicate profile.
• Serving Style: Enjoy at room temperature for the most luxurious, creamy texture. Slice with a warm knife for clean, elegant cuts that showcase the cake's rustic elegance.

How to Slice & Serve Basque Cheesecake

• Rustic Dessert Plate: Arrange slices on a wooden board with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a sprig of mint for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake with a bold coffee flavor.
• Sweet Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling to complement the caramelized top and creamy interior of the Basque cheesecake.
• Seasonal Garnish Twist: Top with seasonal fruit compote or a drizzle of honey and chopped toasted nuts to add extra texture and enhance the dessert's natural sweetness.

Storing Basque Cheesecake the Right Way

• Slice and Store Smart: Cut the cheesecake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• Chilled Delight Strategy: Refrigerate the entire cheesecake for up to 5 days, keeping it covered to prevent drying out. Let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Indulgence: Carefully wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Temperature Transition Tips: When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. This method helps maintain the delicate texture and prevents moisture condensation on the surface.

Creamy Basque Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky Basque cheesecake from Spain offers a rustic, cracked-edge dessert with intense cream cheese flavor. Creamy interior and caramelized exterior make this simple yet elegant treat irresistible for home bakers seeking European culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups (420 g) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (33 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend above the rim to create a dramatic border.
2. Mixing Base: Blend cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer on low speed, creating a smooth, luxurious foundation without incorporating excess air.
3. Incorporating Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, fully integrating each while blending in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Liquid Integration: Gently fold in heavy cream at a low mixer speed, maintaining a silky smooth texture without risk of curdling.
5. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Softly sift flour and salt over the mixture, delicately folding to combine without deflating the airy batter.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 60-65 minutes until the top achieves a deep bronze color with a subtle center jiggle.
7. Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecake to rest at room temperature for one hour, then carefully remove from springform pan, peeling back parchment paper edges.
8. Serving: Refrigerate for a few hours to enhance flavor and texture, then slice into wedges that showcase the cake’s rustic, intentionally imperfect appearance.

Notes

• Butter Pan Carefully: Use room temperature butter for smooth, even coating and ensure parchment paper extends higher than pan edges to prevent overflow.
• Mix Cream Cheese Gently: Avoid overbeating to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking during baking.
• Add Eggs Systematically: Introduce eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Control Baking Temperature: Watch for deep bronze surface with slight center wobble, indicating perfect doneness without overbaking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Basque

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 147 mg