I’m not really a fan of cheesecake. 😅 Even though it’s a fairly simple dessert and the combinations are practically endless, I’ve never really felt challenged by making a classic cheesecake, especially one with a biscuit crust. I’m just not a big fan of biscuit crusts, to be honest.
For a while, though, I kept seeing photos of Basque Burnt Cheesecake all over Instagram — that cheesecake with an almost burnt-looking top, a deeply browned crust, and a creamy center. And I have to admit, the idea of intentionally burning a cheesecake sounded weird enough that I wanted to give it a try. 😂
Plus, the fact that it doesn’t have a crust definitely helped convince me.
And I’m glad I did. The result was WOW, way beyond my expectations. The cheesecake has that deeply caramelized, almost burnt exterior, while the center stays soft and creamy.
*Le husband still doesn’t believe I intentionally burnt it 😁, but he admitted he really liked it. Especially after pairing it with some homemade salted caramel sauce, obviously. 🤤
What Is Basque Burnt Cheesecake?
Basque Burnt Cheesecake is a cheesecake that originated in the Basque Country, known for its deeply browned exterior and creamy center.
Unlike a classic cheesecake, it doesn’t have a biscuit crust, and it’s not supposed to look perfect. In fact, that beautifully burnt top is exactly what makes it so special.
The edges and surface caramelize deeply as the cheesecake bakes, creating the perfect contrast between the dark, caramelized crust and the soft, creamy center. That contrast is really the magic of this dessert.
A Little Tip for the Perfect Basque Cheesecake
The most important thing is not to panic when you see the color. 😂
With a classic cheesecake, a top this dark would probably be a sign that something went wrong. With a Basque Burnt Cheesecake, that’s exactly what we’re looking for.
So let it brown well and don’t try to save it from getting “burnt”. It’s burnt on purpose. 😉
For the exact quantities and step-by-step instructions, check out the recipe card below.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake Recipe
6
slices15
minutes50
minutes285
kcalA smooth and creamy cheesecake with a deeply caramelized, “burnt” top, just as a Basque Burnt Cheesecake should be. Crustless and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
200 g Philadelphia cream cheese
150 ml heavy cream
100 g sugar
3 medium eggs
25 g all-purpose flour
a pinch of baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Mix the cream cheese and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix briefly, just until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Line a 16 cm (6-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper, then pour in the batter.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven at 210°C (410°F) and bake for approximately 50 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, switch the oven to top heat only to create the signature “burnt” crust.
- Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours.