Site Overlay

WORLD’S BEST BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE — SOFT, CARAMELIZED, AND DECADENT

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
WORLD’S BEST BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE — SOFT, CARAMELIZED, AND DECADENT

WORLD’S BEST BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE — SOFT, CARAMELIZED, AND DECADENT

Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary cheesecake that combines the lightness of a souffle with the luscious flavor of burnt caramel custard. With minimal vanilla, it bakes at high heat to develop a signature deeply caramelized crust and a custardy, jiggle-worthy center. Perfect paired with coffee or a sweet Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry, just like the original from La Viña in San Sebastian.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

⏲️ Baking Time: 35–40 min
⏳ Cooling & Chilling: 1+ hour
🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg cream cheese (Philadelphia, mascarpone, or robiolina)
  • 500 ml heavy cream (35% fat)
  • 7 small eggs (or 6 large)
  • 350 g fine sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste)
  • 30 g all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Beat cream cheese and sugar with a mixer for 3–4 minutes until very smooth and soft.
  • With the mixer running, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue beating for 1 minute after all eggs are incorporated.
  • Add vanilla seeds or paste and flour; mix until combined.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth. The batter will be frothy but quite liquid.

2. Bake

  • Line a tall 23 cm round cake pan with parchment paper extending above the edges, as the cheesecake will rise considerably.
  • Pour batter into the pan.
  • Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
  • Increase oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and bake for another 20–25 minutes until well risen and deeply caramelized on top.

3. Cool and Chill

  • When removed from the oven, the cheesecake will jiggle like jelly and may have small cracks near the edges — this is normal.
  • It will deflate slightly as it cools and cracks will disappear or become less noticeable.
  • Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavor and texture improve when chilled.

💡 Tips

  • Adjust sugar to your sweetness preference — less sugar complements sweet PX sherry perfectly.
  • Try blending mascarpone and Philadelphia for a creamier texture.
  • The burnt caramel aroma fills the kitchen — a signature characteristic of this cheesecake.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Special occasion desserts
  • Fans of Basque-style burnt cheesecake
  • Pairing with coffee or sweet dessert wines

📝 Final Thoughts

This burnt Basque cheesecake delivers a sublime balance of fluffy softness and rich caramelized crust that melts in your mouth. Its unique baking technique creates a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant, sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.