Indulge in the dramatic allure of this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe—crustless, caramelized, and ultra-creamy. Hailing from San Sebastián, this dessert balances contrasing textures: a deeply burnt top with a custardy interior. It’s bold, simple, and unforgettable. I’ll guide you through what makes it special, the ingredients you need, baking steps, troubleshooting, and expert tips. You’ll also find helpful internal links (like Mini Lemon Cheesecakes and Dark Chocolate Banana Cake) and two authoritative external resources for added insight.This Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe is perfect for home bakers wanting bold flavor with minimal effort.
The Basque Bake That Broke Conventions
Born at La Viña Bar in Spain’s Basque Country, this cheesecake won hearts by ditching the crust and embracing a high-heat bake. It gets its signature charcoal-brown top, rustic cracks, and ultra-creamy core in one glorious hit. Compared to traditional cheesecakes, the Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe uses a short bake at 400°F, followed by a blast at 425°F, no water bath needed. For more bold textures, explore the Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart or the Mini Lemon Cheesecakes for creamy, tangy alternatives.
Ingredient Breakdown & Why They Matter
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 24 oz full-fat cream cheese | Adds richness and creamy mouthfeel |
| 1 cup granulated sugar | Sweetens and helps with caramelization |
| 3 tbsp all-purpose flour | Adds structure, prevents collapse |
| ½ tsp salt | Enhances overall flavor |
| ½ tsp vanilla extract | Optional, adds aroma |
| 4 large eggs | Provide structure and silkiness |
| 1¼ cups heavy cream | Creates custardy interior and rich texture |
High-fat dairy keeps the filling luscious and dense. Room-temp ingredients mix smoothly, avoiding lumps or graininess. For added richness, try replacing ½ cup cream with mascarpone. This mirrors techniques used in my Dark Chocolate Banana Cake for ultra-moist results.
For holidays or dinner parties, this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe always draws attention.You’ll love this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe if you prefer rich texture over fussy crusts
Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe – Irresistibly Bold & Creamy
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe that’s bold, creamy, and crustless. This rustic Spanish dessert features a dark top and custardy center.
Ingredients
24 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp fine salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
1¼ cups heavy cream
Butter and parchment paper for lining
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and line a 9-inch pan with parchment.
2. Mix cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
4. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.
5. Pour batter into pan. Tap to release air.
6. Bake 50 minutes at 400°F. Increase to 425°F for final 10 minutes.
7. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes.
8. Chill in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
Don’t overmix—air bubbles cause cracking.
Burnt top is intentional and adds flavor.
Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 467
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 359mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 204mg
Keywords: burnt basque cheesecake recipe, basque cheesecake, crustless cheesecake
How to Bake It Perfectly Every Time
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prep your pan. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, then line it with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper so they extend beyond the edges by 2 inches. This creates the signature crumpled edges and makes it easier to lift the cheesecake later.
Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe uses high heat for a caramelized finish.The best thing about this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe is how rustic and forgiving it is.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until completely smooth. Use a spatula first, then switch to a hand mixer on low if needed—just don’t overmix. Add the vanilla, then one egg at a time, mixing gently until incorporated. Finish by stirring in the heavy cream until the batter is silky and uniform.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap it gently to release air bubbles. Bake at 400°F for 50 minutes, then increase to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 10 minutes. The top should turn deep golden brown, even nearly black. The center should wobble slightly when shaken—this is perfect.
Cool the cake in the pan at room temperature for 45 minutes, then chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. To serve, lift it by the parchment, slice with a warm knife, and enjoy. Want a similarly easy dessert with less bake time? Try my Strawberry Crunch No-Bake Cheesecake or Mini Lemon Cheesecakes—both fridge-set and ultra-satisfying.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
What’s so special about Basque cheesecake?
Its high-heat, crustless bake caramelizes the top while leaving the center rich and custardy. It’s dramatic, indulgent, and surprisingly easy.
How long can Basque burnt cheesecake last?
Store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. The flavor intensifies with time. For more on proper storage, King Arthur Baking offers great shelf-life tips for cream-based desserts.
What happens if you overmix Basque cheesecake?
Overmixing adds excess air, which causes the cake to puff too much, then collapse and crack. Mix gently until just combined, especially after adding the eggs.
Why did my Basque cheesecake crack?
Cracks are normal! They form from rapid expansion and cooling—hallmarks of this style. Avoid overmixing, don’t skip resting time, and don’t lower the oven temp. As noted by Serious Eats, the rustic top is part of the charm.After just one slice, this Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe might become your new favorite.
Conclusion
The Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe is a stunning, rustic dessert with minimal effort and maximum payoff. With its deeply caramelized top and creamy interior, it’s earned its place on dessert menus worldwide—and now it’s ready for your kitchen. No crust, no water bath, no stress.
Pair it with fresh berries or serve solo. Either way, it’s an unforgettable treat. Want more? Don’t miss the Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart or Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake—they’re both crowd-pleasers with wow-factor built in.