Delicious Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe

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If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress, look no further than this burnt basque cheesecake! This rich and creamy cheesecake has a beautifully charred top that is simply irresistible. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and fresh berries for a dessert that is truly fit for royalty.

slice of cheesecake being held on spatula above cake on stand

Burnt Basque Cheesecake

This recipe for cheesecake is a delicious twist on the classic dessert. The cake is made with a creamy cheese filling and a crispy, burnt sugar topping. It’s perfect for any occasion!

Instead of the longer cooking time and a thick-set cheesecake, this one is cooked at a higher heat option with a creamier unset center. The result is delicious and super creamy.

Serve this cheesecake at your next party and watch it disappear! Everyone will love the unique flavor and texture of this dessert. And if you want something more classic, check out our New York cheesecake recipe instead. It's so good and super easy to make, even for a novice home cook.

black plate with cheesecake slice with strawberry on top

What Can I Top Cheesecake With?

Cheesecake is delicious all by itself, but it is common to top it with something when serving. Especially when it is a plain or vanilla-flavored cheesecake. While this is a bit different from a classic cheesecake, it is also simple enough to add to when serving. Below are some ideas that work great for serving this basque cheesecake.

Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or cherries
Caramel syrup, chocolate syrup, or other fruit syrups
Shaved dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate
Crushed cookie crumbs sprinkled over the whipped cream

Whatever you choose to top your cheesecake with, this is best served cold. I recommend letting it chill for up to 24 hours before slicing for the best results.

Ingredients

24 ounces cream cheese (680 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
4 large eggs
1 ¼ cups heavy cream (300 g)
⅔ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ¾ tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g)

burnt basque cheesecake on glass cake stand on gray table with berries on table

Handy Kitchen Tools

slice of cheesecake on spatula above cheesecake on stand

How to Make a Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Begin by bringing the cream cheese and eggs to room temperature. Leave them on the counter for 30-minutes before preparing the batter. Then, grease the springform pan with butter, and line with parchment paper so it goes up and over the sides of the pan.

Now, begin preparing the cheesecake batter by mixing the softened cream cheese and sugar together with a mixer until smooth.

Then, add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure they are well incorporated between each addition.

egg in bowl of creamed cream cheese with mixer

Now, add in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.

Sift the flour into the batter, and stir until everything is combined.

flour being sifted into cheesecake batter

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared springform pan, and then smooth the top evenly.

cheesecake batter being poured into parchment lined springform pan

Bake the cheesecake for 60-minutes until the top looks burnt and the middle is set but still a bit jiggly.

hands pulling cooked cheesecake out and placing on table to cool

Allow the cheesecake to cool for 1 hour at room temperature before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 8 hours up to overnight. Leave the cheesecake in the pan while it cools.

basque cheesecake on parchment paper on gray table

Once it has cooled, you can remove the springform pan and slice it to serve with berries and cream on top.

cheesecake on plate with strawberries on top and slice removed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Basque Cheesecake Burnt?

The traditional recipe for basque cheesecake calls for the cake to be baked at a very high temperature, which causes the top of the cake to become charred. This gives the cake its distinctive flavor and appearance.

What is the Difference Between Burnt Cheesecake and New York Cheesecake?

While you might think that cheesecake is cheesecake, there is a difference between burnt cheesecake and New York cheesecake.

The most obvious is the difference in the top of the cheesecake. The top of the basque cheesecake is crispy and caramelized and the top of the New York-style cheesecake is soft and has the same texture as the rest of the cheesecake.

Another difference is that burnt basque cheesecake is denser and creamier than a more traditional cheesecake. The center will still be creamy when sliced.

Why Is My Basque Cheesecake Grainy?

If your cheesecake is grainy, it’s likely because the cheese was not properly softened before being added to the batter. Be sure to use room temperature cheese and cream the cheese until it is light and fluffy before adding the rest of the ingredients.

It can also be because you did not beat the cream cheese and the sugar long enough to fully incorporate it.

How Do I Know When Basque Cheesecake Is Done?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly charred. You don’t want to overcook the cake or it will be dry, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.

The cheesecake should jiggle slightly when you shake the pan, but the center should be set. If the cake is still liquid in the center, it needs to bake for longer.

How Long is Basque Cheesecake Good in the Refrigerator?

Basque cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or covered with plastic wrap, so it does not dry out. When it is stored properly it will last for about a week but will taste the best if it is eaten in the first 3 to 4 days.

If you need more time, you can also freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it well before freezing with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc-style bag. It will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best results.

burnt basque cheesecake on table with strawberries in background

More Delicious Cheesecake Recipes

Cheesecake is my all-time favorite dessert. It is delicious, creamy, and ideal for serving friends. Below are some more amazing cheesecake recipes to add to your meal plan. Make sure that you bookmark the recipes, print out the recipes, or even pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

📖 Recipe

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Delicious Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe

The delicious burnt basque cheesecake is a perfect addition to any meal plan! You will love how creamy this cheesecake is!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

24 ounces cream cheese (680 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 ¼ cups heavy cream (300 g)
⅔ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ¾ tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and coat a springform pan base with butter. Then, add parchment paper into the springform pan so it goes up and over the sides of the pan.
Now, in a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
To the cream cheese mixture, add the eggs, one at a time, until just combined.
Once the eggs have been incorporated, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then continue mixing until combined.
Next, sift in the flour and stir to combine.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan, and smooth it evenly over the top.
Bake for 60 minutes until the top looks almost burnt, and the middle is still a bit jiggly.
Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating for 8 hours up to overnight.
Once the cheesecake is cooled completely, remove it from the springform pan to slice and serve.

Notes

No crust is added to this style of cheesecake, but you can add a cookie crumb crust if desired, but know that it may burn around the edges due to the higher cooking temperature.