Effortlessly elegant and irresistibly creamy, this perfect 3-Ingredient Basque Cheesecake masterpiece will elevate your dessert game.
What sparked the widespread fascination with the Basque cheesecake? The love affair began when renowned chefs stumbled upon this delectable dessert in a small coastal town San Sebastian and promptly introduced it to their own menus.
But let's rewind even further: Where and when did the Basque cheesecake originate? La Viña, a quaint bar and restaurant nestled in the historic district of San Sebastián, debuted the Basque cheesecake in the 1980s. Initially, few would have predicted its meteoric rise to fame, given its distinctive feature: a burnt, charred surface. Hence the moniker 'burnt' in English. Unlike its American cheesecake counterpart, which often prioritizes aesthetic appeal over flavor balance, theBasque cheesecake proudly boasts its charred, rustic exterior, complemented by a soft, velvety center. I think the true magic lies in that scorched surface, imparting a unique aroma reminiscent of salted caramel or browned butter, adding complexity to every bite.
The Basque cheesecake differs from a traditional cheesecake in several ways:
Texture: Basque cheesecake has a creamy, custard-like texture with a caramelized crust, while traditional cheesecake tends to be denser and smoother. Traditional cheesecakes often have a crusty base made from crushed graham crackers or cookies.
Ingredients: Basque cheesecake typically uses fewer ingredients, often just eggs, cream cheese, sugar, and sometimes flour, compared to traditional cheesecake recipes which may include additional ingredients like sour cream or heavy cream.
Baking Method: Basque cheesecake is baked at a higher temperature for a shorter time, resulting in a cracked and caramelized top. Traditional cheesecakes are usually baked at alower temperature in a water bath to prevent cracking and achieve a smooth surface.
Appearance: Basque cheesecake has a rustic appearance with a cracked surface, while traditional cheesecake usually has a smooth and uniform top. Additionally, traditional cheesecakes often have a crusty base made from crushed graham crackers or cookies.
Overall, Basque cheesecake offers a unique flavor profile and texture that sets it apart from traditional cheesecake variations.
This Basque-style cheesecake recipe is one of my personal favs — one that never fails to charm with its creamy texture and rich flavor. With just three simple ingredients, which includes fresh eggs, it doesn’t get much easier. This Basque cheesecake is light, airy, and positively heavenly.
The recipe is often my go-to dessert as it's light touch on preparation. Best to bake in round 18cm (7 inch) mold or spring loaded cake tin.