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The Best Basque Burnt Cheesecake Recipe

The best Basque burnt cheesecake with a deeply caramelised top, rich creamy interior, and a firmer set than the original La Viña recipe. Adapted from Bon Appétit with metric measurements and a lower baking temperature for a more reliable result at home.
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Basque burnt cheesecake recipe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 kg / 2 lb cream cheese room temperature
  • 300 grams / 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 large free-range eggs
  • 500 ml / 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 40 grams 1/3 cup cake flour / all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Place a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 180C / 350F fan-assisted. Line the pan with 2 overlapping sheets of baking paper in your 25-26cm spring-form baking tin, making sure the paper comes at least 5cm above the top of the pan on all sides.
  • Because the paper needs to be pleated and creased in some areas to fit in the pan, you won’t end up with a clean, smooth outer edge to the cake; that’s okay! Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed, scraping downsides of the bowl, until very smooth, no lumps remain, and the sugar has dissolved about 2 minutes.
  • Increase the speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, beating each egg for 15 seconds before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Add cream, salt, and vanilla and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
  • Turn off the mixer and sift flour evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until incorporated, about 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue to beat until the batter is very smooth, homogenous, and silky about 10 seconds.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake cheesecake until deeply golden brown on top and still very jiggly in the center, 1.5 hours to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly (it will fall drastically as it cools), then unmold. Let cool completely. Carefully peel away the parchment from the sides of the cheesecake. Using a knife that you have dipped into hot water and wiped dry (if you want a clean edge), slice into wedges and serve at room temperature, preferably with a glass of sherry alongside.
  • This cheesecake can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 – 5 days

Notes

Use a 25 to 26cm springform tin lined generously with non-stick baking paper extending well above the rim.
The rough pleating is intentional. Bake on fan at 180°C until deeply golden and still very jiggly. The cheesecake will puff dramatically, then deflate as it cools. This is correct. Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight before serving. Serve at room temperature. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Author: Sam Linsell