Basque Burnt Cheesecake
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Gluten-free Spanish

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

A deeply caramelized Spanish cheesecake with a dramatically dark top, custardy center, and softly rustic edges. It needs no crust and relies on high heat for its signature bittersweet finish.

60 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 230°C. Crumple two large sheets of parchment, smooth them out, and press them into a 23 cm springform pan, leaving the paper extending 5 cm above the rim.
2
Put the softened cream cheese, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bowl once, until completely smooth and glossy without visible lumps.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each disappears before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually mix in the cream until the batter is fluid and uniform; do not whip it to a foam.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap it gently on the counter twice to release large air bubbles. Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is very dark brown and the edges are puffed while the center still trembles noticeably.
Basque burnt cheesecake with a deeply caramelized top AI-generated image
5
Transfer the pan to a rack and cool completely, about 2 hours. The cake will sink in the center as it settles; refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.
6
Lift the cake out using the parchment, peel the paper away from the sides, and cut into wedges with a warm, dry knife. Serve chilled or after 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.

Why this recipe works

A hot oven quickly caramelizes the sugar and dairy at the surface while the generous cream cheese and egg mixture remains softly custardy in the center. A parchment-lined pan lets the cake rise and settle without a crust.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the cleanest slices, chill completely before cutting.

How to reheat it

Do not reheat; serve chilled or let individual slices stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition / serving

672kcal
10.84 gprotein
37.21 gcarbs
54.35 gfat
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Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026