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.
Servings
6-8 Servings
Prep time
10 minutes
Cooking time
20-25 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Ingredients
3 eggs
450g cream cheese (at room temperature)
180g sweetened condensed milk
Directions
- Begin by lining your cake tin with parchment paper.
- Then simply whisk the eggs until they’re beautifully foamy.
- Next, gently mix in the (room temperature) cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your lined cake tin and place in the pre-heated oven.
- Bake the cheesecake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden and set.
- Serve it warm or chilled, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss!
Pro tip: For a velvety-smooth texture and to prevent lumps in your Basque cheesecake, it’s crucial to have your cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This allows for easy blending and ensures a silky consistency throughout your cheesecake batter.
The 3-ingredient Basque cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments:
Fresh Berries: Who doesn’t love fresh berries? Serve slices of Basque cheesecake with a selection of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The tartness of the berries complements the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to each bite of cheesecake. You can sweeten the whipped cream with a touch of vanilla extractor powdered sugar if desired.
Citrus Zest: Sprinkle some grated lemon or orange zest over the top of the cheesecake for a burst of citrus flavor. The bright, aromatic notes of citrus zest contrast beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual slices of Basque cheesecake for a decadent finishing touch. The caramel adds a rich sweetness and enhances the caramelized flavor of the cheesecake’s exterior.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly sift powdered sugar over the top of the cheesecake just before serving for an elegant presentation. The delicate sweetness of the powdered sugar complements the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Chocolate Shavings:Garnish each slice of Basque cheesecake with chocolate shavings or curls for a touch of indulgence. The bittersweet chocolate pairs well with the creamy cheesecake and adds a luxurious touch to the dessert.
Nuts: Toasted nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cheesecake. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of each slice before serving for extra texture and visual appeal.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish the cheesecake with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and are freshing herbal aroma. The mint adds a subtle hint of freshness to each bite of cheesecake.