The Irresistible Delightfulness of Basque Cheesecake

Basque cheesecake has become a dessert sensation in recent years, taking over the pastry world with its rustic charm and unique flavor profile. This burnt, crustless cheesecake has a creamy center that literally melts in your mouth, leaving you with an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will delve into the history of this delicious dessert, explore its characteristics, and finally, give you a recipe to make your very own Basque cheesecake at home.

The Origins of Basque Cheesecake

The Basque country, also known as Euskadi, is best known for its stunning landscapes, lively culture, and delicious cuisine. This region is located in Northern Spain and Southern France and has a long history of unique culinary traditions that have stood the test of time. Basque cheesecake, or “gazta tarta” in Basque, is believed to have originated in the 1990s, at La Viña, a famous pintxo bar in San Sebastián. The founder, Santiago Rivera, created this cake by mistake one day when he burnt a traditional cheesecake he was making. Instead of throwing it away, he decided to serve it to his customers, and thus the Basque cheesecake was born!

The Characteristics of Basque Cheesecake

Basque cheesecake is characterized by its burnt top and crustless edges, which are achieved by cooking the cake at a high temperature for a short period of time. This technique creates a flavorful, caramelized top layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy, soft cheese filling. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this dessert has a looser texture, with a slight jiggle and a creamy center that literally melts in your mouth. Basque cheesecake also has a rich, nutty flavor, thanks to the use of cream cheese, heavy cream, and a generous amount of sugar.

How to Make Basque Cheesecake at Home

Lucky for you, making Basque cheesecake at home is a lot easier than you might think! Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C).
2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom and sides with a layer of aluminum foil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
4. Add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is dark brown and the center is barely set.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
10. Serve with fresh berries or your favorite topping.

Conclusion

Basque cheesecake has quickly become a dessert favorite around the world, with many bakeries and restaurants adding this delicious dessert to their menus. This burnt and crustless cheesecake offers a unique and unforgettable flavor experience, making it a dessert that everyone should try at least once. With this simple recipe, you can make your very own Basque cheesecake at home, impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!