Life of Lydia: Baking Diary: Successful Basque Burnt Cheesecake

This unique looking cheesecake has become very popular since March 2020. The cheesecake is creamy and light with a caramelized surface. With a caramelized top that borders on burnt and a jiggly custardy center, Basque Cheesecake is a mind-blowingly delicious combination of textures and tastes that comes together from a handful of ingredients with just a little effort.

So, let's start!

To make a Burnt cheesecake, you will need:

500g Cream Cheese (I recommend Philadelphia brand)

140g Castor Sugar

4 Large Eggs (one at a time)

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

250g Whipping Cream

22g All Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

I was using a 6 inch round cake pan. Line the pan with a parchment paper beforehand.

There are only four steps in making this pretty cheesecake. Easy, right?

1. Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl with medium-low speed until it is slightly soft and creamy.

Add caster sugar and continue beating, scraping down sides of bowl, until very smooth and sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.

2. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.

You may add in vanilla together with the last egg.

3. Pour in whipping cream slowly and combine well.

4. Turn off the mixer and sieve in flour and salt. Fold them well by using a spatula, scrape the sides and the paddle attachment and fold again until the batter becomes smooth. Remember, don't overmix, complete this step within 2 minutes. The batter may have lumps but this is normal, don't worry.

Sieve the batter into prepared pan to have a smoother texture. Tap the pan on the table for a few times to remove the air bubbles.

Bake at 210-220C for 45-50 minutes or until the top is completely burnt and it has a slight jiggle to it.

Oh, my cake was rising high!

Yay, the cake is out from oven! It may have a dull surface. Let cool completely at room temperature then chill in the fridge for 4 hours until overnight. The cake will surely dense. Don't worry, it's normal!

After chilling in the fridge, the cake will have a very bright and golden brown surface! Heat your knife before slicing the cake to have a smooth cutting.