Easy Burnt Basque Cheesecake
A simple recipe for a crustless cheesecake with a creamy interior and a signature deeply caramelized top.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 min
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend several inches above the rim. Do not worry about neatness; the rustic look is part of the appeal.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar and beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition.
- Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is uniform.
- Sprinkle the flour over the batter and mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should still have a significant wobble. The top will be very dark brown, almost black.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for about 3 hours.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- The parchment paper should look wrinkled and uneven; this helps create the rustic, high-sided look.
- Do not use a water bath for this recipe. The high heat creates the burnt exterior.
- This cheesecake will sink significantly as it cools. This is normal.
- For a loaf pan variation, use an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 180