The Spanish are known worldwide for their culinary prowess and one of their most famous desserts is the famous Burnt Basque Cheesecake. One taste and you will know how utterly fabulous it tastes, but what else do you know about this delicacy? What is Basque Cheesecake? Where does Basque Cheesecake come from? How long can Basque Burnt Cheesecake last? What to serve with Basque Cheesecake? We have the answers to all your “burning” Burnt Basque Cheesecake Questions.
What is Basque Cheesecake?
Burnt Basque Cheesecake is a Spanish dessert made from cream cheese, whipping cream, eggs, caster sugar and plain flour. What makes Burnt Basque Cheesecake unusual is that it is baked so that its outer achieves a toasted, burnished appearance and the inside stays rich and creamy. Some say that this was discovered by accident rather than design – more about that next. What we do know for sure is that it tastes heavenly.
Where does Basque Cheesecake come from?
Unsurprisingly, Burnt Basque Cheesecake originates from the Basque country. In fact, it can be precisely pin-pointed to not just to one city, but to one specific bar. La Viña, in the old quarter of San Sebastián (widely regarded as the best city in the world for food), is a small family bar that is one of the city’s best-loved restaurants. Here, in 1988, self-taught chef and son of one of the owners, Santi Rivera, was experimenting in La Vina’s kitchen and created the original, now famous Burnt Basque Cheesecake. It became the first sweet pintxo in Basque cuisine.
What does Basque Cheesecake taste like?
There are so many superlatives to describe how Burnt Basque Cheesecake tastes. The first thing that strikes you is the texture and how wonderfully soft Burnt Basque Cheesecake is. Taste-wise, it is deliciously creamy and has a slight tang to it. All this is topped off by the burnt outer that delivers a delicious caramelised finish. It is the combination of flavours of the toasted crust and creamy inner that elevates Burnt Basque Cheesecake above all others.
Basque Cheesecake vs normal cheesecake
So, what makes Burnt Basque Cheesecake different from a normal cheesecake? There are three key differences. The first is immediately apparent – the burnt outer. As it is cooked at a higher temperature and intentionally burned, no water bath is required when baking it. The second is obvious when you cut a slice. Unlike normal cheesecakes, Burnt Basque Cheesecake has no crust or base of any kind. Finally, the texture of the interior is gooey and fluffier than traditional cheesecake and the taste is subtly sweeter due to the caramelisation of the outer.
How to make Basque Cheesecake?
After extensive research, Javier De La Hormaza – Basco founder and inspirational professional chef – discovered a particular recipe by a Spanish blogger which is the closest one he could find to the one created by Rivera at La Viña. It is surprisingly simple to make but you have to be diligent and ensure that the outside of the cheesecake is browned well but whilst being careful not to dry out the inside. You can try our recipe for Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
What to serve with Basque Cheesecake?
As a dessert, Burnt Basque Cheesecake on its own is fabulous. Javier recommends serving it at room temperature for the best flavour and texture. You can also serve it with a blackberry compote which is very easy to make by simply stewing blackberries with some sugar and a splash of berry liqueur. Alternatively, raisins soaked in Pedro Ximenez sweet sherry. Interestingly, Santi serves his Burnt Basque Cheesecake in two small slices rather than one big one. Why? He believes that if you take smaller bites and you get more flavour.
How long can Basque Burnt Cheesecake last?
Burnt Basque Cheesecake is so moreish, it’s unusual for anyone to need to save some. However, if you did have some left, it can be stored in an airtight container for around 4 days. Javier recommends eating it within 2 days though if you want the best texture.
Does Basque Cheesecake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, as it contains a lot of cream. If you want to prolong the life of your Burnt Basque Cheesecake, pop it into your fridge in an airtight container and it should last around 4 days.
Can you freeze Basque Cheesecake?
You’re in luck. Yes, Burnt Basque Cheesecake freezes well and can be frozen for a month and it retain the best flavour and texture, but it can survive in a freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply remove it from the freezer 24 hours before you wish to eat it.
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