Basque Burnt Cheesecake created in La Viña, a pintxo bar in San Sebastián, Spain. This cheesecake, made by Santiago Rivera in the late 1980s, is well-known for its creamy, custard-like centre and highly caramelised top. It is baked at a high temperature without a water bath, unlike regular cheesecakes, giving it a gorgeously burned outside that contrasts with its soft interior.
Image Credit: Изображения пользователя Ahanov Michael
Basque Burnt Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds (900g) full-fat cream cheese
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
6 large eggs
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
The oven temperature should be set to 400°F, or 200°C.
A 10-inch (25-cm) springform pan should be lined with parchment paper that extends over the rim.
Beat until smooth in a large bowl the cream cheese and sugar.
Add the eggs, one at a time thoroughly mixing each time.
Add the vanilla essence, salt, and heavy cream and stir until incorporated.
Sift, add and stir the flour until smooth.
Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
Bake until the centre is jiggly and the top is deeply golden brown for about an hour.
Before serving, let the cheesecake cool to room temperature and then place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
The spirit of the original La Viña cheesecake is captured in this recipe, which produces a cheesecake with a rich, creamy interior and a gorgeously caramelised top.
Culinary Travel & Photography Inspiration
Beyond its modest beginnings, Basque Burnt Cheesecake has become a worldwide culinary phenomenon. It is a popular topic for food photographers and bloggers all around the world because of its distinctive look and delicious flavor. A basic cheesecake has become a symbol of culinary pilgrimage as a result of the dessert’s fame, which has led many people to journey to San Sebastián to try the original at La Viña.
The charred top and creamy center provide a stunning contrast that makes it a perfect subject for food photography, which is frequently used in gourmet blogs and social media posts. Its rich history and rustic beauty create a captivating story that appeals to foodies and tourists looking for real culinary adventures.