Best Basque Style Cheesecake | The Next Recipes

Discover the Best Basque Style Cheesecake from The Next Recipes — creamy, caramelized, and irresistibly rich. An easy, crustless cheesecake that’s pure perfection for dessert lovers.

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cheesecake that’s as elegant as it is effortless, the Best Basque Style Cheesecake is your new obsession. Originating in San Sebastián, Spain, this unique dessert turns the classic cheesecake on its head — quite literally. Instead of striving for smooth perfection, it embraces a burnt, caramelized top and a creamy, custard-like center that melts in your mouth.

At The Next Recipes, we love desserts that balance sophistication with simplicity, and this Basque Style Cheesecake does exactly that. With no crust to fuss over and no water bath to manage, it’s an easy, foolproof dessert that delivers restaurant-level results in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this cheesecake is an absolute showstopper.

Ingredients for the Best Basque Style Cheesecake

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Flavor Additions:

• Zest of 1 lemon (for a bright note)
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur or rum (for depth)
• A pinch of cinnamon (for warmth)

Every ingredient in this Basque Style Cheesecake recipe works together to create a dessert that’s rich yet balanced, with just the right sweetness and an irresistible caramelized edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends about 2 inches above the rim — this will help contain the rising batter. No need to grease the pan; the parchment does all the work.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then pour in the heavy cream, followed by the vanilla extract and salt.

Finally, sift in the flour and mix just until combined. The batter should be silky and slightly runny — that’s exactly what gives this cheesecake its signature custardy center.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and slightly cracked. The center should still jiggle when you gently shake the pan — don’t overbake it!

Step 4: Cool and Set

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan at room temperature for 1 hour. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

As it cools, the cheesecake will sink slightly, creating that rustic, wrinkled look that defines the Basque Style Cheesecake.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice with a hot knife for clean edges and serve at room temperature for the perfect creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Best Basque Style Cheesecake lies in its simplicity — it’s stunning on its own, but you can easily dress it up for special occasions.

• Classic: Serve plain, dusted with a light touch of powdered sugar.
• Fruity Twist: Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of cherry or raspberry compote.
• Autumn Delight: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Holiday Style: Add whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Pair it with a cup of coffee, a dessert wine, or even a sparkling glass of prosecco. However you serve it, this cheesecake always steals the show.

Best Basque Style Cheesecake

This Best Basque Style Cheesecake is a rich, creamy, and beautifully imperfect dessert that’s burnt on top and silky inside. With its caramelized crust and custardy center, this crustless cheesecake from Spain’s Basque region is simple yet incredibly decadent. It’s perfect for special occasions, holidays, or when you want an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

1 minute min

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8 Servings

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: European, Spanish

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Cheesecake
• 2 lbs 900 g cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat Oven
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for an uneven, rustic look.
3. Mix the Batter
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each until fully combined.
5. Add the Rest
6. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth. Sift in the flour and blend until just incorporated—do not overmix.
7. Bake the Cheesecake
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the top is deeply browned (almost burnt-looking) and the center still jiggles slightly.
9. Cool and Serve
10. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve at room temperature for the creamiest texture.

Notes

Don’t worry about cracks or dark spots — that’s the charm of Basque cheesecake!

For extra depth, sprinkle a bit of sea salt or drizzle with honey before serving.

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest result.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Basque Style Cheesecake

• Effortlessly Elegant: No crust, no water bath — just mix, pour, and bake.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese creates an ultra-smooth texture.
• Perfectly Imperfect: The burnt top adds a bittersweet caramel flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Customizable: Add citrus zest, chocolate swirls, or spices for your own twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or as a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.

At The Next Recipes, this is one of our most loved desserts — a beautiful blend of simplicity and indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Basque Cheesecake

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a silky, lump-free batter.
2. Don’t overmix: Too much air in the batter can cause cracks or uneven baking.
3. Embrace the burn: The dark top is what gives this cheesecake its signature flavor.
4. Let it chill: The longer it cools, the creamier and more cohesive the texture becomes.
5. Experiment with flavor: Try adding espresso powder, orange zest, or even a swirl of dulce de leche.

FAQ

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

The Best Basque Style Cheesecake is proof that sometimes, imperfection is pure perfection. With its beautifully burnt top, creamy core, and effortless preparation, this dessert is the perfect blend of rustic charm and gourmet flavor.

It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive yet couldn’t be easier to make — ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Try this recipe today and experience why food lovers around the world are obsessed with this Spanish masterpiece. Then, visit The Next Recipes for more decadent desserts, elegant European bakes, and easy comfort recipes that bring flavor and flair to your kitchen.