Basque cheesecake, or Tarta de queso de San Sebastián, is one of the most popular and impressive desserts in Spain. It differs from the traditional cheesecake with its shapeless but elegant appearance, golden crust and incredibly creamy texture inside. It is an ideal option for lovers of delicate desserts with a pronounced taste of cottage cheese. This recipe will allow you to create a real masterpiece in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 900 g cream cheese (e.g. Philadelphia)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 300 ml cream (33–35%)
- 30 g flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Step by step recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Line a springform pan (22–24 cm in diameter) with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little runny – this is normal for Basque cheesecake.
- Pour in the cream and vanilla extract, mixing well again until smooth. This will give the cheesecake its characteristic creamy texture and pleasant aroma.
- Sift the flour and add it to the batter along with the salt. Mix gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the batter evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly cracked. Keep in mind that the center of the cheesecake should be soft and move slightly when you shake the pan.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few hours.
- Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet overnight. This will allow the dessert to thicken and gain its characteristic consistency.
- Before serving, carefully remove the pan, peeling off the parchment paper. You can sprinkle the dessert with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted milk chocolate, or serve it without decorations - it looks great without any additional elements.
Tips:
- The cheesecake will be even more delicious if you follow the exact baking time and let it cool in the refrigerator. This will make its texture more delicate.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, but for a classic Basque cheesecake, cream cheese with a soft and delicate taste is best.
Basque San Sebastian cheesecake is an ideal dessert for those who love the combination of simplicity and sophistication in cooking. With it, you will not only surprise your guests, but also enjoy the unrivaled taste of classic Spanish cuisine.
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