# Basque Cheesecake: The Simplest Cheesecake Ever
Basque cheesecake is famous for its rich texture and delightful taste, showcasing a uniquely charred top that brilliantly contrasts with its tender, gooey center. With merely four easy ingredients and a swift 30-minute baking duration, it serves as the ideal treat for special events like Valentine’s Day—or even as the main attraction!
## The Charm of Basque Cheesecake
This cheesecake is notable not only for its flavor but also for its consistency. The edges are somewhat sturdier, offering an enjoyable contrast to the lush, creamy core that resembles custard. The sensation of sinking your teeth into a slice is comparable to savoring an indulgent piece of triple cream brie.
### A Personal Admission
I must confess, I’ve savored an entire Basque cheesecake on my own—alright, Mike had a minuscule piece, but I polished off the rest. Cheesecake is my ultimate temptation, whether it’s dense like New York-style or airy and fluffy like Japanese cheesecake. The irresistible quality of cheesecake is beyond dispute.
## What Constitutes Basque Cheesecake?
Hailing from San Sebastián in the 1970s, Basque cheesecake emerged when local chefs played around with Philadelphia cream cheese. They eventually arrived at a crustless, burnished cake that was both light and dense, bursting with cream cheese flavor. The renowned restaurant La Viña is credited with its creation, and while many recipes purport to recreate it, the genuine version continues to captivate.
The burnt top might initially seem unappealing, but it imparts a distinctive flavor akin to caramelized sugar on crème brûlée. The cake itself is mildly sweet, perfectly substantial, and exceedingly addictive.
## Reasons to Prepare Basque Cheesecake
If you’re still undecided about attempting this recipe, here are several persuasive reasons to jump in:
– You adore cheesecake.
– You seek a hassle-free cheesecake without a springform pan or water bath.
– It requires solely four ingredients.
– You’ve noticed it trending on social media and are eager to try it for yourself.
– You can even prepare it in an air fryer!
## Ingredients for Basque Cheesecake
This cheesecake is remarkably straightforward, involving only four ingredients:
1. **Cream Cheese**: Philadelphia cream cheese is the preferred option. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth batter.
2. **Sugar**: A moderate quantity of granulated sugar provides just the right level of sweetness. Brown sugar can offer depth.
3. **Eggs**: Four large eggs assist in stabilizing the cheesecake.
4. **Heavy Cream**: This component adds to the rich, creamy texture. It should contain over 36% milk fat.
## How to Create Basque Cheesecake
Adhere to these simple steps to craft your cheesecake:
1. **Cream**: Whip the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
2. **Mix**: Introduce the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before proceeding to the next.
3. **Stir**: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and mix until unified.
4. **Bake**: Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined pan and bake in a preheated oven until the top is dark amber and the center is slightly jiggly.
## The Finest Cheesecake You’ll Ever Prepare
This Basque cheesecake is not only delightful but also easy to whip up. There’s no requirement for water baths or springform pans, and you won’t need to fret about cracks on the surface. Just be sure that all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal outcomes.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I Prepare This in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on your preferred level of creaminess.
### What Type of Pan Should I Use?
A 6-inch round pan with tall sides is ideal. You can also opt for loaf pans if that’s your preference.
### How to Line the Pan?
Crumple a piece of parchment paper into a ball, then flatten it out for easier lining.
### Which Cream Cheese is Ideal?
Philadelphia cream cheese is the traditional selection for this recipe.
### Baking Duration?
For a runny center, bake for 20 minutes; for a firmer consistency, aim for 30 minutes.
### Is Chilling Necessary?
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before removal. For a chilled cheesecake, refrigerate after it cools.
### What Pairs Well with Basque Cheesecake?
It’s delightful on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries can enhance it nicely. Pair it with a cup of black coffee for a perfect dessert experience.
## Recipe Overview
### Basque Cheesecake
**Servings**: 8
**Prep Time**: 10 minutes
**Cook Time**: 30 minutes
**Total Time**: 40 minutes
**Ingredients**:
– 2 bricks (8oz each