San Sebastian Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction to San Sebastian Cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake, also known as Basque Burnt Cheesecake, is a culinary marvel that hails from the Basque Country in Northern Spain. Unlike its New York or Italian counterparts, this cheesecake is celebrated for its rustic simplicity, a caramelized exterior, and a luxuriously creamy interior. Its origins can be traced back to La Viña, a modest bar in San Sebastian, which has been serving this delectable dessert since the 1990s. The cheesecake quickly gained fame, not just within Spain but around the globe, captivating the palates of dessert lovers and culinary explorers alike.

What sets the San Sebastian Cheesecake apart is its intentional burnt top, which might seem like a culinary mishap to the uninitiated. However, this darkened crust is precisely what gives the cake its distinctive flavor—a beautiful blend of caramelized sugar and a hint of bitterness, perfectly complementing the sweet, tangy creaminess of the cheese filling.

Why you’ll love this San Sebastian cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake, with its unique charm and delectable taste, stands out in the world of desserts for several compelling reasons. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Basque Country delicacy:

1. Simplicity at Its Best

The beauty of San Sebastian Cheesecake lies in its simplicity. With a minimal list of ingredients—cream cheese, sugar, eggs, cream, and a touch of flour—this cheesecake eschews the complexity of traditional recipes for a straightforward approach that yields extraordinary results. Its preparation is equally simple, requiring no water bath or intricate baking techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

2. A Unique, Rustic Appearance

Unlike other cheesecakes that aim for a smooth and flawless finish, the San Sebastian Cheesecake embraces its rustic, burnt exterior with pride. The dark, caramelized top not only adds a visually striking contrast but also introduces a rich, slightly bitter flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the creamy interior. This distinctive look makes it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress.

3. Creamy and Luscious Texture

The texture of San Sebastian Cheesecake is nothing short of heavenly. The high cream content and the absence of a crust result in a cheesecake that is incredibly smooth and creamy, almost like a custard. The edges are slightly firmer, providing a delightful contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s this unique combination of textures that makes each bite an unforgettable experience.

4. Versatile and Customizable

While the original recipe is perfect in its simplicity, San Sebastian Cheesecake also serves as a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. You can add flavors such as vanilla, lemon zest, or even incorporate swirls of fruit compotes and chocolate for a personalized touch. The cheesecake’s forgiving nature encourages experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.

San Sebastian Cheesecake has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, making it a trendy and sought-after dessert. Its ease of preparation and serving makes it an ideal choice for gatherings, parties, and special occasions. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a slice by yourself, its universal appeal and exquisite taste make it a joyous addition to any table.

6. An Experience Beyond Taste

Enjoying a slice of San Sebastian Cheesecake is more than just a culinary delight; it’s an experience that transports you to the heart of Basque Country. Each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing good food. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with passion and skill, can create something truly extraordinary.

Discover the secret to making the perfect San Sebastian Cheesecake with our easy recipe. Creamy, burnt top, and utterly delicious

How to Make the Best San Sebastian Cheesecake

Creating the best San Sebastian Cheesecake involves a blend of simplicity and attention to detail. This Basque delight, known for its burnt exterior and creamy interior, requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

900g (2 lbs) cream cheese, room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
6 large eggs
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
A pinch of salt

Equipment:

9-inch (23 cm) springform pan
Parchment paper
Electric mixer

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the iconic burnt exterior.
Line your springform pan with two pieces of parchment paper, ensuring the paper comes at least 2 inches above the sides of the pan. The creases and folds will give the cheesecake its rustic look.

2. Mix the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
Pour in the heavy cream, add the flour (or cornstarch), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth but not overmixed to avoid incorporating too much air.

3. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake will puff up during baking and should have a dark brown, almost burnt top, with a slight jiggle in the center.
Don’t be alarmed by the dark top; this is what gives the cheesecake its characteristic flavor and texture.

4. Cool and Serve:

Let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
To serve, remove the cheesecake from the pan, peel away the parchment paper,

Tips for Success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, affecting the texture.
The Burnt Top: Don’t be tempted to take the cheesecake out early. The dark top is not only traditional but also delicious.
Cooling Time: Giving the cheesecake enough time to cool and set is essential for the perfect creamy texture.

Variations of San Sebastian Cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake, with its burnt exterior and creamy interior, has inspired a myriad of variations, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe. These variations cater to diverse palates and occasions, allowing this beloved dessert to continually reinvent itself. Here are some popular and inventive takes on the traditional San Sebastian Cheesecake:

1. Chocolate San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: This variation incorporates rich cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the batter, offering a decadent chocolate flavor that complements the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
How to Make: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 ounces of melted and cooled dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter. Mix until well combined before baking.

2. Matcha San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: Infused with matcha green tea powder, this version presents a beautiful green hue and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheesecake’s richness.
How to Make: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of high-quality matcha powder into the batter until evenly distributed before pouring it into the pan.

3. Lemon Zest San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: The addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, making it even more irresistible.
How to Make: Incorporate the zest of 2 lemons into the cheesecake batter for a bright and zesty flavor.

4. Berry Swirl San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: This variation features swirls of berry compote throughout the cheesecake, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the creamy base.
How to Make: Dollop spoonfuls of your favorite berry compote on top of the batter and use a knife or skewer to create swirls before baking.

5. Pumpkin Spice San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: Perfect for autumn, this version adds pumpkin puree and warming spices to the batter, offering a cozy and comforting flavor profile.
How to Make: Mix in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix to the batter for a festive twist.

6. Salted Caramel San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: This indulgent variation incorporates swirls of salted caramel into the batter, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
How to Make: Prepare a salted caramel sauce and swirl it into the batter before baking. Drizzle more on top before serving for an extra caramel hit.

7. Vegan San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: A dairy-free version that uses vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
How to Make: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based thickener in place of eggs.

8. Gluten-Free San Sebastian Cheesecake

Description: By replacing the flour with a gluten-free alternative, this version makes the classic dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Make: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the cheesecake gluten-free.

What is San Sebastian cake made of?

San Sebastian cake, more commonly known as San Sebastian Cheesecake or Basque Burnt Cheesecake, is a minimalist dessert that has gained international acclaim for its rustic appearance and exquisite taste. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, it is known for its burnt exterior and creamy interior, and it lacks a crust. The cake is made with a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and unique texture. Here are the primary components:

Ingredients of San Sebastian Cake:

Cream Cheese: The star of the show, cream cheese provides the cake’s rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. High-quality, full-fat cream cheese is preferred for its smoothness and taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together, contributing to the cheesecake’s structure, and adding to its creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, or double cream in some regions, adds richness and moisture to the cake, making the interior exceptionally smooth and creamy.
Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour is included to give the cake a slight structure. However, the flour quantity is minimal, keeping the focus on the creamy texture. For a gluten-free version, cornstarch or another gluten-free flour substitute can be used.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): Some recipes include vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, adding a subtle aroma and depth to the cheesecake.
Salt (Optional): A pinch of salt can be added to enhance the overall flavors of the cake.

The simplicity of the ingredients list is part of what makes San Sebastian Cheesecake so appealing. The cake is baked at a high temperature, which causes the exterior to caramelize into a rich, burnt crust, contrasting beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. This dessert is a testament to how basic ingredients, when combined and cooked in a specific way, can create a truly extraordinary culinary experience.

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