How to Make Basque Cheesecake at Home

How to Make Basque Cheesecake at Home
This Spanish cheesecake's 'burnt' moniker comes from its dark golden hue, which contributes to its rich, caramelly flavor. Joe Lingeman/TNS
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My first bite of Basque cheesecake was a revelation. I’ve never been a fan of super-rich New York-style cheesecake, so it was as if Basque cheesecake—which is decidedly less sweet and really lets the flavor of the cheese shine—was made for me. I was initially drawn in by its dark, almost-burnt appearance, but it was the caramelized flavor and impossibly smooth texture that had me begging the chef for his recipe.

As it turns out, not only is Basque cheesecake (or burnt Basque cheesecake) incredibly delicious, but it’s also simple to make at home. Here’s everything you need to know about this stunning Spanish sweet.

The History of Basque Cheesecake

When I moved to Boise, Idaho, I was excited to learn that the city has the largest concentration of Basque residents in the United States. Reportedly, many Basque families moved from the region in northern Spain to Idaho in the 1800s to mine silver or work as sheepherders. Today, Boise has a rich Basque culture and an entire Basque block filled with restaurants, a market, and a cultural museum. This is where I had my first Basque cheesecake.
Meghan Splawn, TheKitchn.com
Meghan Splawn, TheKitchn.com
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Meghan Splawn is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to [email protected]. Copyright 2022 Apartment Therapy. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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