Basque cheesecake craze: Rich, creamy secret revealed
While traditional cheesecake has been a staple on our tables for decades, the Basque cheesecake has recently taken the culinary scene by storm, especially during the holidays. With its deeply browned top, creamy interior, slight caramel flavor, and absence of a crust, it's both sophisticated and straightforward. What's its secret? The ingredients. Surprisingly, it’s not just about the cheese.
Since its debut, this dessert has impressed with its simplicity and elegance. The Basque cheesecake, with its slightly charred top and soft, creamy center, has captured the hearts of dessert lovers and even those who typically shy away from cheesecakes. Although the ingredient list is short, every detail, like selecting the right cream, is critical to achieving its unique taste and perfect consistency.
What cream for basque cheesecake?
The key to success is heavy cream with a fat content of at least 30%, preferably 36%. This is essential for the cheesecake's signature silky texture and slight moisture after baking. Using cream with too low a fat content (e.g., 18%) can result in a watery cheesecake, separation, or failure to achieve that velvety consistency.
UHT creams can also work well if they are fresh and free of thickening additives. It's wise to avoid "soup" creams and low-calorie products, as these often contain starch or stabilizers that can ruin the texture.
Why is cream so important?
Unlike other cheesecakes, the Basque cheesecake has no crumbly crust, jelly, or fruits. The magic is all in the structure and flavor of the creamy mass. It's the quality of the cream that ensures the cheesecake is velvety yet firm. High-fat cream (min. 30%) not only provides the right consistency but also prevents the cheese mass from drying out during baking at high temperatures. Furthermore, the fat contributes to the flavor, imparting a buttery, rich aroma that makes this cake so distinct. With Basque cheesecake, there's no room for compromise—the choice of ingredients is essential for success.
What ingredients for basque cheesecake?
The simplest version of Basque cheesecake includes just a few ingredients: cheesecake curd, eggs, sugar, 36% cream, and a bit of flour. The entire cake is baked at a high temperature, creating its characteristic dark crust. To try this recipe, start with the classic version—no additions, fruits, or glaze. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with variations.
