Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe (La Viña Style)

Method8 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 210°C/410°F, with a rack in the center.

2. 2

   Step 2: Line a 10-inch (25 cm) springform or round baking pan with oven-safe parchment paper, leaving it tall enough to extend above the rim so the cake can rise and be lifted later.

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Combine the softened cream cheese, seven eggs, selected sugar (400 g) amount, flour (1 tbsp) and heavy cream (200 ml) in a large bowl. Mix with a spoon, whisk or electric mixer only until smooth and creamy; avoid unnecessary beating. Pour the batter into the lined pan.

   Uses 1 kg Philadelphia cream cheese, softened · 7 eggs · 400 g sugar · 1 tbsp flour · 200 ml heavy cream

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Bake on the center rack at 210°C/410°F for about 35–50 minutes, checking first at 35 minutes. The author’s photographed creamy version took about 40 minutes. Continue until the top is deeply browned, the edges are set and the center reaches at least 71°C/160°F while still gently wobbling. Pan depth and oven performance may require a longer bake.

   Bake the cheesecake · 35 minUses Complete cheesecake batter in its lined pan

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Turn off the oven and remove the pan once the cake has reached its cooked-through endpoint. A gentle center wobble is expected; the risen cake will settle as it cools.

   Uses Baked browned cheesecake

6. 6

   Step 6: Leave the cheesecake in its pan and parchment to cool on a rack for about 1 hour, then refrigerate it to finish cooling. Refrigerate sooner in a hot room and avoid leaving the dairy-and-egg cake out for more than 2 hours.

   Initial cooling before refrigeration · 60 minUses Hot baked cheesecake in its pan

7. 7

   Step 7: Chill in the refrigerator until completely cold and firm enough to slice, allowing several hours or preferably overnight. Keep the cake in its pan and parchment until ready to serve.

   Uses Cheesecake after initial cooling

8. 8

   Step 8: Unmold the fully chilled cake carefully and remove the parchment only when ready to cut. Slice into eight portions. Serve plain, or offer the sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry separately if desired.

   Uses Fully chilled cheesecake · Sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, optional to serve alongside