Quesada Pasiega: Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

Method8 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 177°C). Have a 9 × 13-inch baking dish ready.

2. 2

   Step 2: Cream the softened butter (5 tbsp) and sugar (1 cup) in a bowl until blended. Whisk in the 2 eggs and vanilla until combined.

   Uses 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened · 1 cup granulated sugar · 2 eggs · 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. 3

   Step 3: Beat all the ricotta and pinch of salt into the butter-egg mixture, then mix in all the whole milk (2 cups).

   Uses Butter-sugar-egg mixture · 8 oz ricotta cheese · 1 pinch salt · 2 cups whole milk

4. 4

   Step 4: Gradually beat all the flour (1 cup) into the ricotta mixture, mixing well between additions. Stir in all the lemon zest (2 tsp).

   Uses Ricotta-milk mixture · 1 cup all-purpose flour · 2 tsp lemon zest

5. 5

   Step 5: Pour all the batter into the 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (about 177°C) for 35–45 minutes, checking at 35 minutes. Remove it when slightly browned, set around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; the center may still jiggle slightly.

   Bake quesada · 35 minUses Complete lemon-ricotta batter

6. 6

   Step 6: Let the baked quesada cool for at least 15 minutes so it sets before slicing. You can serve it after this rest, or take the optional chilled route in the next step for firmer slices.

   Cool quesada · 15 minUses Baked quesada

7. 7

   Step 7: Optional, for easier slicing: refrigerate the cooled quesada for about 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly within 2 hours of leaving the oven, or within 1 hour if the room is above 32°C/90°F; finish cooling in the refrigerator if needed. Skip this step if serving after the initial cooling rest.

   Optional quesada chilling · 120 minUses Quesada after initial cooling

8. 8

   Step 8: Cut the rested or chilled quesada into eight slices. Serve on its own or with the optional ready jam.

   Uses Rested quesada if the optional chill was skipped · Chilled quesada if the optional chill was chosen · Your preferred ready jam, to serve (optional)