Description
A rich and creamy Basque-style burnt cheesecake infused with nutty black sesame paste, featuring a beautifully caramelized top and a soft, silky center.
Ingredients
- 380 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g caster sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste
- 3 large eggs
- 85 g black sesame paste
- 15 g cornstarch
- 200 ml heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 230°C (445°F). Line a 15 cm (6-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends about 5 cm above the rim.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and mix with a spatula until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the caster sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add the black sesame paste and whisk until evenly incorporated and the batter is uniformly colored.
- Sift in the cornstarch and whisk until fully blended.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whisk until the batter becomes smooth and silky.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 220°C (430°F).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is deeply golden and slightly burnt while the center remains jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack until room temperature.
- Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set.
- Remove from the pan, peel away the parchment paper, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if a softer texture is desired.
Notes
- The center should remain slightly jiggly when removed from the oven; it will firm up during chilling.
- Straining the batter before baking helps create an ultra-smooth texture.
- Black sesame paste can be homemade by blending toasted sesame seeds until smooth.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
- A 6-inch pan with tall sides is recommended for the signature Basque shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Basque / Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
