Spanish Cheesecake Recipe – Creamy & Unique Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that stands out from the usual options, the Spanish cheesecake could be just what you need. With its rich, creamy texture and a subtly burnt exterior, it’s a unique take on the traditional cheesecake. The combination of simple ingredients yields surprisingly complex flavors, making this dessert a delightful choice for various occasions. Curious about the process that leads to such an impressive result? You’re going to want to investigate the intriguing history and the straightforward recipe that makes this creamy dessert a beloved favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Spanish cheesecake for its remarkable combination of a burnt caramelized exterior and a creamy interior, creating a unique texture that’s hard to resist. This dessert stands out due to its high-temperature baking process, which gives it a distinctively burnished top and bottom.

You’ll appreciate how it doesn’t have a traditional crust; instead, the burnt edges add a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.

With just a few key ingredients, preparing this cheesecake is simple. You can mix the batter in about 10 to 20 minutes, using an electric whisk or a stand mixer. There’s minimal assembly since you pour the batter directly into a lined baking pan. In fact, the cheesecake is high in protein due to its main ingredients like cream cheese and eggs.

This cheesecake is versatile too. You can serve it with chocolate ganache for an added layer of flavor or enjoy it alongside a glass of sherry for a touch of sophistication.

Best of all, it stores well in the fridge for up to two days, but make sure to serve it chilled to let the flavors develop fully. The rich, custard-like interior balanced with the slightly bitter burnt top creates a taste experience that’s truly memorable.

History

The history of cheesecake is as rich and diverse as the dessert itself, submerging back to ancient civilizations. You might be surprised to learn that the first known cheesecake recipe dates back to ancient Greece, where a physician named Aegimus wrote about it in the 5th century BCE.

This indulgent treat caught the attention of the Romans after they conquered Greece, leading to recipes like placenta cake, which closely resembles our modern cheesecake today.

As you move into medieval Europe, cheesecake appeared in Forme of Cury, where it was called sambocade, featuring elderflower and rose water. Over the centuries, recipes evolved. By the 15th century, it gained the name cheesecake, marking a significant moment in its culinary evolution.

The 19th century brought further innovations, including A New System of Domestic Cookery, which introduced fresh butter alongside cheese curd.

Fast forward to the 1930s, when the iconic New York-style cheesecake emerged.

The Basque cheesecake has its own origins, created in the early 1990s by Santiago Rivera in San Sebastian, Spain. With its unique burnt exterior and creamy interior, this style quickly gained popularity worldwide, especially in the 2010s.

Recipe

Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

Spanish cheesecake, known for its rich and creamy texture, is a delightful dessert that has garnered popularity for its simplicity and flavor. This recipe combines cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs to create a luscious filling that sets beautifully in the oven.

With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make this breathtaking cheesecake that will impress your friends and family at any gathering. To guarantee the best results, it’s essential to have all your ingredients at room temperature before you begin. This allows for a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cheesecake. You’ll love the contrast of the creamy filling against a slightly caramelized surface, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and satisfying.

Plus, refrigerating the cheesecake overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better the next day. This cheesecake contains approximately 434 kcal per serving(434 kcal per serving), making it a rich yet indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• 600 grams or 2 3/4 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
• 300 grams or 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
• 200 grams or 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 to 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 50 grams all-purpose flour
• Optional salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare an 8-inch springform or cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
3. Crack the eggs one at a time into the bowl, making sure to mix well after each addition before adding the next.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth.
5. Sift the all-purpose flour into the batter, gently folding it in with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to over-mix.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and place it on a baking sheet to catch any spillage.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, adjusting the time based on how firm you want the center. A runny center will need less time, while a fully baked cheesecake will take longer.
8. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 10 to 15 minutes with the door slightly ajar. This helps avoid drastic temperature changes that can crack the cheesecake.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Extra Tips

To guarantee your cheesecake turns out perfectly, make sure there are no egg shells in the batter when adding the eggs. Mixing the flour gently with a rubber spatula is key to avoiding over-mixing, which can lead to a tougher texture.

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving. Finally, allowing the cheesecake to cool completely before removing it from the pan will help prevent breakage, guaranteeing a beautifully presented dessert. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

In the domain of enjoying a delicious dessert, Spanish cheesecake stands out with its unique texture and flavor profile. This dessert breaks away from traditional cheesecakes, featuring a singed top and a soft, custard-like interior. Its caramelized exterior, created by the Maillard reaction, adds a delightful sweetness that you won’t find in typical American cheesecakes. The singed top not only makes it visually appealing but also contributes to the complex flavor that has captivated dessert lovers worldwide.

When making this dessert, keep in mind that high-fat whipping cream is essential for that creamy texture. Unlike other cheesecakes, you won’t need a graham cracker crust or a water bath.

Keep ingredients at room temperature for easier mixing, and be careful not to overmix to maintain that perfect consistency.

This culinary gem originated at La Viña in San Sebastián in the early 1990s and has since become a global sensation. Its simplicity in ingredients allows for numerous adaptations, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors like matcha or ube.

FAQ

Got questions about making Spanish cheesecake? You’re not alone! Here’s a quick guide to help you tackle any uncertainties.

First, use room temperature ingredients. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. Opt for full-fat block cream cheese, like Philadelphia, for the best results. While you can adjust sugar levels, keep in mind that reducing it too much may alter the flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (210°C). Bake the cheesecake for 40 to 50 minutes. Look for a puffed and jiggly center to know it’s done. It’s vital to cool the cheesecake completely before serving, ideally letting it rest overnight in the fridge. Additionally, be aware that the Basque cheesecake’s origin adds a unique cultural touch to your dessert-making experience.

Have issues with crust formation? Don’t worry; that burnt crust is a signature trait of Basque cheesecake! Use a 10-inch springform pan; smaller pans might need longer baking times. To avoid sticking, properly line and grease your pan.

Want to improve flavor? Adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can make a difference. Enjoy your creation, and don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings!