Ingredients
Cheesecake
- Extra butter for greasing
- 2 and ½ x 8 ounce (600g total) full fat cream cheese
- 1 cup (220g) white sugar
- 4 large eggs (approx. 2oz/55g each)
- 1 & ⅓ cups (335 mL) thickened cream
- 1 & ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest from one small lemon
- 3 teaspoons (15 mL) lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon tapioca starch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F). Grease a loaf pan liberally with extra butter to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick and to help develop a golden crust.
- Soften Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, soften the full-fat cream cheese at room temperature until smooth to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: Add the white sugar to the cream cheese and beat together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture and to incorporate air into the batter.
- Combine Cream and Flavorings: Pour in the thickened cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the salt as well. Mix gently but thoroughly until fully combined.
- Add Tapioca Starch: Sift the tapioca starch into the batter to prevent lumps and mix until just combined. This starch helps to firm the cheesecake while keeping it creamy.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The top should develop a deep golden brown, almost burnt look, characteristic of Basque cheesecake, while the interior remains creamy and slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the loaf pan. For best texture and flavor, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and thickened cream for the richest texture and best flavor.
- The characteristic burnt top is intentional and adds a subtle smoky flavor; do not worry if it looks darker than traditional cheesecakes.
- Tapioca starch helps create a tender and creamy crumb without making the cheesecake dense.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool fully and chill to set the texture perfectly before slicing.
- You can serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Basque, Spanish