Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we're making something truly special and incredibly easy: Chocolate Basque Cheesecake. If you've never tried a Basque cheesecake before, you're in for a treat. And if you love chocolate, well, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is all about simple ingredients and big flavor, with a wonderfully unique texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake recipe is a game-changer for a few reasons. First, it's unbelievably easy to make. Seriously, you almost can't mess it up! Unlike traditional cheesecakes that can be fussy and prone to cracking, this one thrives on a little bit of imperfection. The slightly burnt top and edges are actually what make it so delicious and give it that signature caramelized flavor. Inside, it's incredibly creamy and fudgy, almost like a chocolate custard. Plus, you don't need a water bath, or any fancy techniques. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It's a fantastic dessert for when you want something impressive but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is truly the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and effortless baking.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chocolate Basque Cheesecake. Don't worry, it's a short and sweet list!
- 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's bake this delicious Chocolate Basque Cheesecake together! Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying a slice in no time.
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a 9-inch springform pan. Don’t grease it! Instead, we're going to line it with parchment paper. Take a large sheet of parchment paper and crumple it up into a ball, then smooth it out and gently press it into the pan, letting the edges stick up over the sides. This crumpled parchment gives the cheesecake its wonderfully rustic look.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a large bowl, put in your softened cream cheese and sugar. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat these together until they are completely smooth and creamy. This might take a couple of minutes, but keep going until there are no lumps left. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Now, add the eggs one at a time. Mix each egg in completely before adding the next. Make sure you don't overmix at this stage, just mix until each egg is just combined.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Vanilla
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps get rid of any cocoa powder clumps. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Again, don't overmix – you just want everything to come together into a smooth batter.
Step 6: Pour into the Pan
Carefully pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared springform pan. The parchment paper should be sticking up a bit, which is perfect.
Step 7: Bake!
Time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end. You want the top to get nice and dark brown, almost burnt looking. The center might still jiggle a little, and that’s totally okay – it will set as it cools.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, take the Chocolate Basque Cheesecake out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This is important! Don't try to rush it. As it cools, it will firm up and the flavors will develop even more. Once it's cooled to room temperature, you can chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
When you're ready to serve, gently remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. The parchment paper makes this super easy. Carefully peel away the parchment and place your beautiful Chocolate Basque Cheesecake on a serving plate. Get ready for rave reviews!
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is fantastic all on its own, letting that rich chocolate flavor shine. But if you want to dress it up a bit, here are a few ideas:
For food pairings, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a classic and delicious choice. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also add a lovely touch of brightness and contrast to the rich chocolate. A drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the caramelized notes of the burnt top.
When it comes to presentation, the rustic look of this cheesecake is part of its charm, so you don't need to do too much. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is elegant and easy. You could also arrange some fresh berries around the base of the cheesecake for a pop of color.
This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is perfect for so many occasions. It's impressive enough for a dinner party dessert, yet simple enough to make for a weeknight treat. It's also a wonderful choice for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to indulge in a truly special chocolate dessert. Honestly, any excuse is a good excuse to make this easy chocolate cheesecake!
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftover Chocolate Basque Cheesecake (though I doubt you will!), storing it is simple. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day!
This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. Reheating isn't really necessary or recommended, as it's meant to be a cold, creamy dessert. However, if you prefer it slightly softer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Key Details
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Servings: 12 servings
Equipment:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer)
- Large mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
And there you have it! Your very own homemade Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, ready to impress and delight. Enjoy every fudgy, chocolatey bite of this easy and amazing dessert!
Chocolate Basque Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cream cheese softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with crumpled parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the top is dark brown and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Remove from pan, peel away parchment paper, and serve chilled.