Editor's Picks: 15 Sensational Burnt Basque Cheesecakes You Can Order This Weekend
This irresistible dessert proves you can break all the rules and still be a winner
In San Sebastián, Spain there is a bar called La Viña where people from all over the world line up (at least they did before the pandemic) for the chance to have a slice of a burnt-looking, rustic dessert that we now call the Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Created by La Viña’s chef, Santiago Rivera, this cheesecake is rebel that breaks all the rules. It’s crustless and cooked in extremely high heat to produce a beautiful golden brown exterior that's crisp enough to act as ‘crust.’ The interior remains underbaked and oozy, with a sweet creamy texture that’s akin to custard. From the first moment it was served at La Viña, it caused a sensation.
Everything about this cheesecake works, albeit counterintuitively. Even it’s cracked, burnt appearance is beautiful.
A major trend that became ubiquitous during quarantine, burnt Basque cheesecakes are now so popular that you can find them everywhere in Manila. The question is, how do you choose a good one? Let us help you.
Burnt Basque Beauties
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Workshop Bespoke Bakery
Chef Miko Aspiras brought the OG Burnt Basque Cheesecake to Manila after a trip to Spain in 2017. His version has the classic caramelized, almost-burnt exterior and smooth, creamy interior. It sparked major interest (we might even say, obsession) that hasn’t abated even after three years! Chef Miko has since moved to Sydney, but we're happy that you can still order his burnt Basque cheesecake from The Workshop, the artisanal bakery and patisserie branch of the chef's brainchild, Le Petit Soufflé. Visit @workshop_ph on FB or IG, or place an online order at thegrid.eunoiaph.com
Photo Credit: @workshop_ph
Gallery by Chele
Nobody makes traditional, country-style Tarta de Queso Vasco (aka Burnt Basque Cheesecake) like Chef Chele Gonzalez. Not only is he a formidable chef who whips up magical dishes, but he actually haisl from Spain, specifically Santander in the northern coast near the border of the Basque region, where he lived for ten years. Chef Chele’s signature Basque cheesecake is served with honey. Order from @gallerybychele on FB or IG, or visit www.gallerybychele.com
Photo Credit: @gallerybychele
Sourdough Café
Known for their European approach to breads and pastries, Sourdough Café produces a very dense Burnt Basque Cheesecake that has a restrained sweetness and just a hint of smokiness. Despite this, it’s creamy and melts in your mouth. A good antidote for quarantine-induced doldrums and cabin fever. Order from @sourdoughcafedeli on FB or IG.
Photo Credit: @sourdoughcafedeli
Basque Ube Cheesecake by Bizu Patisserie
Bizu Patisserie puts a fun twist with ube-flavored cheesecake made in the Basque way. The sweet, subtle taste of local ube makes a great complement to light, creamy cheese and gives nuance to the burnt exterior. Order from shop.bizupatisserie.com, by Viber at (0917) 634-6379 or text (0917) 633-7929, or visit @ilovebizu on FB, or @bizucateringstudio on IG
Photo Credit: @ilovebizu
Fabulous Baker Boboy
An intense, bittersweet Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Godiva chocolate shavings is the elegant offering of Fabulous Baker Boboy. This baker is known for his stable of wonderful cakes, including the Tres Leches that was one of Inquirer’s Best Desserts for Manila last 2019. His Basque cheesecake has a nicely rough exterior that yield a soft puddly center. To order, call (0917) 623-6183 or follow @fabulousbakerboboy on FB and IG.
Photo Credit: @fabulousbakerboboy
Basque Manila
The secret to this cheesecake is in how its baker does not stint on quality ingredients, from European cream cheese to organic native eggs. The result is a light and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert with perfectly caramelized crust. The balanced flavor is extremely well executed. Order from @basque.mnl on FB and IG or Viber (0917) 583-5588.
Photo Credit: @basque.mnl
Decadence Manila
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you’ll be glad to know that there is an option available for you. The Decadence makes Basque cheesecakes in two versions: classic and sugar-free. Order from 0917) 882-2188 or visit @thedecadencemanila on IG, @decadencemanila on FB.
Photo Credit: @thedecadencemanila
The Manila Baker
The Manila Baker has been baking burnt Basque cheesecakes since 2019 and recently unveiled this Chocolate Hazelunut version made with premium chocolate and hazelnut pralines. It’s a truly decadent dessert. They also make a mean Strawberry Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Order from @themanilabaker on FB and IG
Photo Credit: @themanilabaker
Wisteria 7242
Their Instagram-friendly Basque cheesecakes come in a delightful variety of flavors: Macadamia and Almond Crusted Burnt Basque Cheesecake comes with a uniquely-flavored crust, unusual in this kind of cheesecake. A Blueberry Burnt Basque Cheesecake has fruit baked into its creamy goodness. And then, of course, you might just want the original variant in all its elegant simplicity. Order from @wisteria7242 or DM (0917) 818-0386
Photo Credit: @wisteria7242
Decadenza Baking
Chef Garie takes a no-frills approach to the traditional Basque cheesecake but suggests one tweak: serve it chilled. When eaten at cooler temperatures, the cheesecake will have a firmer texture and have more of the classic cheesecake flavor that Pinoys know and love. It’s sensational. Order from @decadenza.baking on IG or bit.ly/decadenzabaking
Photo Credit: @decadenza.baking
Kaye Garcia
Few know that event stylist Kaye Garcia is also an enthusiastic home baker who makes such treats as cinnamon buns and brown butter cookies. She perfected her recipe for Burnt Basque Cheesecake during the ECQ, so you can now order it from her at @kayegarcia13 on IG
Photo Credit: @kayegarcia13
Burnt Cheesecake Manila
This homemade Basque cheesecake is perhaps creamier and smoother than the rest. It certainly melts in your mouth. It's available in Classic Vanilla or Verry Strawberry, which is baked with berry chunks and topped with more strawberries. @burntcheesecakemnl on IG and FB
Photo Credit: @burntcheesecakemnl
In The Mood For Baking
This showstopper of a Basque cheesecake is made extra special through its topping of strawberries, blueberries and cream. You can also order it plain, for a more elegant, richly golden treat. Order at (0917) 579-0409 or @inthemoodforbaking
Photo Credit: @inthemoodforbaking
D"Kitchen
This Poblacion-based bakery is becoming known for their especially dense Basque cheesecakes with creamy centers. These come in a variety of flavors, including Salted Egg, Chocolate, and even a keto-friendly burnt Basque cheesecake. Order from @dkitchen.ph
Photo Credit: @dkitchen.ph
David’s Food Orders
Chef David Merin’s Quezo de Bola Basque Cheesecakes are an unabashed explosion of flavors, from the sweet and creamy, to the salty-pungent taste of Edam. Available in two sizes, so we suggest you go for the bigger one. You won't even want to share. Order at (0917) 541-0626 or @davidsfoodorders on FB and IG.
Photo Credit: @davidsfoodorders
Lead photo credits: @ilovebizu, @workshop_ph, @fabulousbakerboboy, @basque.mnl, @inthemoodforbaking, @kayegarcia13, and @wisteria7242
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