Basque Style Cheesecake

1h
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Butter a 9-inch (or 10-inch) cake pan.
  2. 2Line the cake pan with parchment paper, pressing and crumpling it to adhere to the sides, ensuring a 2-inch overhang all around.
  3. 3Add 1.5 pounds (678g) of cream cheese to the stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or use a whisk if preferred).
  4. 4Add 0.5 pound (226g) of mascarpone to the stand mixer.
  5. 5Start mixing the cream cheese and mascarpone on medium-low speed.
  6. 6Once the mixture begins to smooth, gradually add 1.5 cups (320g) of granulated sugar, a little splash at a time, while continuing to mix.
  7. 7Once almost all sugar is added, increase the speed to medium.
  8. 8Continue mixing and intermittently scraping down the sides until the mixture is smooth like fine suede.
  9. 9Add six whole eggs one at a time, allowing the mixture to incorporate everything in between each egg.
  10. 10Add an additional egg yolk.
  11. 11Add 0.75 teaspoon (4g) of fine sea salt.
  12. 12Add 1.75 cups (415ml) of heavy cream, scraping down the sides again.
  13. 13Add 1.5 teaspoons (8g) of vanilla extract.
  14. 14Add 2 teaspoons (9g) of orange blossom water (optional, but adds a huge flavor).
  15. 15Keep mixing until everything is nice and smooth; a couple of tiny lumps are okay, but it should be relatively smooth.
  16. 16Sift in 0.25 cup plus 2 tablespoons (52g) of all-purpose flour and mix again on medium speed until nicely incorporated.
  17. 17Pour the cheesecake batter directly into the parchment paper-lined cake pan.
  18. 18Place the cake pan on a baking sheet.
  19. 19Place the baking sheet with the cheesecake into a preheated oven set to 400°F (205°C) for about an hour, or until it's a deep dark brown.
  20. 20Once baked, pull the cheesecake out of the oven; it will be nice and puffy and super jiggly, which is totally okay as it's quite wet in the middle.
  21. 21Let it cool at room temperature while still in the cake pan.
  22. 22Once it has cooled and fallen all the way down, take the cake pan mold off.
  23. 23Let it cool completely to room temperature before peeling the parchment paper off.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds cream cheese
  • 0.5 pound mascarpone
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1.75 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
  • 0.25 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Equipment

cake panparchment paperstand mixerpaddle attachmentwhiskrubber spatulabaking sheet

Tips

  • Don't be scared if the cheesecake appears burnt; it's meant to be deeply dark for unique flavor notes like nutty and sour, almost like brown butter.
  • The cheesecake is meant to be eaten at room temperature; no need to set it in the fridge.
  • If storing in the fridge, let it sit out for an hour or two before serving to reach room temperature.
  • No need to add anything like whipped cream; enjoy the cheesecake by itself.