Loaf Pan Basque Cheesecake
The Loaf Pan Basque Cheesecake is a creamy, rich dessert featuring a signature deeply caramelized, almost burnt top and a smooth custard-like interior. Baked in a loaf pan for easy slicing, this Spanish-inspired cheesecake offers a unique smoky flavor and luscious texture that is perfect for sharing at any gathering.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Main Ingredients
- 450g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 240ml heavy cream
- 180g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Variations
- 1 tsp lemon or orange zest (for citrus zest boost)
- 30g melted dark chocolate or 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate swirl)
- Almond flour or gluten-free flour blend (to replace all-purpose flour)
- Natural sweeteners like erythritol or stevia (to replace sugar)
- Fresh berries or berry compote (for topping)
- Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, extending the sides about 2 inches above the rim. This helps contain the batter and forms the signature crust while making removal easier.
- Soften and Blend Cream Cheese: Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps. This process is crucial for achieving the cheesecake’s velvety texture.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually mix in the granulated sugar. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky batter that traps air for a light yet creamy finish.
- Incorporate Flour, Cream, and Flavorings: Gently fold in the flour for structure. Alternate adding the heavy cream and vanilla extract while mixing slowly. This step ensures decadently soft texture and warm aromatic flavor.
- Bake Until Perfectly Caramelized: Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan. Bake at a high temperature (about 400°F / 200°C) until the top is deeply golden and charred in spots, creating the signature caramelized crust.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Chilling allows flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for clean slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Mix batter just until combined to avoid a dense, rubbery cheesecake.
- Bake at a high temperature to achieve the characteristic burnt top.
- Let parchment paper rise above the pan to prevent batter spillover and simplify removal.
- Chill the cheesecake fully before slicing to maintain clean edges.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze wrapped well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- If reheating, warm slices gently in the oven at low temperature—avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of the recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Basque cheesecake, loaf pan cheesecake, caramelized crust, creamy cheesecake, Spanish dessert, easy cheesecake, no crust cheesecake