Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake: A Heavenly Dessert

Have you ever tried a cheesecake that’s burnt on purpose? It sounds strange, but trust me, it’s amazing! That’s the magic of Basque cheesecake. It’s creamy and rich inside, with a caramelized, almost burnt top. Today, we’re taking it up a notch with a sweet and salty twist: Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake: A Heavenly Dessert.

This cheesecake is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. My grandmother always said the best recipes are made with love, not fancy skills. This recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you. It combines the classic creamy cheesecake with a homemade salted caramel that takes it over the top. Get ready for a truly unforgettable dessert!

Why this Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake is Special

 

This cheesecake is special because it’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The outside is deeply caramelized, almost like crème brûlée. Inside, it’s unbelievably smooth and creamy. The best part? The salty caramel adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness, making every bite pure heaven. If you love cheesecakes, you might also enjoy these Ultimate Cheesecake Brownies.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before we start baking, let’s gather everything we need. You’ll be surprised how few ingredients this amazing cheesecake requires! Having the right tools makes baking easier too. You’ll need a springform pan, a mixer, and a few basic baking tools.

For the Crust (Optional)

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Batter

• 32 ounces (four 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature *This is very important!*
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Salted Caramel

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, such as Maldon *Use good quality salt here for the best flavor.*

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Let’s get baking! These instructions are easy to follow, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Remember to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you begin. Having your oven ready to go is important for baking success!

Preparing the Caramel Sauce

1. Combine sugar and water: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. *Do not stir!* Let the mixture heat up and turn a beautiful amber color.
2. Careful with the Cream: Once amber colored, carefully pour in the heavy cream. It will bubble up, so be cautious! Whisk constantly until smooth.
3. Add butter and salt: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Stir in the flaky salt. Let the caramel cool completely. *Hot caramel can burn you badly!*

Making the Cheesecake Batter

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and salt until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cheesecake. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add Flavor: Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can make the cheesecake tough.
4. Fold in Creams: Gently fold in the heavy cream and sour cream until just combined. Folding prevents overmixing.
5. Swirl in Caramel: Pour half of the cooled caramel into the batter and swirl it gently with a knife. Don’t mix it completely; leave some pretty swirls! For another delightful dessert, try our recipe for No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tart.

Baking the Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Pan: If using a crust, press it into the bottom of your springform pan. Wrap the bottom of the pan tightly with heavy aluminum foil to prevent leaks in the water bath.
2. Water Bath (Important!): Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a moist environment for even baking.
3. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges and the center is still slightly jiggly. The top should be deeply browned, almost black in some spots. Don’t worry, this is what we want!
4. Cool Down: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour. This allows it to cool gradually and prevents cracking.
5. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set. It’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it! This chilling time is crucial for the cheesecake’s texture. You can enjoy this cheesecake with a cup of coffee alongside some Mini Cinnamon Rolls.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are a few tips to help you bake the perfect Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake:

• Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy batter without lumps. Cold cream cheese is hard to mix smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix until just combined. Be gentle!
• Water Bath Magic: The water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents it from drying out. Don’t skip this step! It’s the secret to a creamy texture.
• Burnt, Not Burnt: The top of the cheesecake should be deeply browned, but not black and charred. If it seems to be browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. Keep a close eye on it! Every oven is different.
• Jiggle Test: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. For a completely different breakfast treat, try our Ultimate Breakfast Casserole.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cracks: Cracks are usually caused by overmixing or uneven baking. Make sure to use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter. The water bath helps prevent cracking too.
• Soggy Crust: A soggy crust can be prevented by pre-baking the crust or using a water bath. Make sure your springform pan is well sealed to prevent leaks.
• Grainy Texture: A grainy texture is often caused by overbaking or using cold ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese is softened and don’t overbake the cheesecake.

If you enjoy Southern comfort food, you might like our recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken. For a sweet treat to go with your cheesecake, check out this recipe for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Variations and Customization

• Topping Fun: Get creative with toppings! Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream all taste delicious.
• More Caramel: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent treat. You can even add sea salt flakes on top for a salty crunch.
• Flavored Salts: Experiment with different types of salt in the caramel, like smoked salt or Himalayan pink salt. Consider serving this cheesecake with our Crispy Fried Cornbread for a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

Making Ahead and Storage

This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

Serving and Enjoying Your Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake

Now for the best part: enjoying your delicious creation! This cheesecake is best served chilled. The ideal texture is incredibly creamy and smooth, almost like a custard, with a caramelized, slightly crunchy top. The flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a rich, cheesy base and a hint of burnt caramel.

Imagine slicing into the cheesecake and seeing the creamy interior contrasting with the dark, caramelized top. *[Insert high-quality photo of a sliced cheesecake here]* The aroma of burnt sugar and caramel fills the air. Take a bite, and you’ll experience the delightful interplay of textures and flavors.

This cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or fresh berries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a good idea! *[Insert high-quality photo of cheesecake plated with suggested pairings here]*

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Presentation matters! Here are a few ideas to make your cheesecake look as good as it tastes:

• Simple Elegance: Slice the cheesecake and serve it on a plain white plate to let the beautiful burnt top speak for itself. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.
• Rustic Charm: Serve slices on wooden boards for a more rustic presentation.
• Berry Beautiful: Garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce never hurts!
• Individual Portions: Use small ramekins to bake and serve individual cheesecakes for a charming presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salted caramel basque cheesecake a heavenly dessert recipe

Looking for the full recipe? You’ll find the complete recipe with detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips in the “Step-by-Step Baking Instructions” section above. Just scroll up a bit, and you’ll be ready to start baking! Happy baking!

Salted caramel basque cheesecake a heavenly dessert review

This Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake is a truly heavenly dessert experience! Expect a creamy, rich, and intensely flavorful cheesecake with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The slightly burnt top adds a unique caramelized flavor and a delightful textural contrast. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review below and share your experience with this amazing dessert.

Salted caramel basque cheesecake a heavenly dessert ingredients

The magic of this cheesecake lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. The main components are cream cheese, sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and a homemade salted caramel sauce. For the full list of ingredients with precise measurements, head over to the “Ingredients and Equipment” section of this article. You’ll find everything you need there!

Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng Reviews

While this specific Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake recipe isn’t from Chef Jeng, we aim to provide a similarly heavenly dessert experience. If you enjoy this recipe and appreciate culinary artistry, we encourage you to explore the amazing work and reviews of Chef Jeng and other talented pastry chefs. There’s a whole world of delicious desserts out there!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A decadent and surprisingly simple Salted Caramel Basque Cheesecake recipe that’s sure to impress. Remember the key to success is using room temperature ingredients, not overmixing the batter, and embracing the beautiful burnt top. This cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and a perfect way to create sweet memories with loved ones. Now, go ahead and bake this heavenly dessert – you won’t regret it!

Print