When it comes to food fads, the Basque burnt cheesecake is a unique standout. With a burnt top and often misshapen body, this savoury-sweet treat is not easy on the eyes or for Instagram pictures. Its intensely cheesy fillings and caramelised crust, however, has won over the hearts of diners around the world.
This cheesecake isn’t that new in the dining scene. It was first created nearly 30 years ago in Las Vinas, a pintxo bar in San Sebastian, and follows a ridiculously simple recipe of just cream cheese, sugar, eggs and flour. Fresh out of the oven, the burnt cheesecake should remain dense and slightly rare in the middle.
The Basque cheesecake has just made its mark in Singapore. Restaurants and bakeries are doing their own takes of the treat, either following the original recipe or trying out something new. Here’s where to get a slice.
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Online-based cake retailer Cat and The Fiddle’s speciality is with cheesecakes, from the classic New York treat to Asian-inspired creations. It seems natural to slip in burnt cheesecakes into its current repertoire. Cat and The Fiddle’s version, dubbed ‘Charred Eclipse’, takes inspiration from martabak pancakes. There’s a mix of cream cheese and martabak cheese for a more savoury flavour.
2 /5
Fluff Bakery’s Basque burnt cheesecake is fast becoming a popular item here. This version here isn’t as scorched up like the other cakes here but still offers a decent indulgent respite. Like the original San Sebastian cake, Fluff Bakery uses just cream cheese in its recipe. The result is a jiggly, dense cake perfect for Instagram stories. Online orders are currently filled till the end of 2019 but curious diners can still go for a slice at their cafe in Jalan Pisang.
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This new cafe has been a popular haunt in the Pasir Panjang neighbourhood for brunch and coffee. It’s also gaining attention for its dessert offerings which sees items like Thai tea-infused creme brulee, chocolate cake with salted egg lava and its Basque burnt cheesecake. Its version is a cross between a baked and rare cheesecake, oozing cream cheese from its centre. The Kins’ serves it with sweetened cream on the side.
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TXA Pintxo Bar is the place to be at if you’re up for a taste of Basque cheesecake with some culinary context of the region. The new bar at Alkaff Mansion offers pintxos (read: small bar bites held together by toothpicks) along with a list of wines and ciders found in Basque Country. The Basque cheesecake here is on the sweeter side with a spongy texture and a molten cheesy centre.
Spanish restaurant Olivia has been making waves with its unique take on the Basque cheesecake. This cheesecake sports the usual characteristics: charred top and molten centre. Instead of just using cream cheese, Olivia throws in a good measure of Valdeon cheese (a blue cheese from Spain) for a little savoury funk. The cake also has a delicate crust of almond sable for a touch of sweetness and texture. The restaurant serves only a slice for dessert, but a whole cake can be ordered in advance too for special celebrations.
Jasmine Tay
Senior Writer
Jasmine Tay is the dining, culture and jewellery writer. She makes fine silver jewellery and causes mini-explosions in the kitchen when she can't afford fancy dinners. Sometimes she tells people what she thinks about art, and binges on the music of Danzig when they don’t agree.
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