Description
This decadent Chocolate Basque Cheesecake features a rich, creamy texture with a perfectly burnt top and a gooey chocolate center. Combining cream cheese, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder, this no-crust cheesecake is baked at high heat to create a caramelized exterior with a luscious and slightly jiggly interior. Ideal for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent yet elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Batter
- 13.5 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup castor sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla paste or extract
- 3 eggs
- 5.3 oz dark chocolate, melted
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 5/6 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 445℉ (230℃). Line a 6-inch (15 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends about 2 inches (5 cm) above the pan’s edge to allow for batter rise and easy removal.
- Soften cream cheese: In a large bowl, use a spatula to mix the cream cheese until it becomes spreadable and lump-free, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Incorporate the castor sugar and vanilla paste or extract into the cream cheese, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, even batter.
- Mix in melted chocolate: Gently whisk in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated, creating a rich chocolate base.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift cocoa powder and cornstarch into the mixture and whisk just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Stir in cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whisk until the batter is fully blended and slightly smooth.
- Pour and remove air bubbles: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to release any trapped air bubbles for an even texture.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven, immediately lowering the temperature to 430℉ (220℃). Bake for about 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and caramelized, but the center remains very jiggly.
- Cool and refrigerate: Let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. Then refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly.
- Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the pan and carefully peel away the parchment paper. For a gooey interior, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled if you prefer a firmer texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a lump-free batter.
- Melting the chocolate gently prevents seizing and ensures smooth incorporation.
- Do not over-bake; the center should remain jiggly for the perfect texture.
- Use parchment paper extending beyond the pan for easier removal.
- Letting the cheesecake rest at room temperature before serving enhances the gooey center texture.
- The recipe yields a single 6-inch cake, ideal for 1-2 servings depending on slice size.
