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San Sebastian Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

This decadent San Sebastian cake is a rich and creamy dessert featuring smooth cream cheese, dark chocolate, and a perfectly caramelized top. Known for its signature burnt crust and custardy center, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and deep chocolate flavor, making it an indulgent treat perfect for any special occasion or chocolate lover’s craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 oz dark chocolate (60–70%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Parchment paper (for lining pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper. Allow the parchment to overhang the sides for easy removal after baking.
  2. Melt Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate and allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed later.
  3. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese together with the sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavors: Incorporate the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, blending well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and the cooled melted chocolate, mixing to combine thoroughly.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Sift in the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a smooth batter.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is deeply browned or burnt-looking and the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
  7. Cool and Chill: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature in the pan before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set properly.
  8. Serve: Remove the cake from the springform pan using the parchment overhang. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts and serve the San Sebastian cake slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using a springform pan lined with parchment paper helps easily release this delicate cake.
  • The characteristic burnt top is intentional and adds a unique flavor and texture contrast.
  • A hot knife (dipped in hot water and wiped dry) ensures smooth, clean slices.
  • Allowing the cake to chill overnight improves its texture and flavor meld.
  • Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for a custard-like consistency.
  • This recipe uses dark chocolate between 60–70% cocoa for balanced bitterness and sweetness.

Keywords: San Sebastian cake, Basque cheesecake, burnt cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, creamy cake, Spanish dessert

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/san-sebastian-cheesecake-recipe/