Irresistible Ube Basque Cheesecake (Filipino Fusion Dessert)

What is Basque Cheesecake?

Basque cheesecake, also known as Basque burnt cheesecake, originates from the Basque region of Spain. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, it's crustless and baked at a high temperature to achieve a beautifully caramelized exterior while maintaining a creamy, custard-like center. Its rustic appearance and contrasting textures make it a unique dessert that's both simple and sophisticated.

What is Ube?

Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines, known for its vibrant color and subtly sweet, nutty flavor. It's a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts like ube halaya (ube jam), ice cream, and pastries. Incorporating ube into baked goods adds not only a striking hue but also a distinct flavor that's both exotic and comforting.

Why Combine Ube and Basque Cheesecake?

Merging the creamy texture of Basque cheesecake with the unique flavor of ube creates a dessert that's both familiar and novel. The ube adds a subtle sweetness and earthiness, complementing the rich, tangy cream cheese. This fusion results in a cheesecake that's visually stunning and tantalizing to the taste buds.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Cheesecake Batter:

• 275 g Cream Cheese (softened)
• 90 g Granulated Sugar
• 100 g Eggs (about 2 large eggs)
• 180 g Heavy Cream
• 10 g Cake Flour or Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Ube Extract
• A Few Drops of Vanilla Extract
• Optional: Seeds from a Vanilla Bean for extra flavor

Essential Tools

• 7-inch Round Cake Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer or Whisk
• Sieve
• Rubber Spatula
• Oven

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

• Line the Pan: Use two layers of parchment paper to line a 7-inch round cake pan. Allow the parchment to extend above the rim for easy removal.

  Tip: Crumple the parchment paper first; it will conform to the pan better.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Beat Until Smooth: In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk.

3. Add Sugar

• Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add Eggs

• One at a Time: Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.

  Technical Insight: Adding eggs slowly helps maintain a stable emulsion, preventing the batter from splitting.

5. Add Flavorings

• Ube Extract and Vanilla: Mix in the ube extract and a few drops of vanilla extract. If using vanilla bean seeds, add them now.

6. Incorporate Heavy Cream

• Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cake flour (or cornstarch) until smooth.

• Combine: Slowly add the cream mixture to the batter, mixing until fully incorporated.

  Tip: Mixing the flour with the cream prevents lumps and ensures an even texture.

7. Strain the Batter

• Use a Sieve: Pour the batter through a sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps, resulting in a silky smooth batter.

8. Bake the Cheesecake

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).

• Pour and Bake: Pour the strained batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is dark brown, but the center is still jiggly.

  Technical Insight: The high temperature caramelizes the sugars on top, creating the signature "burnt" look while keeping the center creamy.

9. Cool the Cheesecake

• Room Temperature: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. It will deflate slightly as it cools.

• Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to set.

  Tip: Chilling enhances the flavors and achieves the perfect texture.

10. Serve and Store

• Unmold and Slice: Gently remove the cheesecake from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Slice with a hot, dry knife for clean cuts.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful Tips

• Ingredient Temperature: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
• Don't Overbake: The center should still wobble when you take it out of the oven. It will set as it cools.
• Parchment Paper: Double lining prevents leakage and makes it easier to remove the cheesecake.
• Measuring Ingredients: For accuracy, use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients by weight.

Alternative Flavor Combinations

• Matcha Basque Cheesecake: Substitute ube extract with matcha powder for a green tea twist.
• Chocolate Basque Cheesecake: Add melted dark chocolate to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Coffee Basque Cheesecake: Incorporate espresso powder for a coffee-infused version.

Process Summary

Creating an Ube Basque Cheesecake involves mixing a simple batter of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and flavorings. The batter is strained for smoothness, then baked at a high temperature to achieve a caramelized top with a creamy center. After cooling and chilling, the cheesecake is ready to serve, offering a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.

Enjoy your homemade Ube Basque Cheesecake!