If you love cheesecakes as much as I do, and looking for a dessert that’s rich, creamy and next to effortless, then the Super Easy Mini Basque Cheesecake is for you. It has caramelised burnt tops and creamy custard like centres- this mini version of the classic Basque cheesecake is as impressive as it is delicious.

Mini Basque Cheesecake — Chill! Don’t forget to chill.

So what is Basque Cheesecake?

Also known as “Tarta de Queso”, the Basque Cheesecake which originated from the Basque region of Spain, is unlike any other cheesecake. It has the signature burnt tops( from having been baked in high temperatures ) with soft and creamy insides. What sets this cheesecake apart is it’s simplicity – no crust and no embellishments , just a few quality ingredients resulting in a show stopping dessert.

The mini version, the size of muffins is perfect for one serve. No need to slice. Have one or two now, and freeze in individual packets to have later, which you can defrost overnight in the fridge or an hour or two in the countertop. By the way, this is the perfect cheesecake for beginning bakers as it’s super easy. There will be cracks on top, but all part of the charm. It will deflate slightly when cold, but it is, what it is, so there is no need to stress.

I first tried the Basque Cheesecake on a trip to London at one of the stalls in Boroughs Market. The burnt tops reminded me of the Filipino rice cake called Bibingka, which also has the charred tops. If you’re interested in cheesecake with a Filipino touch, here’s my version of the Burnt Basque Bibingka Cheesecake. And while you’re here, please say hello via the comments section below, I would love to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love this Minis

Perfectly Sized– Ready to serve, no need to slice. Great for a sweet treat on the go.Perfect for serving at events like birthdays or as a part of dessert buffet. They’re a great option if you don’t want to commit to a full sized cake.
Caramelised Deliciousness– The high temperature required to make this goodies, give these cheesecakes a beautifully caramelised almost burnt tops. No need for bling, it presents beautifully.
Rich yet Light– These have a light melt in your mouth airy texture on the inside with a rich vanilla flavour, which is why you need to use the best Vanilla you can get your hands on!

Easy does it…

Making these adorable mini cheesecakes is super simple. Just a few basic ingredients and very simple process , they come together in a snap. Because there is no biscuit base, all you have to do is mix everything together, pour into baking paper lined muffin trays and bake! Easy as. The hardest part will be waiting for it to cool. And, don’t forget to chill. Chilling not only improves the texture but the flavour as well.

Serving Suggestions

As I’ve mentioned before, these mini cheesecakes are gorgeous on their own, but if you want to make it extra special, try serving them with berries or figs. You can also drizzle them with honey or a caramel sauce.

While, I love the vanilla flavour the best, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can try lemon zest, coffee(use espresso powder or instant coffee granules) or a splash of your favourite liqueur to suit your taste.