Ugly appearance, gentle heart
Basque cheesecake is a popular national snack in the Basque Country on the border between France and Spain. Today, the cake has taken the world by storm and was named Best Dessert of the Year by the New York Times in 2019. Basque cheesecake is also known as the “burned cheesecake” because of its characteristic charred crust.
It is based on a cookie-like dessert made with paprika and lard, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an earthy appearance. The surface of the cake is usually painted with various patterns, similar to the king’s cake, and it belongs to the cake with filling, the second day after the cake is baked, the shell is still “hard” to the touch, and the taste is both soft and hard, with a unique strong flavor.
It originated in the 17th century and was originally made as a pastry to celebrate the festival of Gateau Basque in September. In the 18th century, it was loved by travelers, and as the seasons changed, seasonal jams began to be added, especially the specialty dark cherry jam, which has been considered a Basque dessert ever since. It wasn’t until the 19th century that modern Basque cakes with custard sauce in the middle appeared. To this day, every Basque family has their own recipe.
There are many types of cheesecakes, including the Basque Country, and in a way, this cake belongs to the category of heavy cheesecakes, because there is no need to separate the eggs, just stir and bake.
The main differences between Basque cake and regular cheesecake are as follows:
- Different tastes: Basque cakes taste similar to regular cheesecakes, while cheesecakes will taste softer and have a richer and more delicate flavor, with a distinct cheese aroma.
- Prices are different: Basque cakes are less expensive, while cheesecakes are generally more expensive.
- Different ingredients: After the Basque cake is made, it will have a gray-brown color, uneven outer contours, etc., and will not look as delicate as cheesecake.
Both in appearance and texture, Basque cheesecake has a unique charm that you will never forget when you bite into it. Like the Black Forest, this cake has a deep history and rich flavors that deserve to be savoured by every dessert lover.
