Craving a dessert that proves you’re the go-to baking expert? Sink your fork into Chocolate Basque Cheesecake—an effortlessly elegant fusion of Spain’s iconic burnt custard and the deep, velvety allure of dark cocoa. This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake ditches fussy water baths and rewards you with a dramatic caramelized crown that cracks to reveal a silky, mousse-like center—guaranteed to make seasoned pastry chefs and first-time bakers alike do a double-take.

What sets this Chocolate Basque Cheesecake apart? It’s naturally crustless, demands zero special equipment, and tastes like the love-child of classic cheesecake and French chocolate pot-de-crème. The intentionally “burnt” top isn’t a flaw—it’s your flavor amplifier, delivering toasted sugar notes that balance the rich cocoa. Keep this Chocolate Basque Cheesecake recipe in your back pocket when you need an authoritative showstopper that whispers Old World charm while shouting modern decadence.

Overhead shot of Chocolate Basque Cheesecake with burnt top and a slice removed on a white counter

Why This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake Recipe Stands Out?

The original Basque burnt cheesecake was born in the culinary heart of San Sebastián, Spain, at the iconic La Viña restaurant in the 1990s. This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake builds on that legacy by infusing rich cocoa into the beloved recipe, transforming it into a deeper, more luxurious treat. With only a handful of ingredients, this Chocolate Basque Cheesecake delivers the elegance of a European patisserie creation—without the stress or skill of advanced techniques. It’s rustic, refined, and irresistibly bold.

Whether served with fresh berries, a raspberry coulis drizzle, or simply dusted with powdered sugar, this creamy Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is a true crowd-pleaser. It pairs beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a glass of full-bodied red wine. The signature burnt top adds a hint of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweet, velvety center—making every bite of this Chocolate Basque Cheesecake feel like an indulgent discovery.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions

Equipment For Chocolate Basque Cheesecake
Recipe Variations
Storage

The Secret Step Most Bakers Skip (But You Won’t!)
FAQ
Your Signature Dessert Starts Here

Related
Pairing

Ingredients

Cream cheese, room temperature

Granulated sugar
Large eggs, room temperature
Heavy cream

Unsweetened cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Vanilla extract

Salt

Overhead image of measured cheesecake ingredients arranged on a white kitchen counter

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare & Mix

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper

Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy
Add sugar gradually, then eggs one at a time
Mix in heavy cream and vanilla until combined

Add Chocolate & Bake

Sift cocoa powder and flour together to eliminate lumps
Fold chocolate mixture into cream cheese base until smooth
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until top is deeply caramelized

Cool & Serve

Let cheesecake cool completely in pan for 2 hours
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
Remove from pan using parchment overhang and slice to serve

Batter being mixed for Chocolate Basque Cheesecake

Prepare & Mix: Beat cream cheese, sugar & eggs

Chocolate batter poured into lined pan, ready for the oven

Add Chocolate & Bake: Pour, smooth & bake

Chocolate Basque Cheesecake cooling with a slice plated beside it

Cool & Serve: Cool, slice & enjoy

Equipment For Chocolate Basque Cheesecake

9-inch springform pan (or regular cake pan with parchment overhang)
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Fine-mesh sieve for sifting

Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Rubber spatula

Expert Cooking Tips & Hints

Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure oven is exactly 425°F
Room temperature ingredients mix better and prevent lumps
Center should jiggle like firm jello when done

Don't open oven door during baking to prevent cracks
Let batter rest 10 minutes before baking for smoother texture
Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles before baking

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Variations:

Add mini chocolate chips for extra texture
Replace vanilla with instant coffee for mocha version
Swirl in Nutella before baking

Dietary Options:

Keto: Use erythritol instead of sugar
Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and aquafaba
Gluten-free: Omit flour completely

Lighter: Replace half cream cheese with Greek yogurt
Mini version: Divide into muffin cups, bake 20-25 minutes

Storage

Refrigerator Storage:

Keep covered for up to 5 days

Flavor improves after first day
Store in airtight container

Freezing:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap then foil

Freeze up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Make-Ahead:

Perfect for entertaining - must be made ahead

Best texture after 1-2 days
Can be made up to 3 days before serving

The Secret Step Most Bakers Skip (But You Won’t!)

When I first started making Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, I followed every traditional step—mix, pour, bake. But something always felt just a little off. The flavor was there, but the texture? Not quite that dreamy silkiness I craved. One day, out of sheer curiosity, I let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking. What happened next changed everything.

Turns out, that short pause is a total game-changer. It gives the cocoa powder time to fully hydrate and dissolve, smoothing out any hidden lumps and intensifying the chocolate flavor. Since then, every Chocolate Basque Cheesecake I’ve made has come out flawlessly smooth, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that wows every time. It’s a tiny secret that delivers bakery-level results—now you know it too.

FAQ

What is the difference between Basque cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

Basque cheesecake differs from regular cheesecake in several key ways. Unlike traditional New York-style cheesecake, Basque cheesecake has no crust and features a signature burnt, caramelized top. This chocolate Basque cheesecake recipe creates a custard-like texture that's lighter and creamier than dense regular cheesecake. Basque cheesecake bakes at high temperature (425°F) without a water bath, making it much easier to prepare than traditional cheesecakes.

What is chocolate Basque cheesecake?

Chocolate Basque cheesecake is a rich, crustless dessert that combines the rustic Spanish burnt cheesecake style with decadent cocoa flavors. This chocolate Basque cheesecake recipe features cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and cocoa powder baked at high heat until the top is deeply caramelized. The result is a silky, custard-like interior with a distinctive burnt top that creates a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite.

What is so special about Basque cheesecake?

Basque cheesecake is special because it's incredibly forgiving and produces stunning results with minimal effort. This chocolate Basque cheesecake recipe requires no water bath, precise temperatures, or crust preparation. The burnt top isn't a mistake – it's the signature feature that adds complex, caramelized flavors. The creamy, almost liquid center contrasts beautifully with the firm exterior, creating a unique texture that's both rustic and elegant, perfect for impressing guests.

Are Basque and San Sebastian cheesecake the same?

Yes, Basque cheesecake and San Sebastian cheesecake are the same dessert. San Sebastian cheesecake gets its name from the Basque city of San Sebastián, Spain, where it was invented at La Viña restaurant. This chocolate Basque cheesecake recipe follows the same traditional technique: high-heat baking without a crust to achieve the characteristic burnt top. Both names refer to the identical Spanish dessert style that's become globally popular..

Your Signature Dessert Starts Here

This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. Its scorched top and luscious center bring that rustic European bakery charm straight to your kitchen—no water baths, no stress, just pure indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious first-timer, this recipe will have everyone convinced you’ve been trained in San Sebastián.

Ready to make dessert history in your own oven? Give this Chocolate Basque Cheesecake a go, and don’t forget to rate, comment, and share your drool-worthy photos—we live for those glossy burnt tops! And if you're craving more easy showstoppers, check out our Easy German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe for a layered delight, or try the creamy simplicity of our Easy Ricotta Cheesecake No Bake Recipe. Trust us, once you start baking like this, there’s no turning back.
From my kitchen, with heart.
Megan Riley ❤️

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