A simplified twist on the famous burnt Basque cheesecake that fits perfectly in a standard loaf pan. This loaf pan Basque cheesecake delivers the same creamy interior and beautifully caramelized top in a more manageable size for smaller households.
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 8 Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal.
Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer until completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes.
Add sugar and beat until well combined. Scrape down bowl sides as needed.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Pour in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until just combined.
Sift flour directly into the mixture and fold in gently with a spatula until no streaks remain.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is deeply golden brown and center still has a slight jiggle when shaken.
Cool completely in pan, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before removing and slicing.
Tips for Success
Room temperature ingredients are crucial for your loaf pan Basque cheesecake. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that won’t smooth out completely during mixing.
Don’t worry if the top cracks or looks burnt – this is the signature look of Basque cheesecake. The darker the top, the more complex the flavor.
The center should still jiggle slightly when done. It will continue setting as it cools and chills.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Basque: Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter for bright citrus notes.
Coffee Twist: Dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso in the cream before adding for a subtle coffee flavor.
Berry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of berry jam onto batter surface and swirl with a knife before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store your loaf pan Basque cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as it fully sets.
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go portions. The cheesecake can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This loaf pan Basque cheesecake is perfect for advance preparation. Make it up to 3 days before serving for optimal flavor development.
The cheesecake needs at least 4 hours of chilling time to set properly, but overnight is even better for clean slicing.
If making multiple days ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the top from drying out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lumpy texture: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before beating. Mix on medium speed and scrape bowl frequently.
Cracked top: This is normal and desirable for Basque cheesecake. Cracks add to the rustic charm and indicate proper browning.
Sunken center: The cheesecake may sink slightly as it cools. This creates the characteristic dense, creamy texture that makes Basque cheesecake unique.
Serving Suggestions
Slice your loaf pan Basque cheesecake into thick wedges and serve on individual plates. The rich, caramelized flavors need no accompaniment, but fresh berries add a lovely contrast.
A light dusting of powdered sugar highlights the beautiful burnt top, while a drizzle of honey complements the caramelized notes.
For special occasions, serve with a glass of dessert wine or strong coffee. The dense, creamy texture pairs beautifully with bold flavors.
Why This Size Works
The loaf pan format makes this Basque cheesecake perfect for smaller gatherings or families. You get all the signature flavors and textures in a more manageable portion size.
The narrower shape creates more surface area for that coveted burnt top while ensuring even cooking throughout. Each slice showcases the beautiful contrast between the dark exterior and pale, creamy interior.
This size also makes the cheesecake easier to store and portion, making it ideal for meal prep or giving as gifts to friends and neighbors.
Nutritional Highlights
Each slice of this loaf pan Basque cheesecake provides approximately 380 calories with 8 grams of protein from the cream cheese and eggs.
While rich, the simple ingredient list means you control exactly what goes into your dessert. No artificial flavors or preservatives – just pure, indulgent ingredients.
The high protein content from cream cheese makes this more satisfying than many other desserts, so a smaller slice goes further.
Perfect this classic technique in loaf form, then experiment with the suggested flavor variations. The beauty of Basque cheesecake lies in its simplicity – let the natural caramelization and creamy texture speak for themselves in this perfectly sized version.
