Description
This black sesame basque cheesecake is crustless and creamy with a caramelized top and deep, nutty flavor from fresh black sesame paste. No water bath needed.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 13.5 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Eggs
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 5/6 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp honey
Equipment
- Food processor
- 6-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Large strainer
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
- Make the sesame paste. Add the black sesame seeds to a food processor and grind until they turn into a loose, liquid-like paste, about 10 minutes, scraping the sides down as you go. Mix in the honey.
- Prep the pan. Preheat your oven to 450F. Line a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, letting it come up above the rim.
- Beat the base. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the caster sugar and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add eggs and sesame. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each, then mix in the black sesame paste.
- Finish the batter. Sift in the corn starch and whisk until smooth, then whisk in the heavy cream.
- Strain and bake. Pour the batter through a strainer into the pan and tap it on the counter to release air bubbles. Lower the oven to 425F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is deeply browned and the center still jiggles.
- Chill. Cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Use fully softened cream cheese so the batter mixes smooth without lumps.
- Grind the black sesame a full 10 minutes for a smooth, flavorful paste.
- Strain the batter into the pan for the creamiest texture.
- Let the top bake to a deep brown; that caramelization is the point of a basque cheesecake.
- Chill at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing so it sets fully.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese, Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg