Learn How to Pronounce Basque Cheesecake | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Basque Cheesecake
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Originating from the renowned La Viña restaurant in San Sebastián's historic Parte Vieja district, Basque Cheesecake is a celebrated dessert that defies traditional cheesecake conventions. Created by chef Santiago Rivera in the 1990s, this iconic Spanish dessert is defined by its intentionally burnt, deeply caramelized top and a luxuriously creamy, almost custard-like interior that is entirely crustless. The preparation is deceptively simple, typically involving just cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and heavy cream, which are blended and baked at a very high temperature to achieve its signature texture and flavor profile. This high-heat method causes the sugars to caramelize dramatically, creating a complex bittersweet contrast with the rich, velvety center. As a staple of Basque Country cuisine and a global food trend, this burnt cheesecake has become a must-try for culinary travelers and home bakers seeking an impressive yet straightforward dessert recipe. Its popularity underscores a broader appreciation for rustic, ingredient-focused desserts that prioritize profound flavor and texture over intricate presentation.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling is "Basque Cheesecake," capitalizing "Basque" as it refers to the Basque Country region. Common misspellings and variations often arise from phonetic errors or regional naming conventions. "Basc Cheesecake" or "Bask Cheesecake" are frequent typos, dropping the silent 'ue'. Some may erroneously write "Basque Cheese Cake" as two separate words, though the single-word "cheesecake" is standard. In reference to its origin city, it is sometimes called "San Sebastián Cheesecake," which is not a misspelling but an alternative name. The descriptive term "Burnt Basque Cheesecake" is also widely used and accepted, though purists might note the original Spanish name is simply "tarta de queso." Confusion with "Basque" the people or language can sometimes lead to autocorrect errors like "Basque language cake," but these are less common in culinary contexts.
Example Sentences
After our trip to San Sebastián, I've been obsessed with recreating the perfect Basque Cheesecake with its characteristic dark, caramelized top.
The secret to its creamy, custard-like interior lies in blending the ingredients until completely smooth and baking in a very hot oven.
Many food critics argue that the best Basque Cheesecake recipe requires only five basic ingredients and no water bath.
For our dinner party, I served slices of the rustic, crustless cheesecake alongside a glass of sweet sherry.
Unlike its New York-style cousin, a properly made Basque Cheesecake should jiggle dramatically at the center when taken out of the oven, as it will continue to set as it cools.