This Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Brûléed Peaches is a decadent dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of Basque cheesecake with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of caramelized peaches. Known for its rustic, burnt top and incredibly smooth interior, this cheesecake variant brings a delightful twist with the addition of brûléed peaches, adding layers of flavor and sophistication.
Why You'll Love This: This cheesecake is perfect for those who appreciate a less traditional, crustless cheesecake with a deeply caramelized exterior and a soft, creamy center. The addition of brûléed peaches not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh, fruity contrast to the richness of the cheesecake. It’s a gourmet dessert that’s surprisingly straightforward to make, yet it offers an exquisite combination of textures and flavors.
Perfect Occasion: This cheesecake is ideal for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or any celebratory event where you want to impress your guests. It's also perfect for a luxurious dessert at dinner parties or as a special treat for weekend family meals.
Decoration Tips:
- Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich flavors.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful, finished look.
- Arrange extra fresh peach slices around the cake on a serving platter for added elegance and freshness.
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle a little honey or an additional spoonful of maple syrup over the brûléed peaches before serving.
Ingredients:
- Cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Brûléed Peaches:
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheesecake:
- Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a 6-inch cheesecake or springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides and hangs over for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the cornstarch and salt.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
- Prepare the Brûléed Peaches:
- Combine all peach ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the peaches are tender and the syrup thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Top the chilled cheesecake with the peach mixture. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar.
- Serve:
- Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled, garnished with additional peach slices if desired.
Enjoy this sophisticated Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Brûléed Peaches, a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet elements that make each bite a luxurious indulgence!