Anyone with or without a sweet tooth knows a cheesecake when they see one. It is a classic dessert and has become iconic on its own. Whether you prefer a New York-style cheesecake, a Burnt Basque cheesecake or even the more adventurous flavors like blueberry and oreo, there's no denying that this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Sure, the original flavor is comforting and will never get old, but here at Matcha.com, we always like to switch things up! We like to take classic recipes and add complexity in its flavors with just one ingredient—yup, it's matcha.
Matcha tastes umami, sweet, and earthy. And by adding matcha powder to a basque cheesecake recipe, you can easily elevate the flavor profile. To simply put, it's the effortless way to dress it up!
Recipe
Healthy Matcha Burnt Basque Cheesecake
- 20 min
- 315 min
- 335 min
- 1 square-pan cheesecake
- Medium bowl, large mixing bowl, small bowl, sifter, whisk, electric mixer, square pan, toothpick
Ingredients
Method
Preheat. Before you prepare anything, preheat the oven to 325°F.
Make the crust. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown and white sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press it into the bottom of a square pan, compact and evenly spread.
Beat the cream cheese. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Set aside.
Whisk the matcha. Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps. Add the water and whisk until fully integrated.
Build the filling. Pour the matcha mix into the cream cheese and beat just until combined. Add the sugar and beat until combined; don’t overbeat. Mix in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and eggs and beat until blended.
Fill the pan. Pour the filling onto the crust and spread evenly.
Bake. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is almost set and no mixture sticks to a toothpick.
Rest in the oven. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 10–15 minutes to continue cooking.
Cool and chill. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve. Serve with your choice of toppings, like whipped cream and berry compote. Enjoy!
The bottom line | Try making a matcha basque cheesecake at home!
Adding matcha to a Basque-style cheesecake can be a creative and flavorful twist on the traditional recipe. Here are a few reasons why someone might choose to incorporate matcha into a Basque-style cheesecake:
Unique Flavor: Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that has a distinct and slightly bitter taste. By adding matcha to the cheesecake batter, you introduce a subtle earthy and grassy flavor that can complement the richness of the cream cheese.
Vibrant Green Color: Matcha powder imparts a vibrant green color to anything it is added to and has been proven to spark joy! Incorporating matcha into the Basque-style cheesecake can give it an eye-catching and visually appealing appearance, making it an attractive dessert option.
Health Benefits: Matcha is known for its potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and contains beneficial compounds that may boost metabolism, improve focus, and promote relaxation. By incorporating matcha into the cheesecake, you can add a touch of nutritional value to the dessert.
Culinary Experimentation: Chefs and home bakers often enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create unique culinary experiences. Adding matcha to a Basque-style cheesecake allows for creativity and innovation, giving the dessert a distinctive twist and surprising the taste buds.
Overall, incorporating matcha into a Basque-style cheesecake can enhance the flavor profile, add visual appeal, provide potential health benefits, and allow for culinary exploration and experimentation. It offers a dynamic combination of traditional Basque flavors with the unique characteristics of matcha!
