Ube Basque Cheesecake

I remember my youngest, Lily, peering over the kitchen counter, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Mommy, what’s that purple magic?” she asked, pointing at the vibrant batter for our ube basque cheesecake. That’s the beauty of this dessert; it captivates before the first bite.

For me, food is love, and this particular ube basque cheesecake recipe truly embodies that. It’s simple, yet yields an incredibly elegant and delicious treat. I first discovered the charm of a classic basque cheesecake years ago, but adding the earthy, vanilla-like sweetness of ube (purple yam) transforms it into something truly extraordinary.

This ube basque cheesecake quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or just a cozy Sunday afternoon. The unique flavor will impress everyone.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This ube basque cheesecake offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Its irresistible creamy interior and signature caramelized, “burnt” top create a stunning contrast. Making this is surprisingly straightforward.

You don’t need a water bath, and perfection isn’t the goal – its rustic charm is part of its appeal. The vibrant purple hue of this cheesecake brightens any table. Moreover, the unique ube flavor makes this cheesecake a memorable dessert experience. You will adore this simple yet spectacular basque cheesecake.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Crafting this stunning ube basque cheesecake requires just a few simple components. Gather your ingredients for this creamy ube basque dessert.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened)	24 oz (3 blocks)
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Large Eggs	4
Heavy Cream	1 ½ cups
All-Purpose Flour	2 tbsp
Ube Halaya (purple yam jam)	½ cup
Ube Extract	1-2 tsp (for color and flavor boost)
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp
Salt	Pinch

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can easily adapt this ube basque cheesecake to your pantry. For example, if you cannot find ube halaya, simply increase the ube extract for stronger flavor and color. Greek yogurt or sour cream can substitute some heavy cream for a tangy.

Feel free to omit the flour for a gluten-free ube basque cheesecake; the texture will be slightly softer. Consider adding shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on this basque cheesecake with ube.

If you enjoy experimenting with unique dessert combinations and the rich flavors of ube, you’ll love exploring other delightful Filipino-inspired treats. For another incredible dessert that blends creamy textures with vibrant ube, consider trying this Delightful Ube Leche Flan Cake.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making this ube basque cheesecake is wonderfully forgiving. Follow these steps.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with two sheets of parchment paper, crinkling them first to fit snugly. Let the paper extend well above the rim. This protects your ube basque cheesecake.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in heavy cream, ube halaya, ube extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Ensure the ube is well incorporated into your basque cheesecake mixture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
4. Pour & Bake: Pour the ube basque cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the top is deeply caramelized, almost burnt, and the center is still jiggly. This burnt effect is key for a genuine basque cheesecake with ube.
5. Cool & Chill: Remove the ube basque cheesecake from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Then, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Serve: Once chilled, remove the ube basque cheesecake from the pan. Slice and serve this delightful ube basque cheesecake.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Achieve the best ube basque cheesecake with these simple tricks. Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs; they mix more smoothly, resulting in a silkier ube basque cheesecake. Do not overmix the batter once you add the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks.

Embrace the “burnt” top; that caramelized crust defines an authentic basque cheesecake. Trust the jiggle; the center of your ube basque cheesecake should still look undone when you pull it out. It will set beautifully as it cools.

Patience with chilling ensures a perfect cheesecake texture.

Once you’ve mastered the nuances of this basque cheesecake, your love for ube will surely deepen, opening doors to even more delicious purple yam creations. To continue your culinary journey with this enchanting ingredient, be sure to explore our recipe for a classic Ube Purple Yam Cake.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store your ube basque cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This ube basque cheesecake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Basque cheesecake is typically served chilled or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it alters the texture.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices of ube basque cheesecake in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing them for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying this delicious ube basque cheesecake.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

This rich and creamy ube basque cheesecake shines on its own. However, pairing it with certain items enhances the experience. A simple side of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, provides a lovely tart contrast to the sweet ube.

A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream complements the richness perfectly. For beverages, a hot cup of coffee, a light herbal tea, or even a glass of sparkling water cuts through the creaminess of the ube basque cheesecake.

While this cheesecake is a star, knowing how to make key ube components from scratch can elevate many desserts and snacks. If you’re interested in crafting your own vibrant ube base for this and other delightful treats, learn how to make 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya.

FAQS

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam originating from the Philippines. It has a distinctive, mild, sweet, slightly nutty flavor, often described as a mix of vanilla and pistachio. This unique flavor makes the ube basque cheesecake so special.

Why is this cheesecake “burnt”?

The high baking temperature creates a deeply caramelized, almost burnt, exterior on the ube basque cheesecake. This signature “burnt” top provides a delightful textural contrast to the incredibly creamy interior. It’s a hallmark of authentic Basque cheesecake.

Can I make this ube basque cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the ube basque cheesecake a day in advance is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the cheesecake to properly set, resulting in the best possible texture for your ube basque cheesecake.

Ube basque cheesecake combines the creamy, rustic elegance of a burnt cheesecake with the distinctive, sweet flavor of the Filipino ube, or purple yam. This unique dessert offers a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors, celebrated for its vibrant hue and rich texture.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

Please note this is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice (based on 12 servings) of ube basque cheesecake.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	22g
Cholesterol	180mg
Sodium	240mg
Total Carbohydrates	25g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	20g
Protein	8g