Name: 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Basque
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature); 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (at room temperature); 1 tbsp sour cream (at room temperature); 1 egg; 1/4 tsp vanilla; 2 tbsp sugar; 1.5 tsp flour

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If you’ve ever craved that gorgeously caramelized, luxuriously creamy treat but didn’t want a giant cake tempting you all week, this 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two is about to steal your heart. With crackly, mahogany edges that give way to a custardy, almost pudding-like center—and portioned just for you (or you and another lucky friend)—this mini marvel is every bit as enchanting as its full-size cousin. Whether you’re planning a special night in or just need a little taste of decadence, this personal-sized cheesecakes captures all the drama and delight of San Sebastián’s iconic dessert, minus the leftovers.

4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of classic baking staples to create this show-stopping treat, but each brings something essential to the final flavor and texture. Gather these key items and you’re halfway to cheesecake bliss!

Cream Cheese (4 oz): The backbone of that luscious, creamy bite—make sure it’s fully softened for a supremely smooth batter.
Heavy Whipping Cream (3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps achieve that signature velvetty texture.
Sour Cream (1 tbsp): Offers a gentle tang and even more creaminess, balancing the cake’s richness.
Egg (1): Essential for setting up the structure and ensuring silkiness throughout.
Vanilla (1/4 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile for wonderful aromatic warmth in every bite.
Sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cheesecake just enough to make it dessert-worthy without overpowering its natural tang.
Flour (1.5 tsp): Provides a touch of stability, preventing the cake from becoming too gooey while staying decadently soft.

How to Make 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by arranging your oven rack at the very top, so your mini cheesecake can get its signature blistered crown. Preheat the oven to a roaring 500 degrees F for at least 15 minutes. While the oven heats, line a 4-inch cheesecake pan with parchment—be generous so the paper peeks far above the rim, giving the batter room to climb and brown. Taking a few extra minutes to fit the parchment just right ensures easy removal and those iconic rustic edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream. Blend until luxuriously smooth with no lumps hiding in the corners—room temperature dairy is your secret weapon for easy whisking! Next, add the egg, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk again until everything melds into an utterly creamy, dreamy base.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Finish the Batter

Now, sprinkle in the flour. This little addition gives the 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two just enough structure while keeping things deliciously soft and custardy inside. Give the batter one final mix, making sure everything is thoroughly combined but not overworked—think silky, not airy.

Step 4: Bake to Burnished Perfection

Pour your cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and gently tap it to settle. Slide it onto the oven’s top rack, as far back as you can, where the heat is most intense. Immediately drop the temperature to 450 degrees F and let the magic happen. After about 20 minutes, you’ll spot deeply golden, almost burnt edges with a slightly jiggly center—the hallmark of a perfect Basque cheesecake in miniature form.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the pan from the oven and let it stand for 20 minutes. Lifting it out by the parchment, transfer your creation to a rack to continue cooling. Whether you’re in the camp of eating it still warm and creamy, or prefer chilling it in the fridge for a more set slice, your 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two is ready to be devoured.

How to Serve 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two

Garnishes

While the rich, caramelized top makes a statement all on its own, a little flair never hurts. Try a cloud of softly whipped cream, a scattering of fresh berries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Each option adds its own lovely visual—and a flavor boost—without masking what makes this cheesecake so special.

Side Dishes

This creamy mini wonder shines brightest alongside delicate sides. Pair it with a handful of tart raspberries, a tiny cup of espresso, or even a small glass of sweet dessert wine for a true Basque-inspired experience. For a lighter finish, thinly sliced pears or a crisp apple salad bring a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two by serving it on a colorful plate or rustic wooden board, still nestled in its crinkled parchment. For date nights, split the cake into two generous wedges and add personalized garnishes. Hosting? Serve mini cheesecakes in individual baking papers for effortless elegance that guests can grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a spare slice (or some serious self-control), simply cover your cheesecake and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay perfectly lovely for up to three days, and some say the flavor gets even better after a night’s rest in the fridge.

Freezing

Need to stretch out the enjoyment? Tightly wrap any leftover 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil before tucking it in the freezer. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then serve as usual.

Reheating

If you prefer your cheesecake closer to room temperature or with a touch of warmth, let it sit out for 30 minutes before enjoying, or warm it for just a few seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat—just a gentle warming helps revive the creamy, custardy texture that sets this little cake apart.

FAQs

What makes a Basque cheesecake “burnt”?

The magic comes from baking at a high temperature, which caramelizes the sugars on top and around the sides. This creates a deeply browned, even slightly charred crust that’s packed with flavor—without making the cake taste burnt or bitter!

Why line the pan with parchment paper?

Parchment is essential here: it prevents sticking, makes unmolding a breeze, and helps create those beautiful, craggy edges that are the signature of a Basque cheesecake. It also keeps your cheesecake moist and uniformly baked.

Can I use light cream cheese or lower-fat dairy?

You can swap in lighter dairy if needed, but you’ll lose some of that classic richness and the creamy texture may shift. For best results, stick with full-fat ingredients—especially for such a small, indulgent treat.

How can I tell when the mini cheesecake is done?

The goal is a deeply golden, slightly blistered surface and a center that still has a wobble when you gently shake the pan. Trust the process: even if the center looks underdone, it will set further as it cools for that perfectly unctuous middle.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely! Just scale up the quantities and bake in multiple pans or one larger tin. The beauty of this 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two is its flexibility—make a whole set for a special gathering or a larger cake for sharing.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the irresistible charm of the 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two pass you by. It’s an easy, deeply satisfying indulgence that feels as special on a random Tuesday as it does for a romantic dinner or solo treat. Grab your ingredients and give it a go—you’ll never look at cheesecake the same way again!

4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake for One/Two Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of a 4-inch Mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake that’s perfectly sized for one or two servings. This single-serving delight features a beautifully burnt top with a velvety smooth cheesecake filling that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake:

4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (at room temperature)
1 tbsp sour cream (at room temperature)
1 egg
1/4 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 tsp flour

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Place the oven rack at the top position and preheat the oven to 500°F. Line a 4-inch cheesecake pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream. Add egg, vanilla, sugar, and mix. Incorporate flour into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, bake at 450°F for 20 minutes on the top-back rack.
Cool: Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve at room temperature or chill in the fridge for a firmer texture.

Notes

For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature.
Positioning the cheesecake in the back of the oven helps achieve the signature burnt top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Basque