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Creamy No-Bake Japanese Basque Cheesecake Recipe with Burnt Caramel Top Easy and Perfect

no bake basque cheesecake - featured image

A creamy, no-bake Japanese Basque cheesecake featuring a luscious burnt caramel top. This easy recipe delivers a silky texture and smoky sweetness without the need for baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, full-fat
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (about 10 g) gelatin powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour 3 tablespoons cold water into a small bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin evenly over the surface. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until spongy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Gently warm the bloomed gelatin in a small saucepan over low heat until fully dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid boiling. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a heavy-bottom pan, heat 3/4 cup granulated sugar over medium heat without stirring. Swirl gently until sugar melts and turns deep amber. Quickly pour half into the bottom of a lined 7-8 inch springform pan to create a thin caramel layer. Let cool and harden.
  5. Slowly add the remaining granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon melted butter to the cream cheese, mixing until incorporated.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing briefly.
  7. Whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  8. Slowly drizzle dissolved gelatin into the batter while folding continuously.
  9. Pour cheesecake batter over the hardened caramel layer in the springform pan and smooth the surface.
  10. Quickly pour reserved burnt caramel over the top of the batter and spread evenly. It will harden to form the burnt caramel crust.
  11. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set and creamy.
  12. Run a thin knife along edges before releasing springform pan. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Bloom gelatin properly without boiling to ensure setting. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even caramelization. For a vegetarian option, agar agar can replace gelatin but requires different preparation. Fresh berries on top add a fresh contrast. Avoid freezing; refrigerate up to 4 days. Let sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, Basque cheesecake, burnt caramel, creamy dessert, easy cheesecake, Japanese dessert