Hey guys, one last dessert before Thanksgiving next week and it sure is a good one. To be honest, when it comes to cheesecake, it’s never been something I’ve had the desire to make or eat. It’s just never felt that special to me, but the Basque-style cheesecake is completely different. It’s richer, creamier, and the easiest to make. No water underneath the cake and nothing fancy about it. It’s the cheesecake that really embraces those cracks, and I love that! I wanted to share a Thanksgiving dessert that wasn’t pie but also wasn’t a layer cake. Something easy and sweet, but still special enough for the holidays! This Burnt Basque Cheesecake is perfect. The rich vanilla flavor really shines in this cake. And the warm hot cocoa sauce drizzled over top, well, it just sweetens the deal. The cocoa sauce is not needed, but then again it is, because it makes every bite perfection.
Details – start with the cake
What I love about this cake is truly just how easy it is. Start off by beating the cream cheese with sugar and real vanilla bean seeds. I love to use a vanilla bean pod with the seeds scraped out. Vanilla bean powder also works great too! You’ll want to really beat in the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla. This infuses the cake batter with a strong vanilla flavor. Then just add eggs, cream, a touch of flour, and some salt. I also added hazelnut liquor for a special holiday touch that really compliments the vanilla. It’s really, really simple, but yet still really, really delicious. Kind of sweet, kind of salty, and with a really great vanilla flavor. The cake can be baked, then chilled and stored in the fridge for a few days. I like to bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
The hot cocoa drizzle
I felt like the cake needed something to compliment the rich vanilla flavor, an espresso chocolate sauce sounded perfect. It’s a mix of chocolate, cream, vanilla, and espresso powder. Simply combine everything together until melty and warm. Once the cake has cooled, just slice and serve with the warm sauce on top. Tis’ truly the most delicious. The perfect way to end a nice Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. Note…this is also great with an espresso on the side! Looking for other easy holiday desserts?? Here are my favorites: Brown Sugar Maple Cookie Pie White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Lastly, if you make this Vanilla Burnt Basque Cheesecake, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
