The Dreamiest Spanish Cheesecake Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delectable spanish cheesecake brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together in this classic Spanish treat.

Authentic ingredients whisper stories of traditional culinary magic from madrid’s charming bakeries.

Sweet cream cheese melts into a silky smooth canvas that promises indulgence.

Subtle hints of lemon zest add a bright, unexpected twist to each delightful bite.

Passionate bakers will find this recipe both simple and incredibly satisfying.

She who attempts this dessert transforms an ordinary afternoon into a memorable celebration.

Take a slice and savor the delicious journey ahead.

Why James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe Is A Must-Try

• Boost Culinary Skills: Learn a classic Spanish dessert that elevates your baking expertise without requiring professional training, perfect for home cooks looking to expand their recipe repertoire.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Crafted with simple, accessible ingredients found in most kitchens, this Spanish cheesecake transforms basic pantry staples into a stunning, restaurant-quality dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A versatile treat that works beautifully for family gatherings, dinner parties, or casual weekend indulgences, offering a delightful balance of creamy texture and fruity cherry topping.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Straightforward steps and basic mixing technique make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious result with minimal cooking complexity.

Everything Needed For James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and rich dairy product that provides the classic tangy flavor and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a balanced flavor profile in the dessert.
• Flour: Helps to stabilize and provide structure to the cheesecake.

• Sour Cream: Enhances the richness and adds a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the dessert.

• Cherries, Water, Sugar, Vanilla: Create a sweet and vibrant sauce that complements the creamy cheesecake with a fruity finish.

How To Bake James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grab a 9-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper. Lightly coat the sides and bottom with butter to prevent sticking. Position your oven rack in the middle and warm it to 475°F.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese until smooth and velvety. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix. Incorporate flour, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fill and Initial Bake

Pour the luxurious cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at high temperature.

Step 4: Reduce Heat and Complete Baking

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. The cheesecake should have a slight wobble in the center but look set around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Rest

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside for one hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking. Once completely cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 6: Prepare Cherry Topping

In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cherries with water, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and cherries soften.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice into elegant wedges and generously spoon the warm cherry compote over each piece. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for extra charm.

Tips For Perfect James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake in a water bath to create a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Cherry Sauce Upgrade: Use fresh or frozen cherries for a more intense, natural flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture.
• Precise Baking Technique: Follow the high-low temperature method carefully to achieve the signature Spanish-style creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and texture.

Ways To Customize James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut cream cheese, flax eggs, and plant-based sour cream alternative to create dairy-free cheesecake.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content.
• Fruit Swap: Replace cherry topping with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or caramelized peaches for different flavor profiles.

Great Matches With James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

• Pair with Sherry Wine: Indulge in a glass of Spanish Pedro Ximénez sherry, which complements the creamy cheesecake with its rich, sweet notes and enhances the cherry topping's deep flavor profile.
• Match with Cinnamon Espresso: Serve a freshly brewed espresso sprinkled with ground cinnamon, creating a warm, aromatic companion that balances the cheesecake's sweetness and adds a Spanish-inspired touch.
• Elevate with Almond Biscotti: Serve crisp almond biscotti alongside the cheesecake, providing a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that harmonizes beautifully with the dessert's creamy consistency.

How To Store James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Allow 2-3 hours at room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 160C for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.

James Martin Spanish Cheesecake Recipe FAQ Guide

• Is Spanish cheesecake different from New York-style cheesecake?

Spanish cheesecake (burnt Basque cheesecake) has a rustic, caramelized exterior with a soft, creamy center, unlike the dense, smooth New York-style cheesecake.

• Why does the recipe start with a high oven temperature?

The high initial temperature helps create the signature burnt, caramelized top and creates a beautiful cracked surface, which is characteristic of Basque cheesecake.

• Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Just thaw them before simmering with sugar and vanilla to create the delicious cherry compote.

Spanish Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet dreams come alive with this Spanish Cheesecake, a creamy masterpiece blending traditional Spanish flavors and silky cream cheese. Rich, velvety textures and delicate notes will transport you to Barcelona’s charming streets with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) cream cheese
• 4 medium eggs
• 225 grams (7.9 ounces) caster sugar
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) sour cream
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cherry Topping:

• 300 grams (10.6 ounces) cherries
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) caster sugar
• 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 23cm springform pan by lining and greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually incorporate flour, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform consistency without overmixing.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, creating an even surface.
5. Heat the oven to 240°C and place the cheesecake inside for 20 minutes to create initial structure.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely within the tin, which helps prevent cracking.
8. While cooling, prepare the cherry topping by combining cherries, water, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan.
9. Simmer the cherry mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
10. Once the cheesecake has cooled, carefully slice and serve with the warm cherry compote generously spooned over each piece.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter for perfect texture.
• Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend seamlessly and prevent mixture separation.
• Wrap the springform pan in foil to prevent water seepage and protect the delicate cheesecake base during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend without compromising the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg