Cover Biscoff cheesecake by Dirty Cheesecake (Photo: Dirty Cheesecake)

It seems there's always a good reason to indulge in our love for Basque burnt cheesecake, not to mention its many variations

Perhaps it is its delectably modest construction that we are finding hard to resist, but more than thirty years after La Viña bar-restaurant in San Sebastián, Spain, first proffered its crustless experiment, the love of Basque burnt cheesecake has spread across the continents to become one of the most replicated baked treats. It’s even found its way onto the menus of some of the world’s best restaurants. But that is partly because this unassuming beauty is also deceptively complex to make—easy enough to put together but far from effortless to perfect.

Cooked at a uniquely high temperature, the intended result (if La Viña’s cheesecake is the applied standard) is a signature scorched crown that hides an enticingly gooey cream cheese centre.

And this is not surprisingly one of the main reasons why there are so many variations of the burnt cheesecake available today. Inspiring home bakers and professionals alike, alternatives range from the expectedly rustic amalgamation that sometimes includes the addition of Spanish cheese, to one that resembles a large tart, crumbly crust and all.

While it’s not new to the food-crazed here in Singapore, we still can’t get enough of it. That said, here is a rundown of the island’s more popular picks.

Read more: Where to find the best new York cheesecake in Singapore

1. Humble Bakery

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Above Basque burnt cheesecake by Humble Bakery (Photo: Humble Bakery)

Humble Bakery’s Basque burnt cheesecake is anything but, delivering indulgence in a slice. It’s made with a blend of 4 types of cheeses, making for a rich and smooth texture and complex flavour—one that’s only amplified by the addition of an alcoholic vanilla paste for a fragrant sweetness. 

Humble Bakery
Address: 1 Raffles Place, 02-27 One Raffles Place, (048616)

2. Dirty Cheesecake

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Above Biscoff cheesecake by Dirty Cheesecake (Photo: Dirty Cheesecake)

Cheesecake heaven is a place, and that’s Dirty Cheesecake. This online bakery and café offers only Basque burnt cheesecakes in many flavours and variations. It’s best known for its signature creations, including flavours like Biscoff, sea salt caramel, and the “Super Dirty” cheesecake decadently flavoured with dark chocolate. For special occasions, however, opt for the premium cheesecakes in flavours such as the Mao Shan Wang durian, yuzu, and the “Dirtymisu”—tiramisu, but make it cheesecake. 

Dirty Cheesecake
Address: 1 West Coast Drive, 01-77 Newest, S(128020), +65 8922 8481

3. Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology

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Above Stack of cheesecakes at Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology (Photo: Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology)

The Basque burnt cheesecakes look as perfect as they come at Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology. A deeply caramelised top characterises the online bakery’s classic offering, with an equally satisfying creamy texture. It’s good as it is, but if you’re looking for something that’s truly show-stopping, opt for the berried burnt cheesecake, which is topped with seasonal berries and flowers that will capture your attention. 

Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology
Address: 18 Joo Seng Road, S(360018), +65 9061 0064

4. Edith Patisserie

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Above Cheesecake at Edith Patisserie

You can be sure of quality at Edith Patisserie—especially when it comes to its Basque burnt cheesecake. For one, Madagascan vanilla flavours its cheesecake, and its gentle bake leaves a soft and creamy texture that makes for the ideal show-stopper for your small gatherings. 

Edith Patisserie
Address: 275 Outram Road, S(169064)

5. Le Petit Baker

This bakery’s burnt cheesecake offers comprises a rich and creamy core with a burnt top. On top of its classic flavours, look out for unique renditions too, including espresso, houjicha and purple yam. While it is recommended to keep the cheesecake refrigerated, leave it at room temperature for up to an hour before eating for a softer centre. 

6. Esquina

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As excited as we were to learn of this feted modern Spanish restaurant’s burnt cheesecake, we were not expecting it to have a crust. It also flaunts a less burnt crown, with the kitchen preferring the allure of a burnished gilt finish; though we have to admit it looks absolutely scrumptious. It more than delivers on the taste and texture. Those who love a good tart will appreciate the delicate crust, while those anticipating the molten centre will surely get their reward. What stands out most for us is the cake’s creamy heart, made with a combination of cheeses as well as (we suspect) a Spanish blue cheese. 

Esquina
Spanish   |   $ $   |  

16 Jiak Chuan Road, S(089267)

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7. Olivia Restaurant and Lounge

As far as creamy cheesecakes with a crust go (an almond sablé tart shell, to be precise), this champion of Mediterranean cuisine by el Bulli alumni, chef Alain Devahive, is credited for rekindling the passion Singapore has for a truly indulgent burnt cheesecake when it opened just over a year ago. This family recipe ticks all the boxes: beautifully caramelised on the top, a lava-like interior and an intensely flavourful one at that, thanks to a beautifully contrasting mix of gently sweetened creamy cheeses and a heady savoury kick from the addition of Valdeon, a cheese made from a blend of goat and cow milk from the province of León in northwest Spain. 

Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Spanish   |   $ $ $   |  

55 Keong Saik Road #01-03, S(089158)

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8. Bakery Brera

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While Bakery Brera is widely loved for its flavoured cruffins, its adaptation of the burnt cheesecake is worth a try. This crowd-pleaser doesn’t feature a provocative hit of blue cheese, but it is just as indulgent. Its top sees a heavier burn and its centre is made with three different kinds of cheese. That said, each slice offers a good balance of flavours, without it being too rich. Best to walk in early in the morning to secure your fix.

Bakery Brera & Fine Foods, 01-05, 8 Empress Road S(260008), 6492 5428

9. Paparch Singapore

A hit on social media since 2020, this Muslim-owned online bakery’s delectable cheesecake is a feast for both the eyes and stomach. While it doesn’t have a heavily scorched top, it does boast a genuinely molten cream cheese heart. Have a bite and revel in rich and creamy goodness.

10. Keong Saik Bakery

This little bakery-café has built a name for itself since it opened in 2017 proffering inspired variations of classic viennoiserie and other European baked goods. Creative imaginings such as it “sor hei”—which means “combing up” in Cantonese and resembles a crafty hair bun (pun intended, we’re sure)—and cakes like the matcha swiss roll and pandan cheesecake. Last year, they introduced their version of burnt cheesecake, which uses four types of cheese, and it’s still as popular. 

Keong Saik Bakery, 41 Keong Saik Road S(089146), 6909 3199

11. Grub Singapore

If you’re not already a fan of its kaya burnt cheesecake—a balanced pairing of the coconut creaminess of kaya with velvety cream cheese—there’s no better time to experience first hand what cheesecake lovers here are raving about. It's also a good opportunity to see how it fares against its version of the Basque burnt cheesecake. Both have a soft and creamy (but not gooey) centre, so it holds well and you can take your time to savour it. 

Grub Singapore, 30 Stevens Road, 01-06 Novotel @ Stevens, Singapore 257840, 8891 9298

12. Teaspoon of Love

This speciality tea shop and bakery does a delectably fragrant alternative that showcases what they know best. Introduced last year, their Da Hong Pao tea-infused burnt cheesecake is the first of its kind in Singapore. Sourced from Wuyishan, China, the dark roasted tea boasts notes of ripe peach, wood and cinnamon, which lend an elegant richness and sweet smokiness to the tangy and not-too-heavy cheesecake. 

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