South Karnataka Style Basque Cheesecake

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate South Karnataka's culinary elements to create a unique twist on the traditional Basque Cheesecake. We use locally sourced ingredients such as jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) instead of regular sugar to add a distinct caramel flavor. Additionally, we infuse the cheesecake with a hint of cardamom, a popular spice in South Karnataka cuisine, to enhance the overall taste and aroma. We alse have the original recipe for Basque Cheesecake, so you can check it out.

• 500g cream cheese 500g cream cheese
• 200g jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) 200g jaggery (unrefined cane sugar)
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp cardamom powder 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200ml heavy cream 200ml heavy cream
• 50g all-purpose flour 50g all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 25g (15g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (20g sugars)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
3. 3.
   Add jaggery, eggs, cardamom powder, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the heavy cream while continuing to mix.
5. 5.
   Sift the all-purpose flour into the mixture and add a pinch of salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
6. 6.
   Grease a round cake pan and pour the batter into it.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
10. 10.
    Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy goodness of South Karnataka Style Basque Cheesecake.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jaggery — Ensure that the jaggery is finely grated or powdered for easy incorporation into the batter.
• Cardamom powder — Use freshly ground cardamom powder for the best flavor. If possible, grind the cardamom seeds at home.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced caramel flavor, you can increase the amount of jaggery slightly.
• To achieve a perfectly caramelized top, you can broil the cheesecake for a couple of minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve the cheesecake with a sprinkle of powdered jaggery or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to add your own twist to the cheesecake.
• If you prefer a crust, you can line the cake pan with crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers before pouring in the batter.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of South Karnataka Style Basque Cheesecake on a dessert plate. Garnish with a dusting of cardamom powder or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch. Pair it with a hot cup of South Indian filter coffee for a perfect balance of flavors.

Presentation advice

To present the South Karnataka Style Basque Cheesecake beautifully, slice it into neat wedges and arrange them on a dessert platter. Drizzle a caramel sauce over the top and garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered jaggery for an eye-catching presentation.