These Basque Cheesecake Bites deliver all the creamy, caramelized flavor of the classic Basque burnt cheesecake — but in perfect single-serve bites! Easy to make, crustless, and baked to rich perfection with golden tops and gooey centers.
Yields: Approximately 12-16 bites
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
🌟 Why You’ll Love Them:
- No crust, no water bath — just mix and bake
- Creamy centers with caramelized tops
- Perfect for parties, picnics, or gifting
- Great make-ahead dessert
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners (optional, but recommended for easier removal)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Spatula
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. If you don’t have liners, lightly grease the cups.
Step 2: Beat the cream cheese and sugar.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Add the egg.
- Beat in the egg until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and add a pinch of salt. Gently stir until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Fill the muffin tin.
- Pour the cheesecake batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
Step 6: Bake the cheesecake bites.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden brown and slightly burnt in spots. The centers might still look a little jiggly, which is fine.
Step 7: Cool completely.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cheesecake bites cool completely in the tin at room temperature. As they cool, they will deflate slightly, and the texture will firm up.
Step 8: Chill (optional but recommended).
- For an even firmer texture and enhanced flavor, cover the muffin tin and chill the cheesecake bites in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
- Gently remove the cheesecake bites from the muffin tin (if using liners, lift them out). Serve chilled or at room temperature. The caramelized tops and creamy interiors make these a delightful treat.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ No muffin tin? Use ramekins on a baking sheet.
✔ Extra caramelized? Broil 1-2 mins at the end (watch closely!).
✔ Smooth tops: Tap tin on counter before baking to pop bubbles.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Classic: Dust with powdered sugar.
- Fancy: Drizzle with salted caramel or berry coulis.
- Coffee pair: Serve with espresso or sherry.
📊 Nutrition (Per Bite)
Calories: ~180 | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 3g
🌱 Variations
- Chocolate: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter.
- Matcha: Swirl in 1 tsp matcha powder.
- Boozy: Spike with 1 tbsp rum or amaretto.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Basque Cheesecake Bites!
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