Matcha Black Sesame Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Chocolate Curls

Dark, caramelized edges, a pale green center and a clean snap of chocolate curl make this matcha black sesame Basque burnt cheesecake a striking dessert to serve at any table.

The method is simple: a smooth batter, a hot oven and a long chill. Every slice keeps its creamy texture and a gentle, toasty sesame flavor.

This cheesecake comes from the Basque tradition, where the top is baked until deeply browned and the center stays soft and custard-like. The matcha adds a grassy, slightly bitter note and the black sesame adds a nutty depth that pairs well with white chocolate.

The dessert needs no crust, only a lined springform pan and a clear sequence: mix the batter, bake it hot, cool it fully and chill it before finishing. Dark chocolate sauce, grated matcha chocolate curls and a scatter of sesame complete the plate and give each slice a finished look.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The high oven heat is what creates the dark, caramelized top that defines a Basque burnt cheesecake. The surface browns quickly while the interior bakes gently, so the center stays creamy instead of dry.

Leaving the parchment to rise above the rim lets the edges color evenly and gives the cake its rustic, uneven crown.

Cream cheese and heavy cream carry most of the flavor and the texture. Beating the cream cheese smooth before adding the eggs keeps the batter free of lumps. The small amount of flour adds structure without making the cake heavy, and the matcha powder is sifted so it blends evenly into the pale green batter.

Notes and substitutions

Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the richest, most stable result. Low-fat versions can weep and bake with a looser texture. Bring the cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing so the batter blends smoothly without overbeating.

An 8-inch springform pan with parchment is the key equipment here, because the parchment holds the tall sides and lets you lift the cake cleanly.

Use culinary matcha powder for baking, which is less bitter than ceremonial grade. A box grater with large holes gives the best fine shavings and curls from the matcha chocolate bar.

• white chocolate flakes: white chocolate shavings or finely chopped white chocolate
• green matcha chocolate bar: white chocolate tinted with matcha powder, chilled and grated
• heavy cream: full-fat crème fraîche

Equipment

• 8-inch springform pan
• parchment paper
• stand mixer or hand mixer
• fine-mesh sieve
• box grater
• long sharp knife
• wooden cutting board
• nitrile gloves