A dramatic basque cheesecake that is deep golden on top with the most velvety centre. This cheesecake is twist on the classic neapolitan flavour combination — matcha, strawberry, and vanilla.
Makes 6inch cake
Ingredients
500g(2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
150g(3/4 cup) granulated sugar
3large eggs, room temperature
240ml(1 cup) heavy cream
1tspvanilla
1/2tspsalt
18g(3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
25g(2 tbsp) matcha powder
40g(3 tbsp) freeze-dried strawberry powder
Red food colouring, optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F and line a tall (3+ inches) 6-inch cake pan with a removable bottom (or springform pan) with parchment paper. You want the parchment to go beyond the edges of the pan. Set aside.
In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until very smooth, about 2 minutes.
With the mixture on low, add in eggs one at a time, only adding the next after the first egg has been incorporated. Mix until combined.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix to combine.
Sift flour over batter and mix until smooth.
Divide the batter into three equal portions. Set aside.
Whisk together matcha with 2-3 tablespoons of hot water, until it's a thick paste. Add 1/2 teaspoon more water if necessary. Add to one portion of the batter and mix well.
Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to one portion of batter. Mix until no lumps remain. (Optional: add a few drops of red food colouring to make the batter more vibrant.)
Add the cheesecake batter to the prepared pan, alternating between the three batters.
When all the batter is in the cake pan, take a butter knife and gently swirl the batter once.
Place cake pan on a sheet pan (to prevent any spills into the oven) and bake the cake for 30 - 35 minutes. The top should be a deep golden colour while the centre of the cake is still jiggly.
Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely before cutting. If you like a firmer consistency, allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge overnight.