From Spanish origins to Singapore's cafes — discover the best intentionally burnt, crustless cheesecakes with gloriously gooey centres
I love indulging in a dense and rich cheesecake; one that is moist and packed with rich cheesy goodness. However, recently, burnt cheesecakes have been changing the game for this classic dessert.
Not only are they intentionally burnt, but there's usually no crust as well. Surprisingly, this charred cake is not a brand new fad. In fact, it was founded in Spain's snazzy San Sebastián neighbourhood three decades ago.
Did you know? Though it's made from just a few ingredients — cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and cream — the Basque cheesecake is notoriously difficult to master. The magic lies in achieving that perfect caramelised exterior while maintaining a lusciously gooey centre.
We've curated a list of places selling burnt cheesecakes for you to decide which you prefer. From the OG that started the trend in Singapore to hidden gems in quiet neighbourhoods, these spots deliver that signature oozy, flowy experience that burnt cheesecake lovers crave.
Handpicked spots for that perfect caramelised crust and molten centre
1
In Singapore, we have Olivia Restaurant & Lounge to thank for making burnt cheesecake popular. Run by head chef Alain Devahive, this Spanish restaurant at Keong Saik delivers their signature Olivia's Creamy Homemade Cheesecake with a twist.
They add blue cheese to the standard eggs, flour, sugar, and cream cheese recipe, giving this sweet dessert some sharp savoury notes and a more complex flavour.
2
Don't worry when Google directs you to the BIJOU condo when searching for The Kins' Speciality Coffee, as it is situated right outside this private estate in Pasir Panjang.
The quaint minimalistic cafe only opened their doors earlier this year, but is getting popular thanks to their Kins' Burnt Cheesecake. The charred flavour hits you on first bite, followed by a sweet and oozy cheesecake centre.
3
Cat & The Fiddle is well-known for their Fickle Feline 2.0, where you get to try slices of various cheesecake flavours. Their latest Charred Eclipse flavour is an apt name for a burnt cheesecake, with its black face.
The cake is half baked, and features a blend of cream cheese and Martabak cheese. The latter is a special type of Indonesian cheddar cheese that's found in martabak manis, and has a rich yet salty tang. The smoky hints from the burnt crust also complement the creamy and soft centre.
4
Ask around for any recommendations on halal bakeries, and Fluff Bakery pops up. Besides their scrumptious unique cupcake flavours, they also have a range of signature cakes such as Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
Baked to golden brown perfection, this jiggly dessert is toasty on the outside with a soft and velvety centre. Perfect for celebrations or when you need to feed a cheesecake-loving crowd.
5
Despite not having a physical stall, home-baker Baker's Lab manages to churn out bespoke halal desserts. You can either order through their social media platforms or catch them at bake sale pop-ups for a slice of The Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
Lusciously rich, the cake — which is not the best looker — is soft and airy, with a flowy cheesy centre and a caramelised burnt top. Sometimes the most unassuming desserts pack the biggest flavour punch.
6
The Tipsy Penguin did not make a boo-boo with their Accidental Cheesecake, as this burnt cake makes you go "woohoo!"
Akin to Hokkaido cheese tarts, but with the absence of a crust, this dessert has a richer, more velvety consistency than its counterparts. Have it along with the accompanying scoop of vanilla ice-cream to turn up the sugar rush.
7
Serene Centre is home to Fat Belly, a steakhouse by night and cafe by day. Buzzing with meat lovers at night, this restaurant also serves legit desserts.
Take a bite into their house-made Basque Burnt Cheesecake which comes with a drizzle of passionfruit sauce and tart cherries that add a touch of tanginess to the otherwise buttery dessert. While it may look dense, it is anything but; its consistency is similar to the lightness of Japanese cheesecakes with a runny centre.
These burnt cheesecakes are a testament to finding beauty in imperfections. Though these cakes go against traditional cheesecakes, they still pack a cheesy punch with their oozy and flowy centres. Whether you prefer the OG blue cheese version from Olivia or the halal options from Fluff Bakery and Baker's Lab, there's a burnt cheesecake in Singapore waiting for you.
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