The San Sebastian Cheesecake, also known as Basque Cheesecake, is a creamy masterpiece with a signature burnt top and a rich, custard-like center. With its rustic charm and luxurious texture, it has quietly risen from its origins in Spain to become a global dessert icon.
But what’s behind its sudden explosion in popularity in Turkey – especially in the heart of Istanbul?
From Basque Country to the World
Originating in San Sebastián, a coastal city in Spain’s Basque region, the cake was first served at the now-famous La Viña bar in the late 1980s. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this version skips the crust and embraces high baking temperatures, resulting in a deeply caramelized exterior and a soft, almost molten core.
The contrast between the slightly bitter, toasted surface and the sweet, creamy interior made it an instant hit in Spain – and eventually abroad.
How to Make a Classic San Sebastian Cheesecake
This dessert is as straightforward to make as it is satisfying to eat. Here’s a simplified version of the classic recipe:
Ingredients:
600 g cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
250 g granulated sugar
4 eggs
250 ml heavy cream
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F).
Whisk cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
Pour in the cream, vanilla, and sift in the flour. Mix until fully combined.
Line a round pan with parchment paper (let it stick up around the sides) and pour in the batter.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is deeply browned. The center should still jiggle slightly.
Let cool completely. Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.
Why Is It So Popular in Istanbul?
In the last couple of years, the San Sebastian cheesecake has become the dessert in Istanbul. Cafés, restaurants, and bakeries across the city are racing to offer the most decadent version.
So what sparked this craze?
Visual appeal. That glossy, caramelized top and silky interior look irresistible on Instagram.
Flavor contrasts. Turkish cuisine thrives on contrasts – sweet vs. bitter, creamy vs. crisp – and this dessert nails that balance.
Global inspiration. Istanbul is a cultural crossroads where international food trends are quickly adopted and adapted.
Today, you can even find San Sebastian ice cream (dondurma) and cheesecake-inspired lattes in trendy parts of the city.
