Spicy Soy Basque Cheesecake
A bold fusion dessert that marries the velvety richness of a classic Basque cheesecake with the deep, savory-spicy kick of Chinese erba sauce. The result is an addictive contrast of sweet, tangy, and mildly hot flavors.
Story
This unexpected pairing brings together two worlds—the French-inspired burnt cheesecake and the punchy, umami-forward Chinese condiment known as erba sauce (二八酱). The cake emerges from the oven with a jiggly, underbaked center that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
cream cheese (room temperature)
250g
Mascarpone cheese
100g
large eggs plus 1 yolk
2 whole + 1 yolk
thirteen-spice powder (or Chinese five-spice)
1/4 teaspoon
white chocolate
100g
heavy whipping cream
100ml
erba sauce (二八酱)
2 tablespoons
light brown sugar
30g
Instructions
1
Combine cheese base
Beat cream cheese and Mascarpone together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sprinkle in the thirteen-spice powder and blend until evenly distributed. Set aside.
2
Melt chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate, heavy cream, erba sauce, and brown sugar. Heat on low power in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round, until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth. Let cool slightly.
3
Merge and blend
Pour the chocolate mixture into the cheese mixture. Blend with an immersion blender or whisk vigorously until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any lumps or bits of eggshell for a silky texture.
4
Bake until just set
Line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper, letting excess hang over the sides. Pour in the batter. Bake in a preheated 225°C (435°F) oven for 12-13 minutes—the top should be set but the center should still wobble slightly when gently shaken. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
5
Chill and serve
Once room temperature, cover and transfer to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. The texture will firm up beautifully. Slice and serve cold or at room temperature.
