Burnt Basque Cheesecake (Super Simple & Delicious!)

A delicious & creamy slice of a "cheesecake" originally
created by a Basque Tavern Owner, in San Sebastian, Spain.

Ingredients:
6 inch cake or springform pan with 3 inch sides or 6 inch diameter ovenproof saucepan
parchment paper
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup super fine baker's sugar**
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs, at room temperature, at room temperature

Method:
Preheat oven to 400*. Place a sheet of parchment paper inside of the pan or pot, so that the bottom and sides are covered, and the edges of the paper rise above the pan. Set aside.
Place the cream cheese and sweetener in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer, on medium speed, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the ingredients are well blended and creamy. Add the cream and vanilla and mix, at medium speed, just until blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place the pan on a cookie sheet. 

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, or until the top is set and completely browned.

Cool for 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate or 2 hours or longer. When fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Remove the paper and place on a serving plate. 

Cut into 8 equal portions. Serve alone or with whipped cream or berries. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes 8 servings.

**If you cannot find super or ultra fine baker's sugar, you can process regular granulated sugar in a food processor to produce a finer and more powdered consistency.
Notes:
It is important that the ingredients are at room temperature and mixed in the order as listed.
Santiago Rivera, the Basque owner of the La Vina Tavern, in San Sebastian, Spain created this recipe in the year 1990. Since then, this non traditional cheesecake has become a famous favorite throughout the world. (It currently is featured in restaurants on both the East and West Coasts of the USA.)
This simple custard-like cake is a light treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, snack or dessert.