Masala Chai Basque Cheesecake (Easy Diwali Dessert)

This burnt Basque cheesecake is flavored with strong masala chai. It is the perfect one bowl dessert recipe to bake for diwali. It is easy to make, creamy, rich and deliciou

I have made many a Basque cheesecake recipes in my life and this one has to be by far the one I am most proud of. It is such a winning recipe and not to mention the simplicity makes it even better. I must admit, when I started making this recipe I had my doubts as In my head there was no way this was going to work. Until it was baked and the I sliced into it the next day, the flavors were so much stronger and so delicious. Not to mention very rich and creamy. I did not plan on this being my diwali show stopping dessert but life has its own plans.

You can use leftover chai to make this recipe but I have brewed fresh masala chai to make it and I must admit it is work the effort. This recipe is very yummy on its own but also you can serve it with whipped cream to make it like a masala chai latte situation. Alternatively you can serve it with melted milk chocolate ganache. So let us get to it and make this recipe.

What is Basque cheesecake? What is the difference between cheesecake and basque cheesecake? What is the difference between American and Basque cheesecake?

Both the cheesecakes are made with cream cheese but it is the method that varies. Regular cheesecake normally has a graham cracker biscuit base and the cheesecake is baked in a water bath, low and slow. A Basque cheesecake has no crust and is baked in a very high temperature oven to get that blistered look.

Why is Basque cheesecake so popular?

For the obvious reasons, few ingredients, simple method and very few equipment. Not to mention the recipe requires you to actively burn it. It is creamy, rich and very delicious.

What is Basque cheesecake made of?

The dessert is made with cream cheese, whipping cream, eggs, vanilla, sugar, a little flour or corn flour. It has no butter or oil in the cake. Most often than not it is served with fresh fruit, caramel or melted chocolate.

What is masala chai made of?

“Masala Chai” translates to Spiced Tea. As simple as that might sound there are many ways to make a good masala chai. To make masala chai we first need to make the masala. Which basically is a combination of spices that have been dry roasted, left to cool before grinding into a fine powder. Now you can totally buy this is in Indian grocery stores or large supermarkets but I love making my own and I’ve tweaked the quantities of each spice to my liking. While we are still talking about spices I think its important I mention I love using fresh ginger and lemongrass in my masala chai but today I will show you this traditional version. If you want to use fresh ginger and lemongrass, make sure to add 1/2 inch ginger and 1/2 stick of lemon grass in the initial brew.

What does the masala chai powder includes?

The masala chai powder includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, nutmeg and dried ginger (I don’t always use fresh ginger to make my chai). I dry roast each spice individually and then let them cool down before I grind it into a powder. This powder can be stored in an air tight container, ideally glass, for months as long as no moisture enters, it will last. If you don’t have this powder on hand or access to a masala chai powder you can use whole spices in the brewing process. The quantities can be adjusted to your liking and taste.

What is the difference between masala chai and regular chai?

Chai is basically brewed tea, masala chai is basically spiced brewed tea.

What is masala chai Basque cheesecake?

Masala chai Basque cheesecake is literally Basque cheesecake made with masala chai. You can use regular chai as well but masala chai is the better option, trust me on this. If you cannot use masala chai use any cardamom, ginger and saffron. You will not be sorry.

How to make this masala Basque cheesecake?

To make the masala chai – In a In a small sauce pot on medium heat add the cream, milk and tea powder. Add 1/2 tsp masala chai powder and brew until it reaches a vigorous boil. If you are adding fresh ginger and lemon grass now is the time to add it, add your saffron strands and let this mixture boil for 2-3 mins on medium to high heat, add a little milk and let it boil again. After its boiled reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 5 mins. Allow to cool and strain.

To make the Basque cheesecake – Preheat the oven to 220℃, line your 9inch spring foam tin with 3 sheets of baking paper – we want the size of the paper to be larger than the tin. Scrunch the paper into the tin and it should be rustic so don’t over think it. In a large mixing bowl add the room temperature cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Add the brown sugar and mix until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time and mix until combined. Add the vanilla, salt and whisk again. Add the cooled masala chai mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the flour into the batter and gently whisk until combined. Pour this over a strainer into the lined tin, bake for 35-40 mins until the top is dark brown and little blistered. The center should be wobbly when you shake the tin. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 4-6 hours in the fridge before slicing and serving.

Serving this masala chai Basque cheesecake?

The cheesecake needs to be chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours but I like to allow it to set in the fridge overnight. Slice the cake and serve it with a glass of masala chai or whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream as well. Alternatively you can serve it with melted milk chocolate on the top.

Storing this masala chai Basque cheesecake?

The leftover cake slices can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I would no recommend storing this cake in the freezer as it does not defrost easily. I would also suggest removing it from the paper when storing as it will get soggy and soft after chilling.

Looking for more Diwali dessert inspiration?

Now that we have covered how to make these masala Basque cheesecake, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.