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Basque burnt cheesecakes are well known to be the easiest cheesecake to make. They’re everything a normal cheesecake isn’t—simple, quick and, most importantly, burnt.
The trend for this unusual dessert first picked up in 2019, so it’s been around for quite some time now. Numerous establishments have since jumped on the bandwagon to put this Internet sensation on their menus.
We thought it’d be good to bring some cheer and sweetness into your day by going on a calorie-inducing mission to uncover the best spots serving up this northern Spanish dessert. So here’re the 10 best Basque burnt cheesecakes in Singapore that you should tapau and try!
1. Tipsy Penguin
First on this list is a place probably unheard of when it comes to burnt cheesecakes in Singapore. Tipsy Penguin is a co-op sports bar-restaurant in Tampines which serves up great drinks and even better food.
The Accidental Cheesecake (S$10++), as its name suggests, has an interesting story behind it. It was the result of a baker who stumbled across the recipe online while Netflix-ing.
Jiggly and burnt around the edges, it was luscious and had a light taste. They also served it with honeycomb ice cream, which complemented the cheesecake well with its dense sweetness. An underrated find, I’ll tell you that!
It breaks our heart to say that Tipsy Penguin has unfortunately suspended operations temporarily in light of the ‘Circuit Breaker’. However, do keep a lookout on their social media platforms for updates on their re-opening, and be sure to head down for a bite of their cheesecake!
Tipsy Penguin: 300 Tampines Avenue 5, #01-02A, Singapore 529653 | Tel: +65 8223 2983 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 1am (Sun to Thurs), 12pm – 2am (Fri & Sat) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Bakery Brera
Bakery Brera is the epitome of a hidden gem. Located right in the heartlands of Bukit Timah, they’ve made a name for themselves for their burnt cheesecakes.
In fact, this quaint little bakery actually supplies bread to restaurants such as The Kitchen By Wolfgang Puck. As such, you can be sure that their baked goods are top-notch!
Their Insta-famous Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$7.30) was well-structured yet still incredibly luscious in the middle.
Leaning towards the sweeter side, it wasn’t as salty as some burnt cheesecakes are. The burnt top also had a slight tanginess which helped to cleanse the palate.
For the hojicha fans, Bakery Brera does a solid Hojicha Burnt Cheesecake (S$8) too. Satisfied customers have always raved about the prominence of hojicha in the cheesecake. Its strong earthy notes complement the savouriness and sweetness of the cheese perfectly.
Bakery Brera remains open for takeaways during this circuit breaker period. They provide deliveries too, so head to their website if you’d like to order.
Bakery Brera: 8 Empress Road, #01-05, Singapore 260008 | Tel: +65 6492 5428 | Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. TXA Pintxo Bar
Situated in a secluded mansion in Telok Blangah, TXA Pintxo Bar is home to Basque gastronomy. It’s entirely fitting, therefore, that they do an excellent Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
Over here, they refer to their burnt cheesecake as the Tarta De Queso “La Vina” (S$6). Just saying its name out loud makes me feel so posh for some reason.
It might look ordinary, but the cheesecake had an airiness which felt God-sent. Furthermore, as in all good cheesecakes, the cream cheese wasn’t cloying at all. I reckon saving space for it shouldn’t be a problem.
TXA Pintxo Bar remains open for takeaways and deliveries during this circuit breaker period. In addition, they’re offering a 20% discount when you opt for self-collection! Be sure to pre-order, and take a moment to look through their takeaway and delivery menu here.
TXA Pintxo Bar: 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178 | Tel: + 65 8126 8484 | Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. The Twisted Trio
Located in the Toa Payoh heartlands, The Twisted Trio is one of the newest neighbourhood bakeries to emerge. Occupying only a tiny space, this cosy dessert parlour operates more like a takeaway spot.
The famed brownies and Instagram-worthy cakes here are a hit amongst customers. That said, The Twisted Trio does an excellent burnt cheesecake as well.
Their Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$7) first struck me with its charcoal-black burnt top. If anything, it was a sign of the strong flavours that were to come.
Nonetheless, of all the burnt cheesecakes I had, this one possessed a particularly strong and sharp cheese flavour. You can bet it was extremely satisfying for a cheese lover like me, as such.
As I expected, there was also a subtle hint of smokiness in every single bite. Not only that, but the cheesecake centre somehow had a consistency reminiscent of pudding too. It felt rather weird at first honestly, but it did eventually grow on me.
The Twisted Trio is currently open for takeaways only during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. Check out their Telegram channel for their daily offerings!
The Twisted Trio: 85C Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-385, Singapore 313085 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6.30pm (Mon & Tues & Thurs & Fri), 9.30am – 6.30pm (Sat & Sun), Closed on Wed | Instagram
5. GRUB
Concealed from the hustle and bustle of the city, GRUB specialises in Singaporean flavours but with a Japanese twist. This bistro in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park lets you relish good food while immersing in flora and fauna.
Despite their huge menu of hearty and savoury dishes, their Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$9) is a standout. The overall flavour profile of this cheesecake leaned towards the savoury side. I felt this was a nice change since many cheesecakes tend to be overly sweet.
It also had a creamy centre which made for a good textural contrast with the back layer of the cake. In fact, this was one of the more palatable burnt cheesecakes which I had no issues finishing by myself.
Nevertheless, the signature dessert here is actually the GRUB Kaya Burnt Cheesecake (S$9). This nonya kaya-infused cheesecake had a light green hue and carried prominent notes of both coconut and pandan.
It is the brainchild of chef-owner Mervyn, who wanted to create a Singapore-inspired version of his burnt cheesecake. After several experimentations, the kaya burnt cheesecake went on the menu in 2019 and instantly became the crowd-favourite dessert.
GRUB continues to be open for both takeaways and deliveries during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. Check out their delivery website for more details.
GRUB: 510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569983 | Tel: +65 6459 5743 | Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Daily) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Keong Saik Bakery
Keong Saik Bakery is no stranger to the burnt cheesecake scene. Many cafe hoppers regard this modern bakery in Outram as the definitive spot for burnt cheesecakes.
Here, the Burnt Cheesecake (S$7.50) is without a doubt their most popular item. Oozy from top to bottom, it was texturally sensational.
What stood out for me, however, was the satisfying twang of zestiness I got in every bite. It helped to tone down the richness of the cream cheese which can be overwhelming to some.
Additionally, Keong Saik Bakery offers a Pandan Burnt Cheesecake (S$8) too. It had a prominent taste and fragrance of pandan which complemented the cream cheese well. However, it did get slightly cloying after a while.
That said, it was remarkably reminiscent of Bengawan Solo’s Pandan Kaya Cake. All that it was missing were some coconut shavings on top.
If you’re a matcha fan, there’s the Two-Face (S$8.50) burnt cheesecake also. It’s a combination of the original as well as a matcha burnt cheesecake—the best of both worlds!
With three different burnt cheesecakes on their menu, it’s no surprise why Keong Saik Bakery is such a popular spot. Though, I’d definitely recommend having your cakes to go as there aren’t many seats available.
Rejoice, Keong Saik Bakery is offering delivery and takeaway options during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period! Furthermore, for deliveries, they’re offering S$10 off for purchases over S$80, or free delivery for purchases over S$125. As for takeaways, if you bring your own bag, they’re offering S$0.50 off for every S$10 worth of bread, and S$1 off for every S$20 worth of cakes.
Keong Saik Bakery: 41 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089146 | Tel: +65 6909 3199 | Opening Hours: 7.30am – 5pm (Mon), 7.30am – 8pm (Tue to Fri), 8am – 8pm (Sat & Sun) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Located just a stone’s throw away from the aforementioned Keong Saik Bakery in Outram is Olivia Restaurant & Lounge.
This restaurant takes on a novel approach to Spanish cuisine, so it’s no surprise that they offer burnt cheesecakes too.
Olivia’s Creamy Homemade Cheesecake (S$14++) is one of the latest additions to their dessert menu. Unlike most cheesecakes out there, it features not just normal cream cheese, but also blue cheese. Atas!
The way the molten cheese dramatically melted and flooded the plate was a sight to behold. But as cloying as it looked, it was actually super light with a savoury-sweet equilibrium. Definitely one for the gram.
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge is offering a takeaway and delivery menu for this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. They’re also providing free delivery for orders above S$180. Check out their website for more information!
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-03, Singapore 089158 | Tel: +65 6221 0522 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 10pm (Tue to Thurs), 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm (Fri & Sat) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Sugar Thieves
Why have only one slice when you can have an entire cake to yourself? Sugar Thieves in Kreta Ayer is popular for their extensive range of croissants and desserts with interesting flavours.
They’ve jumped on the bandwagon to include a burnt cheesecake on their ever-changing menu. However, it comes with a twist!
Instead of individual slices, Sugar Thieves serves up an entire Mini Basque Cheesecake (S$6). True to its name, this version is a whole, albeit miniature, cake on its own. So now you have an excuse to not share it with anyone!
Sugar Thieves has created deliverable themed dessert boxes which rotate every week during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. Check out their Instagram for their weekly offerings and to place your orders.
Sugar Thieves: Block 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #01-23, Singapore 080333 | Tel:+65 9850 4377 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 6pm (Wed to Sat), Closed Sun to Tues | Instagram | Website
9. The Kins’ Specialty Coffee
The Kins’ Specialty Coffee probably needs no introduction. Just do a quick Google search on burnt cheesecakes in Singapore and this Pasir Panjang cafe will definitely show up.
This place rivals the aforementioned and highly-popular Keong Saik Bakery when it comes to burnt cheesecakes. Most people visit them for the dessert although they serve up a wide variety of excellent cafe grub too.
Just one bite of the Kins’ Burnt Cheesecake (S$8) was all it took to understand why it’s so popular. The cheesecake had a melt-in-your-mouth layer of mousse and a fluffy cake texture that was light and airy.
Flavour-wise, its burnt top layer and base added a unique element of smokiness which contrasted the rich sweetness well. It also came with a side of whipping cream-and-sugar dressing which gave it a delectable milky sweetness.
The Kins’ Specialty Coffee remains open for takeaway and delivery during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. They’re also offering free island-wide delivery for orders over S$35, so be sure to check out their website on how to order!
The Kins’ Specialty Coffee: 2 Jalan Mat Jambol, Bijou, #01-08/09, Singapore 119554 | Tel: +65 8286 2230 | Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm (Thurs to Tues), Closed on Wed | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Fluff Bakery
For all our Muslim foodie friends, Fluff Bakery is a halal-certified bakery in the Bugis vicinity. The wide range of unique cupcake flavours here is a hit amongst customers. However, their Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$8) has gained traction too and become the bakery’s signature cake.
Unlike other burnt cheesecakes I’ve seen, this one by Fluff Bakery isn’t really as burnt at the top. That said, the cheesecake still has a toasty crust as well as a creamy, decadent centre.
Not only that, but they also use only one type of cheese and that’s cream cheese. Hence, it’s surprising how dense the cheesecake still was.
Fluff Bakery continues to be in operation during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. Check out their social media platforms for their daily offerings and to place your order.
Fluff Bakery: 4 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199071 | Tel: +65 8251 1353 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 7pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Burnt cheesecakes are a cheese lover’s ultimate dream dessert since they contain primarily cream cheese. In fact, they’re ridiculously easy to make. All you need to do is throw all the ingredients together, mix well and burn… I mean, bake it in the oven.
That said, we hope that this comprehensive guide to the best Basque burnt cheesecakes in Singapore will come in handy, especially when food is the only ray of sunshine for some of us.