Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist

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Creamy, vibrant, and uniquely delightful, this Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist blends Japanese and Spanish dessert traditions into one unforgettable creation. With its signature caramelized top and earthy green tea essence, it offers a rich but refreshing flavor that’s both indulgent and refined.

The Basque twist introduces a toasty outer layer and a beautifully soft center that contrasts perfectly with the bittersweet matcha. Topped with elegant swirls of torched meringue, this cheesecake isn’t just a treat to eat—it’s a showstopper on any dessert table.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake

This dessert balances the creaminess of classic cheesecake with the slight bitterness of matcha for a grown-up twist. The caramelized Basque-style top adds a rich depth of flavor, while the meringue topping provides a sweet, airy finish that lightens every bite. It’s also naturally gluten-free and a great make-ahead option for parties or quiet indulgent evenings.

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What Kind of Matcha Should I Use?

For this cheesecake, culinary-grade matcha is ideal. It offers the right balance of vibrant color and earthy flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the vanilla and cream. Avoid lower quality or too bitter matcha powders, and look for ones specifically labeled for baking or desserts.

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Ingredients for the Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake

Each ingredient here plays a vital role in building the creamy texture and layered flavors of this showstopper cheesecake:

• Cream Cheese: The velvety base of the cheesecake, giving it that rich, tangy signature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling while helping create that golden Basque-style top.
• Eggs: Provide structure and silkiness to the batter, ensuring it bakes into a custardy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm floral note.
• Matcha Powder: The heart of the flavor; adds a pleasant bitterness and striking green color.
• Graham Crackers (for crust): Brings a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the graham cracker base and adds richness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the filling for a cleaner slice.
• Egg Whites + Sugar (for meringue): Whipped into soft peaks, they crown the cake with toasted elegance.

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How To Make the Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan lined with parchment. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar gradually, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and sifted matcha powder. Blend until silky. Finally, add cornstarch to stabilize the batter.

Step 3: Bake to Basque Glory

Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and the center has a slight wobble. Allow to cool completely in the pan before transferring to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Top with Meringue

Whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or dollop on top of the cooled cheesecake and lightly torch until golden. Serve chilled or at room temp.

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Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

This cheesecake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to highlight its creamy texture and subtle matcha notes. It feeds 8 generous slices or 10 smaller portions. For clean slices, use a hot knife wiped clean between each cut.

To store, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices (without meringue) for up to a month, then defrost overnight in the fridge.

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What to Serve With Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake?

Fresh Berries

Brighten your plate with a handful of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Their tartness pairs beautifully with matcha.

Matcha Latte or Iced Green Tea

Double the matcha pleasure with a warm or cold green tea beverage on the side.

Whipped Coconut Cream

For a dairy-free bonus topping, add a spoonful of chilled coconut cream lightly sweetened.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top for extra indulgence.

Candied Citrus Peel

Add a citrus twist with homemade or store-bought candied lemon or orange zest.

Toasted Almonds or Pistachios

A sprinkle of nuts brings texture and nutty balance.

Jasmine Tea

The floral aroma of jasmine balances the earthiness of the cheesecake.

Mango Compote

Tropical fruit flavor lifts and contrasts with the cheesecake’s depth.

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Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If this Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake caught your eye, these other cheesecake delights might be your next craving:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a fruity, indulgent duo.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups with bright, tangy notes.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole if you love chocolate in breakfast form.
• Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake for true chocoholics.
• Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake when you’re after elegance and decadence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you torch the meringue or go naked on top? Did you adjust the matcha for a stronger flavor?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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