Basque Cheesecake

Often replicated, never duplicated, La Viña’s signature cake is simpler than it might look. Take the basic proportions and tweak them to your tastes and textural preferences: Try it with less sugar for a sharper cheese flavor, vanilla or any citrus zest can be nice, and Ranelli likes to serve hers with some quince paste, another Spanish specialty. When made as written, this recipe will produce a version very similar to La Viña’s cheesecake, and Rivera says it’s the recipe he uses. But the speed of his mixer, the type of cream cheese he prefers, the temperature and humidity of his oven on that day will all impact the final product. The only way to taste the real thing is to visit La Viña in San Sebastián.