If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make, this Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist will quickly become your new favorite. The creamy richness of cheesecake pairs beautifully with earthy matcha powder, while the slightly caramelized top adds a hint of toasty flavor reminiscent of the Basque-style cheesecake everyone loves.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and subtle, making it ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or simply treating yourself to something special. Every bite is smooth, slightly tangy, and irresistibly unique thanks to the gentle bitterness of matcha.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake
You’ll fall in love with how easy this cheesecake is to put together, yet how impressive it looks and tastes. The contrast of the creamy filling with its slightly burnt crust is divine. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce matcha into your desserts without it being overpowering. With its beautiful green hue and sophisticated flavor, this dessert is a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Kind of Matcha Should I Use?
For this cheesecake, it’s best to use culinary-grade matcha powder. While ceremonial-grade matcha is more delicate and usually reserved for tea, culinary-grade provides the vibrant color and robust flavor that stands up perfectly in baked goods. Look for a bright green powder with a fine texture for the best results.
Ingredients for the Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the creamy texture and distinct flavor that make this cheesecake so memorable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream cheese – This is the base of your cheesecake, providing that smooth, rich consistency.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the tang of the cream cheese and enhances the matcha flavor.
- Eggs – Help set the cheesecake and give it structure while keeping it creamy.
- Heavy cream – Adds lusciousness and lightens the texture slightly.
- Vanilla extract – Complements the matcha with a sweet aromatic note.
- Matcha powder – Gives the cheesecake its signature earthy flavor and lovely green color.
- All-purpose flour – Just a little to help the filling set properly without becoming too dense.
- Salt – Brings out all the other flavors and balances sweetness.


How To Make the Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a springform pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang so you can lift the cheesecake out later. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Creaminess
Stir in the vanilla extract and sift in the matcha powder to avoid clumps. Mix until the batter turns a beautiful light green. Blend in the heavy cream.
Step 4: Finish the Batter
Sift the flour and salt into the batter and gently fold until just combined.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The top should be deeply golden with some caramelized spots.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cheesecake cool completely before removing from the pan. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts and best texture.
How to Serve and Store Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist
This cheesecake easily serves 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for gatherings or as a decadent treat throughout the week. Serve chilled slices on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. To store, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze individual slices wrapped in foil and placed in an airtight container.
What to Serve With Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake?
A Hot Cup of Green Tea
A soothing green tea enhances the earthy notes of the matcha and complements the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Fresh Berries
A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side adds a refreshing tartness that balances the richness.
White Chocolate Shavings
Sprinkle white chocolate on top for a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
Lemon Zest
A light dusting of lemon zest gives a pop of citrus that brightens the overall flavor.
Almond Biscotti
For a crunchy contrast, serve slices with a crisp almond biscotti.
Honey Drizzle
A delicate drizzle of honey over each slice brings out the sweet notes in the cheesecake.
Matcha Latte
Pair your dessert with a warm, frothy matcha latte to double down on the matcha experience.
Want More Cheesecake Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist, you might also enjoy these other unique dessert creations:
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a warm, spiced flavor packed into bite-sized indulgence.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler when you’re craving a fruity, nostalgic treat.
• Ooey Gooey Bars for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons to enjoy something tropical and chewy with a pop of cherry on top.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries if you want cheesecake in a fresh and fruity presentation.
Save This Recipe 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 add a little more matcha or opt for a milder flavor? Did you try pairing it with a different topping?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more sweet ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dessert!
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Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake with Basque Twist is a creamy, slightly caramelized cheesecake infused with earthy matcha and vanilla. This stunning dessert serves as the perfect centerpiece for any gathering with its elegant green hue and unique flavor.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp matcha powder
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Line a springform pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and sift in matcha powder. Mix until light green. Blend in heavy cream.
4. Sift flour and salt into the batter and gently fold just until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly.
6. Cool completely in pan, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best color, use bright green culinary-grade matcha.
Let the cheesecake chill overnight for even cleaner slices.
Bake until the top is dark golden with caramelized spots for authentic Basque style.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Japanese fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg