Lava Matcha Basque Cake Recipe

If you are a fan of desserts that combine rich, creamy textures with unique flavors, the Lava Matcha Basque Cake is about to become your new obsession. This delightful cake takes the beloved burnt Basque cheesecake and infuses it with earthy, vibrant matcha, resulting in a molten cheesecake experience with a molten center that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The deeply caramelized top contrasts perfectly with the luscious, green lava-like core, making every bite a little adventure for your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Lava Matcha Basque Cake lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, color, and balance of sweetness and earthiness that make this cake unforgettable.

• Cream cheese: Provides the luscious, smooth base essential for any cheesecake, contributing richness and tanginess.
• Heavy cream: Adds moisture and creaminess, ensuring a silky texture with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent that helps set the cake without making it dense, creating that custardy lava center.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough to balance the natural bitterness of matcha without overpowering it.
• Matcha powder: This is the star of the show – providing the vibrant green color and a deep, earthy flavor that elevates the classic Basque cheesecake to a true modern Japanese delight.

How to Make Lava Matcha Basque Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Begin by beating the cream cheese until it is perfectly smooth and creamy—this step ensures a silky foundation for your cake. It’s important that there are no lumps here because cream cheese is the backbone of the texture and richness in your Lava Matcha Basque Cake.

Step 2: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs

Next, whisk in the sugar gradually to ensure it dissolves completely, creating a smooth batter. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation helps maintain a light, airy batter that will set beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Add Cream and Matcha

Pour in the heavy cream, folding it gently into the mixture to maintain the batter’s lightness. Finally, sift the matcha powder over the batter to avoid clumps, then fold it in thoroughly. The matcha’s deep green hue transforms the batter into something truly special, preparing it for its molten magic.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined cake pan and bake at a high temperature. The intense heat caramelizes the top to a dark, burnt golden brown while leaving the center delectably soft and molten. This baking technique is what sets the Lava Matcha Basque Cake apart, delivering that signature burnt top with a luscious lava core.

Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Slicing

Once baked, allow the cake to cool just enough to set the edges but not so long that the molten center solidifies. When sliced, the silky lava matcha center will gently ooze out, creating a stunning visual and an irresistible texture contrast.

How to Serve Lava Matcha Basque Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes enhance the Lava Matcha Basque Cake’s natural beauty. A dusting of extra matcha powder or powdered sugar adds elegance, while a few fresh berries can provide a pop of color and a hint of tartness. Edible flowers like sakura petals or a drizzle of white chocolate complement the cake’s earthy and creamy flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Because the Lava Matcha Basque Cake is rich and intensely flavored, pairing it with lighter accompaniments is ideal. A crisp green tea or jasmine tea pairs wonderfully, refreshing the palate between bites. A small scoop of vanilla or yuzu sorbet can provide a cool, contrasting flavor that balances the warmth and creaminess of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the Lava Matcha Basque Cake in unexpected ways can truly impress your guests. Try mini individual ramekins for personalized molten experiences, or create a layered parfait with cake chunks, whipped cream, and matcha mousse. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside mochi ice cream or use the cake crumbs as a base for layered matcha tiramisu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moist and creamy texture. The lava center will become firmer as the cake chills, but it will still taste delicious when eaten cold or reheated gently.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of Lava Matcha Basque Cake by wrapping them well and placing them in a freezer-safe container. To preserve the molten texture, freeze quickly, and when thawing, leave slices at room temperature until just soft enough to enjoy without losing that lava essence.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cake gently in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave at low power to revive its molten charm. Be careful not to overheat, as it could dry out the exterior while the center warms up.

FAQs

What makes Lava Matcha Basque Cake different from a traditional cheesecake?

The Lava Matcha Basque Cake features the signature burnt top of a Basque cheesecake but includes a molten, soft center infused with earthy matcha powder, creating a unique molten cheesecake experience that contrasts textures and flavors beautifully.

Can I use other types of green tea powder instead of matcha?

While matcha powder is preferred for its vibrant color and rich umami flavor, you can experiment with other finely ground green teas. However, they may not deliver the same intensity in flavor or visually striking green lava center.

Is the cake safe to eat with the molten center? Is it fully cooked?

Yes! The cake is baked at a high temperature so the outside sets perfectly while the center remains soft and molten, similar to a molten chocolate cake. It is fully cooked and safe to eat, providing a luscious texture rather than raw batter.

How do I get that signature burnt top without burning the rest of the cake?

Baking at a high temperature for a shorter time helps caramelize the top to a deep golden brown while keeping the inside molten. Using a dark pan and lining it with parchment also aids in achieving that perfect crust without overcooking the batter.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

Transforming a Lava Matcha Basque Cake into a vegan or dairy-free version is challenging due to the key role of cream cheese and eggs in achieving the correct texture. However, with plant-based cream cheese and egg substitutes, you might experiment, but expect a difference in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Lava Matcha Basque Cake is truly a dessert worth making time and time again. Its stunning presentation, luscious molten center, and balanced flavors of earthy matcha and creamy richness make it perfect for special occasions or any day you want to indulge a bit. I promise, once you try this cake, it will hold a special place in your heart and on your dessert table. Give it a go—you’ll thank yourself with every delicious bite!