By Lola Mangia
If you’re hungry, make a reservation. But if you're in the mood to skip dinner and dive straight into dessert, pull up a seat at the bar at Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine in Rancho Mirage and order an espresso martini. And don’t miss out on the signature Burnt Basque Cheesecake—it’s a must-try.
Wait, you’ve never heard of a Burnt Basque Cheesecake? In 2021, the New York Times crowned it the flavor of the year. Singapore even made an ice cream version of it! But, like, where did this mouthwatering trend even come from?
The Origin Story
Believe it or not, the Burnt Basque Cheesecake was born in a test kitchen in San Sebastián, Spain, aka the Basque Country. It’s also called tarta de queso, but here’s the plot twist: cheesecake isn’t even a traditional Basque dessert. Nope! This bad boy was created by Basque chef Santiago Rivera, the legend behind La Vina, back in the 1990s.
Santiago was low-key inspired by Parisian vibes and decided to give a cheesecake a flan-like twist. The catch? He was missing ingredients and kinda messed up the technique. Go figure—a happy accident turned into a global dessert icon.
The secret? It’s cooked at a super high temperature, which means the edges caramelize and the top gets that burnt vibe while the inside stays perfectly jiggly. That’s right—this “rough and ready” dessert is totally unapologetic and now it’s taking over the world.
Berries Make It Better
The Burnt Basque Cheesecake at Catalan is straight-up fire. It’s topped with a mixed berry Sangria compote that totally hides all the glorious imperfections of that caramelized, burnt top. The cheesecake itself? Pure smooth, creamy vibes—luscious, dreamy goodness. But hold up, the real magic happens with that berry compote. You get this burst of crunch from blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries that hit the perfect sweet spot. It’s like the cheesecake's glow-up with a fruity twist that makes this dessert totally next-level.
Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine is major squad goals—you gotta hit it up when you’re in the Palm Springs desert! It’s a total must for the Coachella Valley vibe.
Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 70026 California Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270
About the Author:
Lola Mangia is a passionate foodie with an insatiable love for coffee and fashion. With her keen eye for culinary trends and stylish flair, she explores the vibrant intersection of gourmet delights and chic aesthetics. When she’s not sipping artisanal brews or curating her next outfit, you can find her documenting her delicious adventures on social media, inspiring others to savor life in style. Checkout her blog Notoriouslysinglegirl.
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