The ugly duckling of cheesecakes has made it to Shanghai in the form of Ms P, a new brand from the co-founder of Brut Eatery.
Basque burnt cheesecakes have been blowing up feeds all over world, most recently in Southeast Asia. It hasn’t quite trended in Shanghai, but it’s safe to assume the wave is coming soon.
The Basque burnt cheesecake is intentionally burnt, the surface browned and cracked from cooking at high heat. It’s creamy, lighter than a traditional American-style cheesecake, and is crustless.
It was invented three decades ago by chef Santiago Rivera of La Viña in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain, and has been popularized over the years. It had a resurgence last year.
How Did “Ms P” Come About?
The seed of Ms P Burnt Cheesecakes was planted a decade ago in Germany, where Ms P had her first taste of burnt cheesecake. The textures velvety and smooth, the flavors rich and different to other cheesecakes—it left a strong impression on Ms P.
In spring 2020, Ms P baked one to relive those fond moments, and posted the cheesecake on her WeChat. Within minutes, streams of inquiries and requests about the cake came flooding her phone. One thing led to another and now we have this delicious dessert on demand.
At first glance, it’s undeniably a hideous cake that resembles a failed baking attempt. Yet underneath its dark wrinkly skin, is a cheesecake that is lusciously moist and utterly satisfying to the core.
The cheesecake is silky, and the flavors of cheese and eggs are delicately balanced. The ideal level of burnt-ness provides the cake with an extra dimension of character, while maintaining the bitterness to a bare minimum.
The cake can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for up to three days.
Nomfluence Readers Deal
Order your cheesecake via Ms P’s WeChat store—one 6’’ burnt cheesecake is ¥188.
The first 60 Nomfluence readers get 22% off your orders! Deal is valid from now until April 7. Delivery fees apply.
Orders need to be placed the day before delivery.
First time WeChat Store user? See below.
