STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BASQUE LOAF

Even though this Strawberry Shortcake Basque Loaf sounds like it’s made for Wimbledon, it’s not! it’s a true summer all-rounder and absolutely stunning. Eye-catching yet surprisingly easy to make, it brings British flavours into a San Sebastian classic. The best part? It’s not overly sweet, so it wins over both sweet-toothed fans and savoury lovers alike.

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STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BASQUE LOAF

SERVES 6-8 // PREP TIME: 20 MINS // COOK TIME: 40-45 MINS // PLUS CHILLING TIME //  DIFFICULTY: EASY

Ingredients

• 600g full-fat cream cheese

• 150g sour cream

• 150g double cream

• 150g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 400g strawberries

• 3 tbsp icing sugar

• 227g clotted cream

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 4–5 shortbread biscuits, crushed into crumbs

• Pinch of salt

• Butter or oil, for greasing

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C /200°C fan .

2. Grease the inside of a loaf tin (about 27.5 × 14 × 6.5cm) with butter or oil, then line it with parchment paper. A silicone loaf tin makes it easier to remove the cheesecake, but a regular tin works fine.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

   Add the eggs, sour cream, and double cream. Beat again until the mixture is airy and lump-free. Season with a pinch of salt.

4. Pour the batter into the lined loaf tin and place it on a baking tray. Bake on the middle shelf for 40–45 minutes, until the cheesecake has risen like a souffle and the top is caramelised. The centre should still have a slight wobble when gently shaken.

5. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. It’s normal for the middle to sink slightly as it cools.

6. Quartre the strawberries (remove the tops first) and place them in a bowl with icing sugar and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to macerate.

7. 7. Remove the cheesecake from the fridge. Spoon or pipe clotted cream generously over the top. Add spoonfuls of the macerated strawberries and sprinkle with shortbread crumbs.Slice and serve with extra strawberries and crumbs on the side.