Chef Marc Taxiera’s Recipe for Basque Cheesecake from Vida, Thornwood, NY, USA

If you love cheesecake, and let’s face it, who doesn’t, then you are going to love Chef Marc Taxiera’s recipe for Basque Cheesecake from his Spanish restaurant, Vida, located in Westchester County in Thornwood, New York. We had the Basque Cheesecake during our dinner at the restaurant, and as it was so delicious, we asked Chef Marc Taxiera for the recipe, which he graciously provided to Luxury Experience. Happy baking!

We had an outstanding dinner at Chef Marc Taxiera’s gorgeous Spanish-focused restaurant, Vida, located in Thornwood, New York on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, where the Spanish ambience and flair begin with large-scale bullfighters on the exterior of the building and continues inside with two levels of dining dramatic and welcoming stylish Spanish décor that complements his attractive culinary presentations.

Debra C. Argen, Chef Marc Taxiera, Edward F. Nesta

After dinner, we had the opportunity to sit with Chef Marc and talk about his culinary vision, and about his background. Chef Marc Taxiera is a highly accomplished American chef who is Michelin-recognized and whose culinary focus is on Italian and Spanish cuisine. He is a graduate of the prestigious culinary school, Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York, and Chef Marc honed his career working at top New York City restaurants including Felidia (then owned by Celebrity Chef Lydia Bastianich), Beppe (was owned by restauranteur and chef Cesare Casella), and the Russian Tea Room.

He opened his first restaurant, Augustine’s Salumeria in Mamaroneck, New York, which has Italian-focused cuisine. As Spanish cuisine has always been close to his heart, he followed his culinary passion by opening his second restaurant, Vida, which has a Spanish culinary focus, which opened in October 2024.

Chef Marc Taxiera graciously provides a delicious taste of Vida, with his recipe for Basque Cheesecake to tempt your palate into experiencing the restaurant.

Basque Cheesecake

Chef Marc Taxiera – Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe

One 10-inch cake, about 12 servings

Equipment: 10-inch/25.4-cm springform pan, two large sheets of parchment, stand mixer, hand mixer, or sturdy whisk

Chef’s Notes: Use full-fat block cheesecake, not spreadable cream cheese from a tub. Room temperature ingredients essential for a smooth batter. No water bath needed. The center should finish creamy and custardy, not firm like a New York cheesecake. Serve plain or with a small glass of dry or medium-dry sherry.

Ingredients:

Method: Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius with rack in the center of the oven.

Lightly grease a 10-inch/25.4 cm, springform pan. Line with two overlapping sheets of parchment, pressing them into the bottom and sides. Leave at least 2 inches/5 cm above the rim; the folds are intentional.

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium low until completely smooth, 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bowl well. Avoid whipping in excessive air.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition and scraping the bowl as needed.

Mix in heavy cream, salt, and vanilla on low speed until evenly incorporated.

Sift flour over the batter. Mix on low, just until smooth and no dry flour remains. For an exceptionally smooth cake, strain the batter through a fine-mesh sieve.

Pour into the pan and tap it gently against the counter several times to release large air bubbles.

Bake 55-65 minutes. The top should be dramatically dark brown and the edges set; the center should still wobble noticeably.

Cool completely in the pan. The cake will rise, then sink as it cools – that is correct.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Remove 30-45 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Until next time, Bon Appetit or as they say in Spain, ¡Buen provecho!

Vida – the word means “life” in Spanish, and “is built around everything that makes a great meal more than just dinner – the kitchen, the cellar, the people at the table.” 

Vida is located 1.7 miles from Pleasantville, New York, 8 miles from White Plains, New York, 12 miles from Greenwich, Connecticut, and 30 miles from Manhattan. 

Vida Hours: Dinner is served Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Thursday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm. On Sunday, restaurant also serves Brunch from 11:30 pm until 2:30 pm. The restaurant is closed on Monday.

Private Dining and Events: “The restaurant has three distinctive settings for every occasion – from intimate dinners to full-floor celebrations.”

For more information on Vida or to make a reservation, please visit their website: https://vidarestaurantny.com. 

You might also like to read about dining experience at Vida in the Restaurants section.

Vida – Where Every Bite Is Life
14 Marble Avenue
Thornwood, New York 10594
United States
Telephone: +1-914-825-8020
Email: info@vidarestaurantny.com
Website: https://vidarestaurantny.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Restaurant @Vida_Restaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VidaRestaurant @VidaRestaurant

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