From Picon Punch to pintxos, Basque cuisine is steadily becoming iconic in Nevada. Consider the Basque burnt cheesecake — famous for its crustless, caramel exterior and jiggly, molten center — that has quietly taken root in Las Vegas over the last several years. Local writer Krista Diamond named the iconic Nevada dessert in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 “50 States, 50 Desserts” list, and it went viral at La Viña in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. So, expect to see even more variations of the cheesecake throughout the valley. For those looking to give it a try (or try all, and compare), here’s a guide.
CinCityCheesecakes
CinCity owners Rodney and Cindy Aganad specialize in cupcake-sized cheesecakes they call babycakes. Cindy, a certified pastry chef since 2006, and half-Spaniard, has been making Basque cheesecake for many years. The store, opened three years ago, doesn’t carry that flavor every day, but you can preorder. Be prepared to open your wallet, though, because each 4-inch original Basque cheesecake is $15. But, hey, at least you get to enjoy a taste as close as possible to the one in San Sebastián without leaving Las Vegas! (2987 N. Las Vegas Blvd. # 17, cincitycheesecakes.com)
1228 Main
The celebrated pastry operation’s Basque cheesecake is an original flavor with berry coulis (sauce), which adds an elevated depth and a slight tang. Here, a slice is $9, or $40 for a whole cheesecake (around 8 slices). You do have to give them a day's notice if you want the whole cake. But the best part is, you can stop by for a piece anytime (8 a.m.-3 p.m.). It’s still recommended to call ahead for availability. But, overall, this is by far Las Vegas' Basque-kept secret, with a price that can't be beat. (1228 Main St., 1228mainlv.com)
Purple Potato Bakery
As a Filipino American bakery, it's only natural Purple Potato carries an ube burnt cheesecake. Although the founder, chef Ramir DeCastro, has moved to the Philippines, and the bakery has been under Aware Coffee's ownership since early 2025, there's no fear of missing out on DeCastro's masterful culinary creations — the signature items are still on the menu. The Basque cheesecake ($7) is topped with swirled frosting and ube crumbles, while the berry-flavored one is garnished with fresh berries and dusted with powdered sugar. (6370 W. Flamingo Road #20, purplepotatolv.com)
Gäbi Coffee & Bakery
This Korean bakery has gone green — as in, green tea. The owners recently launched Gäbi Green Premium Matcha Tea & Dessert, a spinoff of Gäbi café, at their Spring Mountain location. Their new menu boasts matcha, mugwort, and hojicha (roasted green tea) lattes and teas. But look closely at the dessert section, where you'll find a pistachio Basque cheesecake. One staff member describes the taste as akin to a Dubai chocolate. It's a bit pricey at around $13 a slice, due to the pistachio paste, but worth the indulgence. (5808 Spring Mountain Road # 104, gabicafe.com)
Sweet Garden Japanese Cheesecake
This Japanese cheesecake bakery features traditional Japanese cakes and Basque cheesecakes. Enjoy an original mini Basque cheesecake for $5.50 or the 4-inch size for $10.95. The most popular and expensive, at $19.50, is the 4-inch blueberry Basque, made of blueberry mousse and fresh blueberries. A 6- or 8-inch Basque in flavors such as blueberry, chocolate-infused, mango-layered, raspberry pistachio, or peppermint chocolate are available with two days’ notice. That’s not all; also available is a chocolate Basque by the slice ($9.95). Oh, and they have locations in Henderson and on Tropicana, so menu items may vary. (9730 W. Tropicana Ave. #130, 9890 S. Maryland Parkway # 24, sweetgardenus.net)
