Burnt, creamy, deeply caramelized, and surprisingly Simple to make, this Lemon Basque Cheesecake might be the easiest cheesecake recipe you'll ever try. Unlike traditional New York cheesecake, which is baked slowly in a water bath for a perfectly even texture, Basque cheesecake is intentionally baked hot and fast to create its signature dark top and ultra-soft, custardy center. In this episode of Dessert Person, Claire Saffitz walks through her easy Lemon Basque Cheesecake recipe featuring fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and rich mascarpone cheese for a bright citrus twist on the classic burnt Basque cheesecake made famous in San Sebastián, Spain. Claire also shares tips for checking doneness with an instant-read thermometer, how to achieve the iconic deeply bronzed top, and why using a food processor makes this cheesecake recipe quick, smooth, and nearly foolproof.