The main difference between a Burnt Basque Cheesecake and a regular cheesecake is that it is baked at a very high temperature. It's deeply caramelized burnt top of the cheesecake is also unlike a New York style regular cheesecake that is lightly golden on top and has a crushed biscuit or graham cracker base. Additionally, the Basque Cheesecake requires no water bath and is baked in layers of parchment paper.