- Trader Joe’s new frozen Basque-style cheesecakes come as two individual crustless portions for $4.99.
- Rich, creamy centers and firm edges deliver a decadent Basque-inspired dessert, though the tops are less charred than the original.
- After four hours of thawing, they’re ready for dinner parties, unexpected guests, or late-night cheesecake cravings.
Trader Joe’s introduced its frozen Basque-style cheesecakes in the first week of September 2026—just in time for the season when indulgent desserts feel especially appealing. The new offering is a rich, creamy, and easy option for entertaining—or for satisfying a cheesecake craving at home. It’s nearly effortless to serve. Just one thing to know: you’ll need to plan ahead.
What is Trader Joe’s new Basque cheesecake?
Trader Joe’s Basque-style cheesecakes come in a box of two individual frozen servings for $4.99. Each crustless cheesecake is compact enough for one person, making it a convenient dessert for a small dinner party, impromptu guests—or a decadent treat to keep in the freezer.
How does it taste?
Each little cheesecake has firm, soufflé-like edges that give way to a rich, custardy center. There’s no crust and no added flavoring, so the cream cheese takes center stage. If you love cheesecake for its tangy, creamy filling, this lightly sweetened dessert is pure joy.
How does it compare to traditional Basque cheesecake?
Basque cheesecake is a relatively modern dessert, credited to Santiago Rivera of La Viña, a restaurant in San Sebastián, Spain. Rivera introduced it around 1990, baking a simple mixture of cream cheese, cream, eggs, sugar, and a little flour in a parchment-lined pan. The result is intentionally rustic: There’s no crust, the top becomes deeply browned—practically charred—and the center stays soft and creamy.
Trader Joe’s version is far less caramelized: The top is browned but not deeply burnt, so it lacks the original’s intensely toasted flavor. Still, its creamy edges and luxuriously soft center more than make up for that difference.
The best way to thaw and serve it
The package directions recommend removing the cheesecakes from all their packaging and thawing them, covered, in the refrigerator for four hours. I thawed mine directly on the dessert plate I planned to use for serving.
After tasting it chilled and at room temperature, I strongly preferred the flavor and texture at room temperature.
Serving tip: Let it sit out briefly before serving for the softest texture, or serve it chilled if you prefer a firmer bite.
The cheesecake doesn’t need a garnish, but a few fresh berries would be lovely on top. I served mine with lightly sugared raspberries, which released enough juice to make a simple sauce.
The verdict: Make room in your freezer
Although it isn’t as deeply burnt or dramatic as the original, the convenience of having individual portions of such a creamy, decadent dessert ready to thaw makes it worth the $4.99 price tag.
These compact treats deserve a spot in your freezer, ready to thaw for a romantic surprise, an easy dinner-party dessert, or a well-deserved indulgence after a long week.
