Nutella Brownie Basque Cheesecake

Instructions

Brownie layer

1. Spread butter or use a spray oil on the inside of a 8" loose bottom or springform cake tin. Cut a large square piece of baking paper and push it into the tin. Spread/spray some more butter on the inside of the baking paper. Set aside.
2. Melt the dark chocolate and butter in the microwave, 20 secs at a time. Mix together well using a spoon, set aside.
3. Mix the eggs, caster sugar, light brown sugar & vanilla extract with an electric beater/stand mixer for 3 mins. It should be pale and creamy.
4. Fold in the slightly cooled chocolate butter mix with a spatula.
5. Sieve the plain flour and cocoa powder together, add to the wet ingredient, fold in with spatula.
6. Pour the brownie mix into the lined  8" loose bottom or springform cake tin.
7. Place in the fridge whilst you make the Nutella cheesecake layer. (It doesn't need to be in the fridge for a long time just whilst you prepare the cheesecake mix)

Nutella cheesecake layer

1. Mix the cream cheese in a bowl using electric beaters until creamy.
2. Add the Nutella, mix together with electric beaters until combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
4. Add the sifted flour, mix to combine.
5. Add the sugar and the cream, mix using a spatula until combined. Do not over mix.

Assemble

1. Take the cake tin out of the fridge, pour the Nutella Basque mixture in a sieve and push it through using a spatula on top of the brownie layer.
2. Tap the cheesecake on the counter a few times to get rid of any air bubbles.
3. Bake the Basque cheesecake in the oven at 230c on a top and bottom oven setting for 25mins. This oven setting helps to make sure the top of the cheesecake burns. (Check the cheesecake at 20 mins to make sure it isn't burning too much)
4. The cheesecake should still be jiggly when you take it out the oven.
5. Let the cheesecake cool on a baking rack for 30 mins-1 hour, then cover with cling film or a plate and place it in the fridge overnight. (Do not let the cling film touch the top of the cheesecake)

To serve

1. Basque cheesecakes tastes amazing if you let it sit out of the fridge a little before serving. If you are not planning on serving the whole cheesecake, I would recommend cutting only the slices you need and let sit out of the fridge for 5 minutes before serving. If you live in a hot country you might not need to let the slice sit out of the fridge before serving. Also depending on how much or little your cheesecake has set, you may not need to leave the slices out at all before serving. If they are quite soft then dig in!
2. It's best to keep the cheesecake in the fridge when you are not using it so it doesn't become too soft.

Nutella drizzle

1. To make Nutella runny, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until warm (not too hot), then add 1tbsp of vegetable oil/coconut oil. (or an oil that doesn't have a strong flavour) . Mix together until combined and runny. Add more vegetable oil if needed.
2. To serve drizzle over each slice of Basque cheesecake and enjoy!