Chocolate Basque Cheesecake with Dainagawa Sake Lees

Chocolate Basque Cheesecake with Dainagawa Sake Lees

Rich Chocolate Basque, Finished with a Hint of Sake Lees

*This product is a collaboration with Mitaseru, part of the Mitsui Fudosan Group, a Japanese online platform that delivers dishes from renowned restaurants across Japan to your home.

It is made with carefully selected sake lees from Dainagawa, a traditional brewery in Akita, Japan, known for its slow winter fermentation and clean, delicate flavor profile. 

The sake lees used in this cake have a naturally mild aroma and a refined umami, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake base without overpowering it. The result is a smooth, well-balanced dessert with subtle layers of flavor.

The recipe is inspired by the philosophy of Restaurant TOYO Tokyo, a counter-style French restaurant led by Chef Toyomitsu Nakayama, where Western techniques meet Japanese sensibility. This approach emphasizes balance, precision, and respect for each ingredient—bringing out their natural character without excess.

The sweetness is kept moderate, allowing the richness to come through while finishing clean on the palate. It’s a flavor you can enjoy to the very last bite without feeling heavy.

What Makes It So Good

■ Rich Chocolate × Creamy Cheesecake
Deep cocoa notes are paired with a smooth, creamy cheesecake base, creating a rich yet balanced flavor.

■ Added Depth from Sake Lees
The addition of sake lees brings a subtle fermented aroma and natural umami, adding complexity to the cake. It enhances the richness of the chocolate while keeping the aftertaste light.

■ Smooth and Delicate Texture
Carefully baked at a low temperature, the outside develops a lightly caramelized finish while the inside remains soft and creamy.

About the Sake Lees Used

They use sake lees from Dainagawa, a brewery located in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.
Sake lees are a natural byproduct of the sake-making process, rich in rice-derived umami and gentle, yeast-driven aromas. In this cheesecake, the sake lees are carefully balanced to complement the chocolate and cream cheese, adding depth without overpowering the flavor.
*Most of the alcohol content is cooked off during baking, though the aroma remains.

About Dainagawa Brewery

Founded in 1914, Dainagawa is a small, traditional sake brewery in Omori, Yokote City, Akita. Using pure water from the Ou mountain range and brewing during the cold winter months, they follow the traditional Akita “kanjikomi” method. Their sake is crafted in small batches by a dedicated team, and has long been loved by the local community.

From the Pastry Chef

This cheesecake is created by pastry chef Keiko Shiozaki, using classic French pastry techniques as a foundation.
The focus is on bringing out the natural character of each ingredient, using a simple and thoughtful approach.

Nothing unnecessary is added. Instead, careful attention is given to balance—so the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of cheese, and the delicate aroma of sake lees each stand out. Each cake is made by hand, resulting in a smooth texture and a depth of flavor you can truly taste.

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