Description
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake is a cozy and elegant baked dessert featuring a rich, smooth cheesecake infused with subtle floral notes from Earl Grey tea and topped with a sweet-tart, juicy mulberry sauce. Perfect for tea parties or special occasions, it offers a delicious twist on classic cheesecake that holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 Earl Grey tea bags
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
Mulberry Sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen mulberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Brew the Earl Grey milk: Heat ½ cup whole milk in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Add 3 Earl Grey tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the milk cool completely before using.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9″ springform pan lined with parchment paper. Chill the crust while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat 3 blocks of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and mix well. Incorporate 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup heavy cream, and the cooled Earl Grey milk. Then add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to combine.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the batter into the prepared crust and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles. Place the springform pan inside a water bath on a baking tray to ensure even baking and prevent cracking. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 minutes. The center should remain slightly jiggly. After baking, cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Make the mulberry sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups mulberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries are soft and the mixture bubbles. Stir in a slurry made from 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and cool completely.
- Chill and top the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, spoon the chilled mulberry sauce over the top of the cheesecake.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Brew the Earl Grey tea in milk ahead of time and cool before mixing to avoid curdling.
- Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking and ensure even texture.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation on top.
- The mulberry sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Gluten-free graham crackers work as a substitute for a gluten-free option.
- For less sweetness, reduce sugar in filling to ⅔ cup.
- Alternative berries such as blackberries or blueberries can replace mulberries.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mulberry cheesecake, earl grey cheesecake, baked cheesecake, mulberry sauce, tea-flavored dessert, springform pan cheesecake, elegant dessert
