Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cheesecake that’s a little different — something with elegance, a hint of floral intrigue, and a burst of fresh fruitiness — then this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe might just become your new favorite. I can’t get enough of how the fragrant Earl Grey tea blends with creamy cheesecake, topped off by a tangy mulberry sauce that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tartness. Trust me, whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on a lazy weekend, this is one dessert that feels both fancy and comforting.
Why This Recipe Works
- Delicate Earl Grey Infusion: Steeping the tea in hot water creates a gentle and sophisticated flavor that stands out without overpowering the cheesecake.
- Perfectly Balanced Mulberry Sauce: The home-cooked mulberry topping adds a burst of fresh fruit tartness that complements the rich cream cheese beautifully.
- Classic Cream Cheese Base: Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream gives the cheesecake a luscious and creamy texture that’s just right.
- Simple Crust for Support: A buttery graham cracker crust provides a sturdy yet tender base, rounding out every bite perfectly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All the ingredients in the Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe are thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture that work harmoniously. The graham cracker crust gives a buttery crunch, the Earl Grey tea adds an aromatic twist, and the mulberry sauce ties everything together with a fruity finish. Here are the key ingredients and why I love them in this recipe.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a sweet and lightly spiced base that crisps up nicely when baked with butter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust, cheesecake, and sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust firmly.
- Cream cheese: The full-fat variety gives that smooth, tangy, and creamy texture a cheesecake needs.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth with familiar warmth.
- Earl Grey tea bags: Infusing the tea injects a subtle bergamot citrus aroma and complexity into the cheesecake batter.
- Sour cream: Brings moisture and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- Eggs: Provide structure keeping the cheesecake creamy yet sliceable without cracking.
- Mulberries: Fresh or frozen, they offer a gorgeous deep purple color and a sweet-tart flavor perfect for the topping.
- Lemon juice: Gives a bright lift and preserves the vibrancy of the mulberries in the sauce.
- Water (for sauce): Helps the mulberries cook down into a luscious but not too thick sauce.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe is how flexible it can be. I often mix it up depending on the season or my mood, and honestly, it always delights. Feel free to personalize it to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
- Stronger Tea Flavor: If you love that bergamot punch, steep the Earl Grey tea bags for a bit longer to extract more fragrance before adding to the batter.
- Fruit Variations: I’ve swapped mulberries for blueberries or blackberries when mulberries aren’t in season, and it still turns out fantastic.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substituting graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free biscuits ensures everyone can enjoy this dessert without fuss.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: While I haven’t tried personally, using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and plant-based sour cream could work with adjusted baking times—just make sure to test first!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Build a Firm but Tender Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything feels like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your greased springform pan. I like to use the back of a flat measuring cup to pack it tightly. This helps the crust hold up when you slice the cheesecake later. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Steep the Earl Grey Tea
Steep the two Earl Grey tea bags in ¼ cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. You want the water to fully soak up the bergamot flavor without becoming bitter. Once steeped, remove the bags and let the tea cool completely before mixing it into the batter. A cool tea keeps the cream cheese smooth and prevents curdling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Smooth Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is silky and lump-free — this is key to a dreamy finale. Add the vanilla, cooled Earl Grey tea, and sour cream, mixing well after each addition. When adding the eggs, beat them one at a time, just until blended; overmixing can trap air and cause cracks later. I always scrape down the bowl a couple of times to make sure the batter is perfectly combined.
Step 4: Bake Gently for Creaminess
Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about an hour. You’re looking for set edges and a slightly wobbly center when gently shaken. To prevent cracks, I recommend placing a pan of water on the rack below your cheesecake or using a water bath. This keeps the oven moist and the temperature stable, which really makes a difference.
Step 5: Cool and Chill Thoroughly
Once out of the oven, let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for an hour. Then cover and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best if you can wait. I find chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
Step 6: Make the Mulberry Sauce
Simmer the mulberries with water, sugar, and lemon juice for about 12 minutes until the sauce thickens. I like to leave it a bit chunky for texture, but you can strain out the seeds if you want a smooth sauce. Let it cool completely before spooning it over the chilled cheesecake. The tartness and sweet burst of mulberries is what takes this cheesecake from lovely to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I always let my cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit out for at least 30 minutes — this helps everything come together smoothly without lumps.
- Don’t Rush the Chilling: Patience is key! Chilling overnight not only firms the cheesecake but deepens the flavors significantly.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can save your cheesecake from overbaking or burning — keeping it at a steady 325°F is crucial.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overbeat the eggs; mixing just until combined prevents cracks and keeps it silky.
How to Serve Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the cheesecake with fresh mulberries or a few edible flower petals if I’m feeling fancy. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely visual touch without overpowering the delicate flavors. Sometimes, a few small sprigs of fresh mint really brighten up the plate and add color contrast.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a light dessert wine like Moscato. For a brunch spread, I like serving it alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this cheesecake in individual glass jars layered with extra mulberry sauce and crushed graham crackers for a deconstructed look. Another favorite is drizzling the sauce artistically over rectangular slices on elegant dessert plates with edible flowers, perfect for impressing guests without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep any leftover cheesecake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to 4 days—just make sure the mulberry sauce is stored separately to keep the crust crisp.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. I like to slice the cheesecake first, wrap each piece tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh mulberry sauce just before serving for best results.
Reheating
This cheesecake is really best served chilled, but if you’re craving a slightly warmer slice, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving—this softens it up nicely without compromising texture or flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use tea leaves instead of tea bags for the Earl Grey flavor?
Absolutely! If you have loose leaf Earl Grey tea, steep about one tablespoon in ¼ cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Just strain it well before adding to the cheesecake batter to avoid any gritty bits.
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How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?
Cracks are often caused by overmixing or rapid temperature changes. To avoid this, don’t overbeat your eggs, bake the cheesecake gently at 325°F, and consider using a water bath or placing a pan of water below the cheesecake in the oven to keep the environment humid.
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Can I substitute mulberries with other fruits?
Yes! Blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries all work well as alternatives. Just note that the flavor will shift slightly, but each offers a delicious fruity topping that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey cheesecake.
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Is it necessary to use sour cream in the filling?
Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese, but if you don’t have it, Greek yogurt can be a decent substitute. Just keep an eye on the texture as the cheesecake bakes.
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How long does the mulberry sauce keep?
The mulberry sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it and thaw when needed.
Final Thoughts
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both special and approachable. I remember making it for a close friend’s birthday, and how the combination of fragrant tea and vibrant mulberry sauce really stole the show. It’s a recipe I go back to whenever I want to impress without stress. So, grab your ingredients, don’t rush the steps, and enjoy every luscious bite—you’ll definitely want to keep this gem in your baking repertoire.
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Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, subtly flavored Earl Grey tea-infused cheesecake filling. Topped with a homemade mulberry sauce, this dessert offers a perfect balance of rich, floral, and fruity flavors ideal for any special occasion or elegant treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (steeped in ¼ cup hot water, cooled)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
For the Mulberry Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen mulberries
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until the mixture has a wet sand texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
- Steep the Tea: Steep the two Earl Grey tea bags in ¼ cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the bags and allow the tea to cool completely before using.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is very smooth. Add vanilla extract, cooled Earl Grey tea, and sour cream, mixing well after each addition. Finally, beat in the eggs one at a time just until blended to avoid overmixing.
- Bake It: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool Then Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Afterward, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set fully.
- Make the Mulberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine mulberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 12 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. For a smooth sauce, strain out the seeds or leave the sauce chunky based on preference. Let cool.
- Top and Serve: Spoon the cooled mulberry sauce evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Slice into servings and enjoy this flavorful dessert.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for the best flavor and firmness.
- To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the oven rack below it.
- Mulberry sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cracker crumbs.
- Steep the tea longer for a stronger Earl Grey flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg