Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
If you love a dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with unique flavors, then you’re going to adore this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe. It’s got that smooth, creamy cheesecake base infused with the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey tea, perfectly paired with a vibrant mulberry sauce that’s naturally sweet and a bit tart. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to showstopper dessert for gatherings or quiet nights in.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavor Harmony: The earthy Earl Grey tea adds a floral depth that complements the tangy sweetness of the mulberries beautifully.
- Creamy Texture: Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream ensures a luxuriously smooth, velvety cheesecake every time.
- Fresh, Homemade Sauce: Making the mulberry sauce from scratch means you control the sweetness and texture, adding freshness you just can’t get from store-bought syrups.
- Simple Techniques: Clear steps like steeping tea and gentle mixing prevent common cheesecake mishaps like cracking or graininess.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe come together to create a balanced flavor and a luscious texture. Each component has its role — from the buttery graham crust to the subtly infused Earl Grey tea, down to the bright mulberry topping. When shopping, try to grab quality cream cheese and fresh mulberries (or good frozen ones) for the best result.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form a sturdy, buttery crust that holds the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens both the crust and filling without overpowering the delicate tea and fruit flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it softens the graham crumbs so they pack down nicely for that perfect crust texture.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat is your friend here — it’s the foundation of creamy classic cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the Earl Grey tea’s floral notes.
- Earl Grey tea bags: The star ingredient — use high-quality tea for a fragrant, bergamot-infused flavor in the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cheesecake moist and tender with a subtle tang.
- Eggs: They set the filling gently and give it structure without toughness.
- Fresh or frozen mulberries: Naturally sweet and slightly tart, they make the perfect vibrant sauce topping.
- Lemon juice: A splash enhances the fruit’s brightness and balances sweetness in the sauce.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe my own depending on the season and my mood. You could easily switch up the berries, try a different tea, or adjust the sweetness. It’s your kitchen playground, so feel free to play!
- Variation: I sometimes swap mulberries for blackberries or raspberries when I can’t find fresh mulberries—each brings its own lovely twist.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives; just check the baking times remain similar.
- Stronger Tea Flavor: If you’re an Earl Grey fanatic like me, steep the tea bags a little longer or even crush some dry leaves into the batter for an extra zing.
- Crust Swap: Substitute the graham cracker crust for a nutty almond flour crust for a gluten-free version that’s just as tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Perfect the Crust
Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted unsalted butter until everything resembles wet sand—that’s what you want! Then, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out evenly; this really helps create a uniform base. Setting this aside gives us time to prep the filling.
Step 2: Brew Your Earl Grey Tea Strong
Steep two Earl Grey tea bags in ¼ cup of hot water for 10 minutes. I like to let it cool completely because pouring hot tea straight into cream cheese ruins the texture. Patience here will pay off with that signature floral undertone.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling Gently
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps! Add vanilla, cooled Earl Grey tea, and sour cream, mixing well after each addition. When adding the eggs, beat them one at a time on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can cause cracks. This step really impacts how creamy and smooth your cheesecake will be.
Step 4: Bake It to Perfection
Pour the filling over your prepared crust then bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 60 minutes. You’ll notice the edges set and the center will remain slightly jiggly—that’s exactly how you want it. Turning off the oven and leaving the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 10 minutes prevents sudden temperature shocks that cause cracking.
Step 5: Cool & Chill
Cool your cheesecake at room temperature for an hour, then chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for proper setting and flavor melding. If you’ve got the patience, this is when all those beautiful flavors come together.
Step 6: Mulberry Sauce Magic
While the cheesecake chills, simmer mulberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened to a jam-like consistency. I love to leave the seeds in for texture, but feel free to strain if you prefer a silky sauce. Let it cool completely before topping.
Step 7: Top & Serve Your Masterpiece
Spoon the chilled mulberry sauce over your set cheesecake just before serving. Slice carefully with a sharp knife dipped in warm water to get clean edges. Then dig in—enjoy that perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and fragrant in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing eggs in gently prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky smooth.
- Cool Gradually: Let the cheesecake cool in the turned-off oven to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: Simmer mulberry sauce until jammy, and taste as you go to adjust sweetness.
- Use Full-fat Dairy: It makes a huge difference in richness and texture versus low-fat options.
How to Serve Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with a few fresh mulberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar, maybe a sprig of mint if I have it handy. These little touches add color and a fresh aroma that make the dessert even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of Earl Grey or a bright lemon herbal tea to keep the flavors flowing. If you’re serving a full meal, something light and fresh like a citrus salad or roasted almonds to nibble alongside works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving individual cheesecake portions in small jars or ramekins topped with the mulberry sauce and a sprinkling of edible flowers. It looks stunning and makes portioning easy for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled thoroughly, I keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge — either in the springform pan tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container if sliced. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 4 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices wrapped well in parchment and foil before. It works great! Just thaw overnight in the fridge and top with fresh mulberry sauce or make the sauce fresh right before serving for best results.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, but if you want to serve it a bit warmer, I leave slices at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving instead of microwaving—it keeps the texture intact without melting the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of tea instead of Earl Grey in this cheesecake?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor pairs uniquely well with mulberries, you can experiment with chamomile for a floral touch or even black tea for a stronger base. Just make sure to steep the tea well and let it cool before adding it to the cheesecake filling to maintain that smooth texture.
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How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Overmixing the eggs, baking at too high a temperature, and rapid cooling are common causes of cracks. Mix the eggs gently, bake at 325°F (160°C), and let the cheesecake cool slowly—either in the turned-off oven or on the counter before chilling. Using a water bath also helps keep the temperature steady.
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Can I make the mulberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mulberry sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before serving, or use it cold as a refreshing topping.
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What if I don’t have fresh mulberries?
Frozen mulberries work perfectly in this recipe—just thaw them before making the sauce. You can also substitute with other berries like blackberries or blueberries without drastically changing the delicious outcome.
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Is this cheesecake recipe gluten-free?
The traditional graham cracker crust contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free cracker crumbs or almond flour to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated—a wonderful way to impress guests or treat yourself on a quiet weekend. It’s those little touches, like homemade fruit sauce and tea-infused filling, that elevate it beyond the usual cheesecake. I genuinely hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, fruity, fragrant bite as much as I do. Happy baking, friend!
Print
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 the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with the sweet tartness of fresh mulberries, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. A creamy, decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated 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
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
