If you are a fan of delightfully unique desserts that combine floral tea notes with a burst of fresh fruit, you are in for a treat with the Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe. This cheesecake masterfully balances the fragrant, citrusy hints of Earl Grey tea with the rich creaminess of a classic cheesecake, all topped with a luscious mulberry sauce that adds a vibrant color and tangy sweetness. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making this dessert not only stunning to look at but utterly irresistible to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients sets the stage for this exquisite cheesecake. Each item plays a specific role, from creating a buttery, crunchy crust to infusing the filling with the delicate essence of Earl Grey, topped off by a vibrant mulberry sauce that ties everything together perfectly.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crisp and slightly sweet base that complements the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust ingredients, adding richness and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both crust and filling, while balancing tartness in the sauce.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The creamy heart of the cheesecake, its richness ensures a silky texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and moistness to the filling for a smooth finish.
- Heavy cream: Enhances the lusciousness and provides a slight airy quality.
- Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and help achieve that perfect set.
- Earl Grey tea bags: Infuse the filling with aromatic notes of bergamot and floral flavors.
- Whole milk: Used to steep the tea, ensuring the flavor permeates the cheesecake.
- Fresh or frozen mulberries: Star ingredient for the sauce that adds natural sweetness and color.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the mulberry sauce with a touch of acidity.
- Cornstarch and water slurry: Thickens the mulberry sauce for that perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Earl Grey-Infused Milk
Start by gently warming the whole milk in a small saucepan without boiling. Once warm, add the Earl Grey tea bags and let them steep for about 15 minutes until the milk is richly infused with the bergamot essence. This simple infusion is the secret behind the cheesecake’s distinctive, fragrant flavor.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Pop it into the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and granulated sugar, mixing until fully combined. Remove the tea bags from the infused milk and pour the flavored milk into the cream cheese mixture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to maintain an airy texture without incorporating too much air.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour the filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 55-60 minutes. The edges will look set while the center still has a slight wobble—this ensures creamy texture. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open before chilling it thoroughly in the fridge overnight.
Step 5: Prepare the Mulberry Sauce
While the cheesecake chills, combine mulberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries release their juices, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Cool this deliciously tangy topping before drizzling it over the set cheesecake.
How to Serve Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
For an elevated presentation, adorn the cheesecake with fresh mulberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprig of fresh mint. These simple touches add a burst of color and fresh aroma, making each slice look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite Earl Grey tea or a dry sparkling white wine. Alternatively, a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can gently complement without overpowering the cheesecake’s complex flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, try serving mini individual cheesecakes in clear dessert glasses layered with the mulberry sauce. You can also create a checkerboard pattern on top using a piping bag with mulberry sauce and a white chocolate drizzle for a stunning visual appeal that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake stays fresh for up to 4 days while maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy texture, making it perfect for indulgent leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cheesecake extra fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor—perfect if you like to prepare it ahead for special occasions.
Reheating
Cheesecakes are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to bloom beautifully without heating.
FAQs
Can I use black tea instead of Earl Grey in this cheesecake?
While black tea will add a robust flavor, it won’t provide the signature citrusy, floral notes that Earl Grey offers. For the authentic Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe experience, sticking with Earl Grey is best.
Are frozen mulberries as good as fresh for the sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen mulberries retain their flavor well and actually make sauce preparation easier since they soften quickly upon cooking. Just thaw them slightly before using for even cooking.
Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easier due to its removable sides, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be very careful when lifting out the cheesecake to keep it intact.
Is it necessary to steep the tea bags in milk? Can I add tea leaves directly?
Steeping tea bags in warm milk gently infuses the flavor without adding any gritty texture. Adding loose tea leaves directly may cause an uneven texture. If using loose leaves, place them in a tea infuser for the same effect.
What is the best way to slice this cheesecake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. Warm water helps the knife glide smoothly through the dense cheesecake, giving you neat, perfect slices every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. Its luxurious creaminess paired with fragrant tea flavor and vibrant mulberry sauce is an experience worth making again and again. If you love bold flavors combined with elegant simplicity, this cheesecake will quickly become one of your favorites, too. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your friends and family fall in love with every bite.
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Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe
This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the fragrant aroma of Earl Grey tea and the sweet-tart flavor of fresh mulberries. A buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base for this elegant dessert, topped off with a luscious mulberry sauce that adds a vibrant finish.
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling
- 3 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Earl Grey tea bags
- ½ cup whole milk
For the mulberry sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen mulberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (mixed into slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Infuse the milk with Earl Grey: Warm the whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and steep the 3 Earl Grey tea bags in the milk for 10 minutes. Strain the milk to remove the tea bags and let it cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and sugar, continuing to mix until fully combined and smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition to avoid overmixing. Slowly pour in the infused milk and mix until just combined.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set firmly.
- Prepare the mulberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the mulberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mulberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Serve: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Spoon the mulberry sauce over the top or serve on the side. Slice and enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors.
Notes
- For a smoother crust, finely crush the graham crackers until powdery.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracks during baking.
- Steeping the Earl Grey tea in warm milk extracts the subtle bergamot flavor without overpowering the cheesecake.
- Using fresh mulberries is preferred, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
- Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven prevents surface cracks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
