There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, inviting notes of Earl Grey tea wafting through the house, especially when transformed into a decadent dessert. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of London Fog Basque Cheesecake, its silky creaminess giving way to a flavor profile that dances between the rich cream cheese and the aromatic hints of vanilla and tea. This isn’t just a cheesecake; it’s an experience that transports you straight to a quaint café on a rainy afternoon.
After a particularly chaotic week, I found myself yearning for a dessert that would not only impress but also provide that much-needed moment of bliss. Enter the London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce. Combining the sophistication of a classic Basque cheesecake with the delightful twist of Earl Grey, this dessert is the perfect antidote to monotony. Topped with a luscious blackberry sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite fixture on your table, whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home. Let’s get started on this elegant yet easy-to-make treat that promises to enchant every palate!
Why is London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce special?
Irresistible flavor: This cheesecake combines the comforting essence of Earl Grey tea with the tartness of blackberries, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps and pantry staples, you don’t need to be a pro to whip up this stunning dessert.
Impressive presentation: The elegant golden crust and vibrant berry sauce will have your guests raving about your culinary skills.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a fancy dessert for gatherings or a cozy treat for yourself.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or a romantic dinner, this cheesecake is a delightful centerpiece. Indulge your senses with the aromatic flavors and treat yourself and loved ones to a homemade dessert worth savoring!
London Fog Basque Cheesecake Ingredients
• Get ready to create something extraordinary!
For the Cheesecake
- Heavy whipping cream – It adds a rich, luscious texture to the cheesecake.
- Earl Grey tea bags – Infuses the cheesecake with warm, aromatic flavors for a delightful twist.
- Cream cheese – The star ingredient, providing that creamy base we all love in cheesecakes.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake perfectly, balancing the tea’s subtle bitterness.
- Eggs – Essential for achieving that light, airy texture that defines a great cheesecake.
- Vanilla bean paste – A touch of sophistication; use extract if that’s what you have!
- Flour – Helps stabilize the cheesecake, giving it a lovely structure.
For the Blackberry Sauce
- Blackberries – Fresh or thawed, these add a deliciously tart contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
- Sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the blackberries for the perfect sauce.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce, creating a smooth and silky finish.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Crème de cassis (optional) – Adds a layer of sophistication and richness to the sauce.
For Garnish
- Fresh blackberries – A simple yet stunning touch that elevates the presentation of your cheesecake.
Indulge in the delightful experience of making this London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
How to Make London Fog Basque Cheesecake
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Infuse the cream: In a saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream and Earl Grey tea bags. Heat gently until just simmering, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to extract the tea’s wonderful flavors.
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Blend the cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for your cheesecake.
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Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a light and airy texture.
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Mix in flavor: Stir in the vanilla bean paste and flour until just combined, focusing on keeping the mixture airy.
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Combine tea and cheese: Remove the tea bags from the cream mixture, then slowly pour the infused cream into the cheese mixture, stirring gently until fully blended.
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Bake the cheesecake: Pour the creamy mixture into a greased springform pan and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 50 minutes, until the edges are set and the top is golden brown.
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Prepare the blackberry sauce: For the blackberry sauce, combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and crème de cassis in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
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Serve and enjoy: Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving it with the warm blackberry sauce drizzled on top and fresh blackberries for garnish.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for a touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze London Fog Basque Cheesecake
Fridge: Store your cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw the cheesecake in the fridge overnight before serving. If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.
Sauce Storage: Store any leftover blackberry sauce separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stove before serving it drizzled over the cheesecake.
What to Serve with London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce?
Escape into a culinary escape, where each bite of your cheesecake finds the perfect partner for a wonderfully decadent experience.
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Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy berries add a refreshing burst of sweetness that complements the rich flavor of the cheesecake. Think blueberries or strawberries for an elegant touch!
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Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream provides a creamy contrast that elevates each bite. It’s the classic pairing that never disappoints.
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Almond Biscotti: This crunchy treat offers a delightful texture and nutty flavor, perfect for dipping in your tea while enjoying dessert. A perfect evening companion!
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Chocolate Drizzle: A warm chocolate sauce can bring an indulgent richness that pairs beautifully with the Earl Grey tea flavors in the cheesecake. Drizzle it just before serving!
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Green Tea Latte: The subtle flavors of a green tea latte echo the warmth of the Earl Grey while providing a lovely, soothing beverage option.
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Earl Grey Tea: Serving a cup of smooth Earl Grey tea enhances the flavors of the cheesecake and creates a comforting, thematic experience.
Discover these delightful pairings and create a meal that turns any occasion into a treasured memory!
London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own in delightful ways!
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly cheesecake.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and plant-based cream cheese for a luscious dairy-free version that still offers amazing flavor.
- Sweetened Version: Substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the Earl Grey.
- Fruit Medley: Swap blackberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries, or use a mix to create a colorful and burst of flavors!
- Chai Twist: Instead of Earl Grey, use chai tea bags for a spiced variation that adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake.
- Frozen Treat: Turn it into a cheesecake ice cream by blending the baked cheesecake with whipped cream and freezing it!
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed hazelnuts or walnuts into the batter for an unexpected crunch that complements the smooth texture of the cheesecake.
- Extra Zest: Stir in orange or lemon zest for a fresh zing, enhancing the flavor profile and adding a bright touch to every bite.
Tips for the Best London Fog Basque Cheesecake
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Perfect Infusion: Steeping the Earl Grey tea for exactly 10 minutes is crucial. This ensures a deep flavor without bitterness in your London Fog Basque Cheesecake.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture. This helps achieve a smoother blend and a fluffier texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cheesecake. Keep it light and airy!
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Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set and slightly golden. A gentle jiggle in the center means it’s perfect!
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Cool Completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a beautiful presentation. Pair it with the blackberry sauce for a delightful contrast.
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Make Ahead: This dessert can be made in advance! Store it in the fridge and serve it cold, or gently rewarm it to enhance the flavors of the London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during a busy week! You can prepare the cheesecake batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix everything and store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. The blackberry sauce can also be made ahead of time; make it up to 3 days prior and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, pour the cheesecake mixture into your prepared springform pan and follow the baking instructions. This way, you’ll achieve that velvety, restaurant-quality dessert with minimal last-minute effort!
London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best Earl Grey tea bags for my cheesecake?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality Earl Grey tea bags that contain whole tea leaves rather than dust or fannings for the best flavor infusion. The fresher the tea, the more aromatic and flavorful your cheesecake will be.
What is the best method for storing leftovers of the London Fog Basque Cheesecake?
To keep your cheesecake fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing any odors from other foods.
Can I freeze the London Fog Basque Cheesecake? How?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this delightful cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will remain fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a cozy experience, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
No worries! Cracks can happen, but they won’t affect the taste. To avoid them in the future, make sure not to overmix the batter, and consider using a water bath while baking, which helps regulate the temperature in the oven. If cracks do occur, a topping of blackberry sauce will beautifully hide them!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when making London Fog Basque Cheesecake?
Very! This cheesecake contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute; just ensure all your other ingredients are also aligned with your dietary needs. If you’re serving this to guests, it’s always good to check for any allergies beforehand.
Can I use frozen blackberries for the sauce? Will it affect the flavor?
You can certainly use frozen blackberries, and they will work just as well! Just thaw them before cooking to ensure they break down nicely in your sauce. The flavor remains deliciously vibrant, and the slight tartness from frozen berries often blends beautifully with the sugar in the sauce.
Luxurious London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream and Earl Grey tea bags. Heat gently until just simmering, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste and flour until just combined.
- Remove the tea bags from the cream mixture, then slowly pour the infused cream into the cheese mixture, stirring gently until fully blended.
- Pour the mixture into a greased springform pan and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 50 minutes.
- For the blackberry sauce, combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and crème de cassis in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving with warm blackberry sauce and fresh blackberries for garnish.