Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with unique flavors, you’re going to adore this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe. Trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic twist on a classic favorite that always impresses guests and makes weeknight treats feel special. The floral, citrus notes of Earl Grey tea beautifully harmonize with the sweet-tart mulberries, creating a cheesecake that’s creamy, fragrant, and downright addictive. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail this dessert perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavor Profile: The mild earthiness of mulberries pairs perfectly with the fragrant, citrusy Earl Grey tea for a complex yet approachable taste.
  • Creamy, Silky Texture: Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream ensures the cheesecake is luxuriously smooth without being too dense.
  • Simple Yet Stylish: Easy ingredients come together to create a dessert that looks like it belongs in a fancy patisserie.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the cheesecake and mulberry sauce can be prepared in advance, perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe plays a key role in flavor and texture. Choosing quality basics like full-fat cream cheese makes all the difference, and the Earl Grey tea infusion adds a unique aromatic twist that elevates the cake beyond ordinary.

Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake, Mulberry Earl Grey dessert, Earl Grey flavored cheesecake, elegant fruit cheesecake, unique berry cheesecake - Flat lay of a small mound of golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl with melted butter glistening, two blocks of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl with clear cooled Earl Grey tea, a small white bowl of thick sour cream, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with dark purple fresh mulberries, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, and a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997
  • Graham cracker crumbs: A buttery, slightly sweet base that crisps up nicely as the crust.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling evenly without overpowering the delicate tea flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: Melts into the crust mixture to hold it all together–make sure it’s just melted, not hot.
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat, softened cream cheese creates the signature creamy texture of cheesecake.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, providing a smooth background note.
  • Earl Grey tea bags: Infuse the filling with fragrant bergamot essence and subtle citrus tones.
  • Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess, balancing the sweetness.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling together gently without making it dense.
  • Mulberries: The star fruit here, their fresh or frozen forms offer tartness and beautiful color.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the mulberry sauce with a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness.
  • Water (for sauce): Helps cook down the mulberries into a luscious topping.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or what I have on hand, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

  • Variation: I’ve swapped mulberries with fresh blueberries before — it changes the flavor but keeps that lovely berry tang.
  • Dietary modifications: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free cracker crumbs for the crust.
  • Tea strength: If you’re a big fan of Earl Grey, try steeping the tea bags longer for a more pronounced bergamot flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Perfect Crust

Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture reminds you of wet sand—this ensures it packs down really well. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Firm crust means a solid base for your cheesecake, so don’t be shy about pressing it down firmly. Once done, set this aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Steep Your Earl Grey Tea

Steeping the Earl Grey tea right is crucial for flavor. Place two tea bags in ¼ cup of hot water and let them steep for about 10 minutes, or until the water has taken on a strong aroma and color. Remove the bags and let the tea cool completely before adding it to the filling—adding hot tea will mess with the texture of your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Using softened cream cheese, beat it with sugar until super smooth and lump-free. This step is key to avoiding a grainy texture later. Mix in vanilla extract, cooled Earl Grey tea, and sour cream, blending after each addition until silky. Now, beat in eggs one at a time—don’t overmix here as it can add too much air and cause cracks during baking.

Step 4: Bake With Care

Pour the filling carefully over your prepared crust. Pop the springform pan into your oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly—think of it like a firm jelly. If you want to avoid cheesecake cracks (I’ve been there!), try baking it in a water bath or placing a pan of water underneath on a lower rack.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once you pull the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool at room temperature for about an hour (yes, patience is a virtue here!). Then, cover and transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This resting time lets the cheesecake fully set and the flavors really meld together.

Step 6: Make the Mulberry Sauce

Add mulberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for around 12 minutes until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. I like to leave the seeds in for texture, but you can strain them out if you want a smoother sauce. Let it cool completely before spooning on top of your chilled cheesecake.

Step 7: Top and Serve Like a Pro

Spoon your luscious mulberry sauce evenly over the cheesecake’s silky surface. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices and get ready to impress your friends—and yourself—with this gorgeous, flavorful dessert.

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Pro Tips for Making Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe

  • Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Cold cream cheese will result in lumps; I always set mine out a few hours ahead or microwave in 10-second bursts.
  • Avoid Overmixing the Eggs: Mix eggs in gently to prevent cracks and keep the cheesecake silky smooth.
  • Water Bath Baking: Adding a pan of water beneath your cheesecake while baking really helps prevent drying and cracks.
  • Cool Gradually: Let it cool slowly at room temperature before chilling—this helps avoid sudden temperature shocks that cause cracking.

How to Serve Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe

Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake, Mulberry Earl Grey dessert, Earl Grey flavored cheesecake, elegant fruit cheesecake, unique berry cheesecake - A slice of cheesecake is placed on a white plate with thin black lines around the edge, set on a white marbled surface. The cheesecake has three clear layers: a thick golden-brown crumb crust at the bottom, a creamy white middle layer with small bits mixed in, and a shiny dark purple topping that drips down the sides. A small pool of the purple topping is on the plate near the slice. Part of a purple cloth and a white cup with a saucer are softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this cheesecake with a few fresh mulberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra pop of color and sweetness. Sometimes, I add a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon zest to highlight the citrus notes—trust me, it’s a small touch that makes a big impression.

Side Dishes

Pair this dessert with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a light floral white wine like a Riesling to enhance the flavors. For something heartier, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream beside the cheesecake works beautifully, especially on warmer days.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the cheesecake in individual jars or small glasses layered with extra mulberry sauce and crushed graham crackers for a no-fuss parfait style. It’s adorable, portion-controlled, and always a crowd-pleaser when I bring it to potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and topped with mulberry sauce, cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheesecake before with great results. Wrap the entire cheesecake, or individual slices, very well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so I usually don’t warm it back up. If you want to take the chill off, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for a creamier mouthfeel.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried mulberries for the sauce?

    Dried mulberries won’t work quite the same for the sauce since they lack fresh juice and moisture. I recommend using fresh or frozen mulberries for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.

  2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

    To avoid cracks, mix the batter gently without overbeating, bake in a water bath to maintain moisture, and let the cheesecake cool slowly at room temperature before chilling.

  3. Can I make the mulberry sauce ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The mulberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving or give it a gentle warm-up if you prefer.

  4. What if I don’t have Earl Grey tea?

    While Earl Grey adds a distinctive flavor, you could substitute with another citrusy black tea, like a lemon-infused black tea, but the classic bergamot aroma is hard to beat in this cheesecake.

  5. Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

    Not as written, since graham crackers typically contain gluten. However, swapping them with gluten-free cracker crumbs makes this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe holds a special place in my dessert repertoire because it’s both sophisticated and welcoming, like a good conversation with a friend over coffee. The blend of rich, creamy cheesecake with the delicate perfume of tea and the bright mulberry topping truly turns a simple cake into something memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it — once you make it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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 is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and topped with a sweet, tangy mulberry sauce. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, aromatic filling, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or an 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

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