Name: Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; 3 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 3 Earl Grey tea bags; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen mulberries; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you have a sweet spot for elegant desserts that burst with unique flavors, then you are going to adore this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe. Imagine a creamy, luscious cheesecake with a delicate hint of fragrant Earl Grey tea, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The jewel-toned mulberries add both a tart brightness and stunning color, perfectly balancing the smooth richness. This cheesecake isn't just a treat for your taste buds but also a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you're hosting a gathering or indulging on a quiet evening, this recipe feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ingredients for a recipe carefully arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large glass jar filled with crushed golden brown cookies placed in the top left. To its right, a small white dish holds a solid block of pale yellow butter. Below the jar, there is a small white bowl with fine white salt, beside which is a white dish filled with dark brown dried spices with red chili flakes. Next to that is a glass bowl containing bright red and dark purple berries. Below the spices, a glass bowl contains thick white cream and to its right, a glass bowl holds a square piece of soft white cream cheese. Below the cream cheese, three brown eggs form a small cluster. To their right, a small white bowl contains a yellow liquid that appears to be oil. At the bottom left, a small white dish holds white powder, likely flour. All the containers are clear glass or white ceramic, perfectly showing off the colors and textures of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this cheesecake is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully selected. Each one plays an important role in delivering the creamy texture, fragrant tea notes, and vibrant berry burst that make this dessert so memorable.

Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Create the crunchy, buttery base that perfectly supports the creamy filling.

Unsalted butter, melted (6 tbsp): Binds the crust crumbs together while adding richness without overpowering the flavors.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoon for crust): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes of the crust.
Full-fat cream cheese, softened (3 blocks - 8 oz each): The essential creamy building block that gives cheesecake its luscious texture.

Sour cream (1 cup): Brightens the filling with a slight tang, cutting through the richness for balance.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds silkiness and a mellow richness to the cheesecake batter.
Earl Grey tea bags (3): Infuse the cheesecake with bergamot-scented elegance and complexity.

Whole milk (½ cup): Used to brew Earl Grey tea, contributing moisture and subtle creaminess.
Granulated sugar for filling (¾ cup): Sweetens just enough to highlight the tea and fruit flavors without overwhelming.
Large eggs (2): Give structure and lift to the batter for a light yet firm cheesecake.

Fresh or frozen mulberries (1 ½ cups): These jewel-like fruits add tartness and vibrant color in the sauce topping.
Granulated sugar for sauce (2 tbsp): Balances the natural tartness of the mulberries.
Lemon juice (2 tsp): Brightens and enhances the mulberry sauce.

Cornstarch (1 tsp) + water (1 tbsp) slurry: Thickens the mulberry sauce to a glossy, luscious finish.

How to Make Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Earl Grey milk

To unlock the signature floral notes of this cheesecake, you start by heating half a cup of whole milk just until hot but not boiling. Then steep your 3 Earl Grey tea bags for a solid 10 minutes—this step infuses the latte-like richness with that iconic bergamot flavor. Remove the tea bags and let the milk cool completely; adding hot tea-infused milk to your batter would ruin the texture, so patience here pays off.

Step 2: Make the crust

This crust is all about buttery, granular goodness. Combine your graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and fragrant. Press this mixture firmly and evenly at the bottom of a parchment-lined 9-inch springform pan. The chilling step that follows gives the crust a chance to set perfectly before adding that luscious filling—never skip chilling here or you’ll have a soggy bottom!

Step 3: Make the cheesecake batter

Now for the star of the show: beat those softened cream cheese blocks until perfectly smooth and creamy, gently integrating ¾ cup sugar to sweeten without graininess. Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream for creaminess, followed by the cooled Earl Grey milk, which brings that delicate tea essence into the mix. Crack in your eggs one at a time, folding gently to keep your batter light and smooth. This careful mixing process guarantees a velvety, crack-free cheesecake.

Step 4: Bake the cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter evenly into your chilled crust and tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles—this step helps your cheesecake bake without cracks. Place the springform pan inside a larger baking tray filled with hot water (a water bath), which keeps the baking gentle and even. Bake at 325°F for about 50 minutes until the center still slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Finally, let it cool in the oven with the door cracked open to prevent sudden temperature changes and cracking.

Step 5: Make the mulberry sauce

While your cheesecake bakes, get ahead by preparing the luscious mulberry sauce. Combine mulberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Once bubbling and soft, stir in your cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish. Let this cool completely before serving so the flavors blend well and the sauce has a beautiful, spoonable consistency that pairs perfectly with the delicate cheesecake.

How to Serve Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe

A plain cheesecake with one thick cream-colored layer having a smooth texture and slightly browned edges, sitting inside a round pan lined with parchment paper that ruffles up around the sides. The cheesecake has a slight swirl pattern on the top surface. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring your Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe to life by spooning the velvety mulberry sauce generously over each slice, letting it cascade down the smooth edges. Fresh mulberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar add an extra touch of elegance and freshness, perfectly complementing the tea-infused flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pair this cheesecake with a crisp cup of black tea or a delicate Earl Grey latte to echo the dessert’s aromatic flavors. For something lighter, a bright citrus fruit salad or a handful of toasted almonds can add textural contrast and keep the palate refreshed between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching display, consider layering slices with dollops of whipped cream and scattered mulberries on a wooden board or mirrored platter. Alternatively, serve individual portions in clear glass cups with a spoonful of sauce on top for a modern, sophisticated twist on the classic cheesecake experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to four days. Chilling lets the flavors meld even more, so leftovers taste like they just got better overnight.

Freezing

If you want to keep this cheesecake around longer, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen cheesecakes maintain their delightful flavors and texture for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. This subtle warming helps awaken the aromatic nuances of the Earl Grey and mulberries without compromising structure.

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of mulberries?

Absolutely! Blackberries or blueberries make excellent substitutes, providing a similarly tart and juicy complement to the creamy cheesecake and fragrant tea.

Why do I steep the tea in milk instead of water?

Steeping Earl Grey tea in milk rather than water enhances the creaminess and mellows the bergamot's bold citrus notes, integrating beautifully into the cheesecake’s rich filling.

How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

The water bath baking method and gradual cooling prevent cracks by maintaining gentle, even heat and avoiding sudden temperature shocks that can cause the surface to split.

Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?

Yes! Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free batter, which is key to achieving that silky, decadent texture everyone loves in a baked cheesecake.

Can I make the mulberry sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The mulberry sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge, making your dessert prep that much easier on the day of serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that trying this Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe will bring a touch of elegance and joy to your dessert repertoire. The harmonious blend of tea-infused creaminess and vibrant, tangy mulberries creates a dessert experience that’s both refined and comforting. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite cheesecake!

Mulberry & Earl Grey Cheesecake (Baked) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need