Hello there, friend! Are you ready to bake something truly special? I’m so excited to share my recipe for Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake with you. This isn’t your average cheesecake – it’s got a wonderfully burnt top, a creamy inside, and a delicate Earl Grey tea flavor that makes it absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake, it’ll become your new favorite dessert to impress your friends and family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake is seriously a game-changer. What makes it so amazing? First off, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget about water baths and complicated steps – this recipe is all about simplicity. The “burnt” top isn’t a mistake; it’s what gives Basque cheesecake its signature caramelized flavor and rustic look. The Earl Grey tea adds a subtle floral and citrusy note that perfectly complements the richness of the cheesecake. It’s a unique twist on a classic dessert, making it both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, the slightly gooey center and deeply flavored crustless exterior mean every bite is delicious. If you’re looking for a homemade cheesecake that’s both impressive and straightforward, this Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake is the one.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake:
- 2 cups (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Ready to Infuse
First, we’re going to infuse the heavy cream with Earl Grey tea. Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan. Open up the Earl Grey tea bags and sprinkle the tea leaves into the cream. Heat the cream over low heat until it just starts to simmer – you’ll see tiny bubbles around the edges. Don’t let it boil! Take it off the heat, cover the pan, and let the tea steep in the cream for about 30 minutes. This lets all that lovely Earl Grey flavor get into the cream. After 30 minutes, strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves. Set the infused cream aside to cool down a bit.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
While the cream is steeping, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the rustic look is part of the charm of Basque cheesecake. Just make sure the parchment paper comes up above the sides of the pan, as this helps the cheesecake bake properly and makes it easier to lift out later.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a large bowl, put in your softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat them together until they are super smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese left. This might take a minute or two. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Now, add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well after each egg, until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage – just mix until each egg is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Stir in the Earl Grey Cream and Flour
Pour in the cooled Earl Grey infused cream. Gently stir it into the batter until it’s well combined. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir again until the flour is just mixed in and the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite liquidy – that’s totally normal for Basque cheesecake.
Step 6: Bake it Up!
Pour the cheesecake batter into your parchment-lined pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The top should get nice and deeply browned, almost burnt-looking – that’s exactly what we want! The center will still be a little jiggly, but it will set as it cools.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Once the Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important! Don’t try to take it out too soon, or it might fall apart. As it cools, it will firm up beautifully. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Then, put it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Chilling makes it even more delicious and easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
When you’re ready to serve your Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake, you have a few fun options! It’s wonderful all on its own, letting that unique flavor shine. For a simple touch, you can dust the top with a little powdered sugar just before serving.
To elevate the presentation, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the cheesecake in a really lovely way. A drizzle of honey would also be a nice complement to the Earl Grey flavor.
This Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake is perfect for afternoon tea, of course! It’s also fantastic for dinner parties, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a homemade dessert that’s both elegant and easy. Imagine serving slices of this creamy, tea-infused dessert at your next gathering – your guests will be so impressed!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. In fact, some people think it tastes even better the next day!
Basque cheesecake is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, so you don’t really need to reheat it. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can let a slice sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving or oven-reheating, as it can change the texture and make it a bit dry.
Key Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes (including tea steeping time)
- Cook time: 50-60 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Equipment:
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Enjoy making and sharing this amazing Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake! I know you’re going to love it!
Earl Grey Tea Basque Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 cups 450g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
Instructions
- Pour heavy cream into a small saucepan. Open Earl Grey tea bags and sprinkle tea leaves into the cream. Heat over low until simmering, then remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends above the sides.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently stir in cooled Earl Grey infused cream until combined. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir until just mixed in and smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes until top is deeply browned and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.