Earl Grey Cheesecake is a tasty dessert that mixes the flowery flavor of Earl Grey tea with the creamy goodness of cheesecake.

The Earl Grey Cheesecake is a special memory from my childhood. My mom made it with love and care. When she started baking it, our kitchen would fill with a delightful smell of cream cheese and tea. I watched her mix the ingredients and learned from her.

When I wanted to try making the cheesecake myself, my mom helped me every step of the way. She was patient and encouraging. I felt connected to her as we baked together.

With her guidance, I learned how to balance flavors and textures. When the cheesecake came out of the oven, I felt proud. It looked and smelled amazing, just like my mom’s.

Eating the cheesecake was more than just enjoying a dessert. It reminded me of family, tradition, and the joy of cooking together.

How To Make Earl Grey Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 250g digestive biscuits
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Earl Grey tea bags
• 250ml double cream
• 250g cream cheese
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 gelatine leaves
• 100ml boiling water
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 50g pecans, chopped
• 100g granulated sugar
• 50g unsalted butter
• 100ml double cream

Kitchen Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• 8-inch springform cake tin
• Spatula or spoon for pressing biscuit base
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spoon for stirring caramel topping

Instructions:

Step1:

Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mix them with melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a greased 8-inch springform cake tin and chill in the refrigerator.

Step2:

Heat the double cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea bags, and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow the cream to cool slightly.

Step3:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, caster sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the Earl Grey-infused cream and mix until well combined.

Step4:

Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes, then dissolve them in boiling water. Stir the gelatine mixture into the cheesecake mixture until smooth.

Step5:

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled biscuit base and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Step6:

For the topping, heat granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Add thinly sliced apples and chopped pecans, stirring until coated.

Step7:

Add unsalted butter and double cream to the caramelized sugar mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let the apple caramel pecan topping cool slightly.

Step8:

Once the cheesecake is set, remove it from the tin and place it on a serving plate. Pour the apple caramel pecan topping over the cheesecake.

Serve:

Slice and serve the Earl Grey cheesecake with apple, caramel, and pecan topping, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Additional Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter without lumps.

Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter, especially after adding the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, resulting in a puffy or cracked cheesecake. Mix gently until just combined.

Water Bath: Consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracking. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water before baking. The water helps regulate the temperature and creates a moist environment in the oven.

Patience: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. After baking, turn off the oven and open the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill completely. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.

Variations of Earl Grey Cheesecake

Lemon Twist: Add a refreshing citrus twist by incorporating lemon zest into the cheesecake batter. The tangy lemon flavor complements the aromatic Earl Grey tea.

Blueberry Burst: Introduce bursts of sweetness with fresh or frozen blueberries folded into the cheesecake batter. The juicy blueberries add a pop of color and fruity flavor.

Vanilla Bean Infusion: Enhance the creamy richness of the cheesecake by infusing vanilla bean seeds into the batter. The fragrant vanilla notes complement the floral Earl Grey tea.

Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the cheesecake for a tropical twist. The crunchy texture and nutty flavor of the coconut pair beautifully with the tea-infused filling.

Ginger Spice: Add a hint of warmth and spice by incorporating ground ginger into the cheesecake batter. The subtle kick of ginger complements the aromatic Earl Grey tea.

Raspberry Ripple: Swirl raspberry preserves or puree into the cheesecake batter for a tangy and fruity contrast. The vibrant swirls of raspberry add visual appeal to the dessert.

Cinnamon Crunch: Mix ground cinnamon into the biscuit crust for a warm and aromatic base. The subtle spice adds depth of flavor and complements the tea-infused filling.

Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cheesecake for a decadent finishing touch. The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the Earl Grey tea.

How To Store

To store Earl Grey Cheesecake, let it cool completely. Then, cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. Put it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

This Earl Grey Cheesecake with apple, caramel, and pecan topping is a delightful treat that combines the delicate flavors of Earl Grey tea with creamy cheesecake and a sweet, nutty topping. With its buttery biscuit base, infused cream cheese filling, and decadent caramelized apple and pecan topping, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether served as a special occasion dessert or enjoyed as a comforting treat, this cheesecake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious dessert, and indulge in a slice of sheer culinary bliss!

FAQ

Can I use tea bags instead of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea?

• Yes, you can use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea. Just steep the tea bags in warm cream as directed in the recipe.

How long does it take for the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator?

• The cheesecake needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.

Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?

• Yes, feel free to use your favorite nuts for the topping. Almonds or walnuts would work well in place of pecans.

Can I skip the gelatine in the cheesecake filling?

• Gelatine helps to set the cheesecake and gives it a firm texture. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can omit the gelatine, but the cheesecake may not hold its shape as well.

How do I prevent cracks from forming on the Earl Grey Cheesecake?

• To prevent cracks, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter, and gently tap the tin on the counter to release any air bubbles before baking. Additionally, baking the cheesecake in a water bath can help regulate the temperature and prevent cracks.