Sweet Blackberry Lavender Cheesecake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Floral & Fruity Flavor: The combination of blackberries and lavender gives this cheesecake a unique and sophisticated flavor that’s both refreshing and aromatic.
• Creamy & Smooth: The creamy texture of the cheesecake is perfectly balanced by the crisp graham cracker crust.
• Impressive Dessert: This cheesecake is a showstopper! Its beautiful presentation, topped with fresh blackberries, makes it ideal for special occasions, gatherings, or a sweet treat any time.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a bit of patience while it cools and chills.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus additional for topping)
• 1 teaspoon culinary lavender

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well-combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan to form a solid crust.

For the Filling:

3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in the sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Add the Eggs:
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure not to overmix at this stage to avoid a dense filling.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream, Blackberries, and Lavender:
   Fold in the sour cream, fresh blackberries, and culinary lavender. Mix until everything is well-combined, but be careful not to crush the blackberries too much.
6. Pour the Filling:
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Cheesecake:
   Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Cool the Cheesecake:
   Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks on the surface.
9. Refrigerate:
   Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the texture to firm up.
10. Remove from Pan and Serve:
    Once fully chilled, carefully remove the springform pan. Slice and serve your cheesecake topped with fresh blackberries for a beautiful, elegant dessert!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes + 4 hours chilling
• Servings: 10-12 slices

Variations

• Lavender-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can skip it and opt for a more traditional berry cheesecake flavor with just blackberries or another berry of your choice.
• Berry Mix: You can use a combination of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, for a mixed berry cheesecake.
• Crust Alternatives: If you prefer a different crust, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies (like digestives or vanilla wafer cookies) or even use a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

2. How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

To prevent cracks, make sure to cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven after baking and refrigerate it for a few hours before removing it from the pan.

3. Can I make this cheesecake without lavender?

Absolutely! If you don’t like the flavor of lavender, simply omit it and stick to the blackberry flavor for a classic cheesecake.

4. Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings such as lemon zest, vanilla bean paste, or almond extract to add a unique twist.

5. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a cookie crust (like Oreos or vanilla wafers) or even a gluten-free crust made with nuts or gluten-free graham crackers for a variation.

6. How do I prevent my cheesecake from being too dense?

To avoid a dense cheesecake, make sure not to overmix the filling and be gentle when adding the eggs to ensure the filling remains light and creamy.

7. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are firm but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools in the fridge.

8. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup for a lower-sugar version of this cheesecake.

9. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making in advance. It needs several hours to chill, so preparing it a day ahead is ideal.

10. Can I serve this cheesecake without the berries?

Of course! While the fresh berries add flavor and color, you can also serve the cheesecake without them or use other toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This Sweet Blackberry Lavender Cheesecake is a perfect blend of rich, creamy texture and aromatic floral flavor. With a crisp graham cracker crust and the addition of blackberries and lavender, this dessert is both unique and luxurious. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or enjoying a sweet treat at home, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Sweet Blackberry Lavender Cheesecake Recipe

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes + 4 hours chilling
• Yield: 10-12 slices
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet Blackberry Lavender Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a floral lavender flavor paired with sweet blackberries, topped on a graham cracker crust. It’s an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or a luxurious indulgence.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon sugar

For the Filling:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

¼ cup sour cream

1 cup fresh blackberries (plus additional for topping)

1 teaspoon culinary lavender

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. For the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the springform pan to form a solid crust.
3. For the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, ensuring not to overmix.
5. Fold in sour cream, fresh blackberries, and culinary lavender, mixing gently to combine.
6. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
8. Cool the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Remove from the pan and serve with fresh blackberries as garnish.

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Notes

For a berry-free version, skip the lavender or use another herb, like lemon zest or thyme.

Feel free to substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or a gluten-free crust option.

If using frozen blackberries, thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling.

Ensure that the cheesecake is fully chilled before slicing for the best texture and ease of cutting.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg