Description
Graceful mini blackberry lavender cheesecakes blend delicate French culinary artistry with seasonal berries. Creamy textures and floral notes create an elegant dessert perfect for intimate gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (100 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps honey
- ¼ tsp dried culinary lavender (finely ground)
- 4 tbsps (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive, slightly damp mixture that will serve as the foundational layer for the mini cheesecakes.
- Crust Molding: Evenly distribute and firmly press the crumb mixture into each muffin cup, creating a compact, uniform base that will support the upcoming creamy layer.
- Initial Baking: Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it transforms into a light golden, slightly crisp foundation, allowing the butter to solidify and set the structural integrity.
- Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese with remaining ingredients until silky smooth, delicately incorporating lavender essence to infuse a subtle, aromatic undertone throughout the mixture.
- Assembly and Baking: Carefully pour the lavender-infused cream cheese mixture over the cooled crusts, filling each cup with precision, then bake until centers achieve a delicate, barely set consistency with a gentle central jiggle.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecakes to cool at room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator to firm up and develop a luxuriously smooth, dense texture over several hours.
- Garnishing: Crown each mini cheesecake with a vibrant blackberry compote, creating a dramatic visual and flavor contrast that elevates the delicate lavender undertones of the creamy filling.
Notes
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter to ensure a consistent, stable crust that won’t crumble or fall apart.
- Control Oven Temperature: Maintain a consistent moderate heat to prevent overbaking, which can cause cheesecake to crack or become dry and lose its creamy texture.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Blend cream cheese mixture at low speed to avoid incorporating excess air, preventing potential cracks and ensuring a smooth, dense cheesecake texture.
- Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with alternative lavender amounts or swap with other subtle herbs like rosemary or thyme to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the delicate essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg