Description
Delight in these elegant Mini Blackberry Lavender Cheesecakes featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lavender-infused cheesecake filling, and a luscious homemade blackberry topping. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these cheesecakes blend floral and fruity flavors with a smooth texture, making them a sophisticated dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blackberry Topping
- 6 oz (180g) blackberries, pureed and strained
- 5 tbsp (65g) sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
Crust
- 3/4 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (42g) butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 12 oz (339g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp (12g) flour
- 1/4 cup (58g) sour cream
- 2 tsp lavender extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Violet gel icing color, optional
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 4 tbsp (29g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Violet gel icing color, optional
- 12–14 blackberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Blackberry Topping: Add the blackberries to a food processor and puree until smooth to yield slightly more than 1/2 cup of puree.
- Cook Blackberry Mixture: Combine the berry puree, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Boil and Cool: Allow the mixture to boil for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then remove from heat. Transfer to another bowl and refrigerate until completely cool.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- Make Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Divide about 1 1/2 tablespoons of crust mixture into each cupcake liner and press firmly on the bottom.
- Bake Crust: Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool while preparing filling.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Mix on low speed to avoid incorporating air, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add Sour Cream and Extracts: Mix in sour cream, lavender extract, and vanilla extract on low speed until smooth.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly and scraping sides of the bowl after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Add Coloring: Add violet gel icing color if using and gently fold until evenly combined.
- Fill Cupcakes: Divide cheesecake batter evenly among the crust-lined cups, filling them mostly full.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the door closed for an additional 10 minutes to prevent sudden temperature changes and avoid cracking.
- Cool Cheesecakes: Crack the oven door and allow cheesecakes to cool for 15-20 minutes, then refrigerate to finish cooling until firm.
- Remove from Pan and Garnish: Once chilled and firm, remove cheesecakes from the pan. Optionally whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and violet gel color for topping and garnish each cheesecake with a fresh blackberry.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smoother cheesecake batter and prevents cracking.
- Gently mixing and avoiding high speeds reduces air incorporation, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly before serving improves flavor and texture.
- Lavender extract has a strong flavor; adjust quantity if preferred milder taste.
- The violet gel icing color is optional and solely for aesthetic purposes.
- Pressing crust firmly into liners helps maintain shape after baking.