London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce
If you love desserts that feel both indulgent and sophisticated, London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce is about to become your new favorite. This dessert combines the dramatic, caramelized beauty of Basque cheesecake with the delicate elegance of a London Fog latte—infused with Earl Grey tea and vanilla—then finishes with a bold, fruity blackberry sauce that ties everything together.
Rich, creamy, and intentionally rustic, this cheesecake is a showstopper without being fussy. There’s no water bath, no crust, and no need for perfection. In fact, the cracked edges and darkened top are exactly what make it special. Every bite delivers deep caramel notes, floral tea aromas, silky creaminess, and a bright berry finish.
This is the kind of dessert that feels equally at home at a dinner party, holiday table, or quiet weekend baking project.
What Is a Basque Cheesecake?
Basque cheesecake, also known as “burnt cheesecake,” originates from the Basque region of Spain. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, it’s baked at a high temperature to intentionally darken the top while keeping the center creamy and custard-like.
Key characteristics include:
- No crust
- High-heat baking
- Deeply caramelized exterior
- Soft, almost molten center
- Rustic, cracked edges
This method makes it both forgiving and incredibly luxurious.
The London Fog Twist
A London Fog latte is traditionally made with Earl Grey tea, milk, vanilla, and sometimes a touch of lavender. Translating those flavors into cheesecake form is surprisingly seamless.
In this recipe:
- Earl Grey tea infuses the cream with gentle citrus and floral notes
- Vanilla adds warmth and sweetness
- Cream cheese and eggs provide richness and structure
The result is subtle but unmistakable—elegant without being overpowering.
Why Blackberry Sauce Is the Perfect Pairing
Blackberries bring brightness and contrast to the richness of the cheesecake. Their natural tartness cuts through the creaminess while their deep purple color adds visual drama.
The sauce is:
- Lightly sweetened
- Smooth and glossy
- Intensely fruity
It balances the dessert perfectly, making each bite feel complete.
Ingredients Overview
This cheesecake relies on a short list of high-impact ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Earl Grey tea
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
For the Blackberry Sauce
- Fresh or frozen blackberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to a high temperature and line a springform pan with parchment, allowing paper to extend above the sides.
- Heat heavy cream until warm, then steep Earl Grey tea. Strain and cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Mix in vanilla, salt, and infused cream.
- Sift in flour and mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake until the top is deeply caramelized and the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then chill to set.
Blackberry Sauce
- Simmer blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice until berries break down.
- Blend or strain if desired for a smooth sauce.
- Cool before serving.
Texture: What to Expect
This cheesecake is intentionally different from classic styles.
- Edges: Set and caramelized
- Center: Creamy, custard-like, and soft
- Top: Dark, cracked, and deeply flavorful
Chilling firms it slightly, but it should never be fully solid.
Tips for the Best London Fog Basque Cheesecake
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
- Don’t overmix after adding eggs
- Embrace the burnt top—it’s essential
- Let the cheesecake cool fully before slicing
Imperfections are part of the charm.
London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Infuse warm cream with Earl Grey tea and let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Mix in infused cream, vanilla, salt, and flour.
- Bake at high heat until deeply caramelized with a jiggly center.
- Simmer blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice to make sauce.
Notes
Flavor Variations
Lavender London Fog
Add a pinch of culinary lavender to the cream while steeping tea.
Citrus Twist
Add a touch of orange zest to the batter.
Berry Swap
Use raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesecake:
- Slightly chilled or at cool room temperature
- With extra blackberry sauce on the side
- Alongside tea or coffee
It’s rich enough that small slices go a long way.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Cheesecake can be made 1–2 days in advance
- Store covered in the refrigerator
- Sauce keeps separately for up to 5 days
Flavors deepen beautifully over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking at too low a temperature
- Overbaking until fully set
- Skipping parchment lining
- Rushing the cooling process
Avoiding these ensures the perfect creamy center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant but approachable
- No crust, no water bath
- Unique tea-infused flavor
- Stunning presentation
London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. Rich, floral, fruity, and deeply comforting, it’s a modern twist on two beloved classics that come together in the most delicious way.
