London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce – A Modern Dessert Masterpiece

If elegance and indulgence could be baked into a single dessert, it would be London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce. This recipe blends the dramatic simplicity of classic Basque cheesecake with the aromatic sophistication of a London Fog — the beloved Earl Grey tea latte infused with vanilla and cream. The result is a dessert that feels refined, bold, and unforgettable.

Basque cheesecake is known for its intentionally caramelized exterior and ultra-creamy interior. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, it skips the crust entirely and embraces high heat, which creates its signature dark top and custardy center. When infused with Earl Grey tea, the cheesecake takes on subtle floral notes and gentle citrus warmth that elevate it beyond the ordinary.

The blackberry sauce adds contrast in every way — vibrant color, tart brightness, and juicy depth. Together, the tea-kissed cheesecake and bold berry sauce create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s rich but not heavy, luxurious yet approachable.

This is the kind of dessert that feels right at home at a dinner party, holiday table, or special celebration — but it’s also surprisingly simple to make, relying on technique rather than complicated steps.

What Makes a London Fog Cheesecake Special?

A traditional London Fog drink combines Earl Grey tea, milk, vanilla, and gentle sweetness. Translating that flavor profile into cheesecake means infusing cream with Earl Grey tea and vanilla, allowing the tea’s bergamot notes to bloom without overpowering the dessert.

In a Basque-style cheesecake, this infusion shines because the recipe uses fewer ingredients and a looser batter, letting subtle flavors come through clearly. The burnt exterior adds complexity, while the center remains silky and spoon-soft.

This dessert is about contrast — bitter-sweet caramelization, creamy richness, fragrant tea, and tart blackberry brightness — all working together in harmony.

Ingredients

For the London Fog Basque Cheesecake

• Cream cheese, room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs, room temperature
• Heavy cream
• Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

For the Blackberry Sauce

• Fresh or frozen blackberries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a springform pan with parchment paper, allowing paper to extend above the rim.
2. Heat heavy cream until steaming, then remove from heat and steep Earl Grey tea for 10 minutes. Strain and cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and lump-free.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid excess air.
5. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and the cooled Earl Grey-infused cream.
6. Sift in flour and fold until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and tap gently to release air bubbles.
8. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is deeply golden and nearly burnt, with a jiggly center.
9. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Blackberry Sauce
10. Combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.
11. Simmer until berries break down and sauce thickens.
12. Strain if desired for a smooth finish. Cool before serving.

London Fog Basque Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce

A burnt Basque-style cheesecake infused with Earl Grey tea and vanilla, served with a vibrant blackberry sauce.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: European, Modern

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 24 oz cream cheese room temperature
• 1.25 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs large
• 1 cup heavy cream infused with Earl Grey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups blackberries

Equipment

• Springform pan
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Saucepan

Method

 

1. Infuse cream with Earl Grey tea and cool.
2. Mix cheesecake batter until smooth and pour into pan.
3. Bake at high heat until deeply golden with jiggly center.
4. Simmer blackberries with sugar and lemon juice to make sauce.

Notes

Chill fully before slicing for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Basque Cheesecake

• Room-temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth batter.
• Do not overmix; too much air can affect texture.
• A dark top is intentional — embrace the burn.
• Chill fully before slicing for clean, creamy cuts.

Flavor Variations

• Lavender Fog Twist: Add a hint of culinary lavender during tea steeping.
• Mixed Berry Sauce: Combine blackberries with blueberries or raspberries.
• Extra Citrus: Add orange zest alongside lemon for brighter notes.
• No Sauce Version: Serve plain with powdered sugar for a minimalist presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or slightly cool, with blackberry sauce spooned just before serving. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine. For elegant plating, add fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This cheesecake improves with time and can be made a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Sauce can be refrigerated separately and gently rewarmed or served cold.

Why This Dessert Stands Out

London Fog Basque Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. From its dramatic appearance to its nuanced flavor, it feels modern, thoughtful, and indulgent without excess. If you’re looking to impress while keeping things beautifully simple, this cheesecake delivers every time.