Name: Lavender Earl Grey Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs; 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted ((1 stick)); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust); 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling); 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves ((or 4 tea bags)); 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

I remember the first time I baked a tea-infused cheesecake — the kitchen smelled like a cozy afternoon, and every bite tasted like a lightly floral cup of Earl Grey. This Lavender Earl Grey Cheesecake blends bergamot-scented tea and soft lavender with a classic cream-cheese base for an elegant dessert that’s perfect for brunches, bridal showers, or a quiet weekend treat. If you love floral desserts or want to elevate a simple cheesecake into something memorable, this recipe is for you; it’s approachable yet sophisticated enough to impress. For another floral cheesecake twist I tested, I liked the texture and honey pairing on a honey-lavender version I found while experimenting with flavors honey lavender cheesecake variations.

Why you’ll love this dish

This cheesecake is special because it marries the citrusy bergamot of Earl Grey with soft, aromatic lavender without overpowering the classic tang of cream cheese. It’s:

Elegant but not fussy — the steps are straightforward and the flavors do the impressing.
Great for entertaining — it holds shape well and can be made a day ahead.
Customizable — garnish with honey, candied lemon, or fresh berries for different moods.

“A slice of this cheesecake felt like spring in a bite — delicate floral notes, silky texture, and a buttery crumb that didn’t compete with the tea.” — happy tester

If you enjoy fruit-forward cheesecakes alongside floral ones, try pairing slices with a light fruit salad for contrast — I often serve it with a bright berry salad similar to this apple and strawberry cheesecake fruit salad for balance.

How this recipe comes together

Before diving into ingredients, here’s a quick overview of the process so you know what to expect:

Prepare and chill a buttery graham cracker crust so it sets firmly.
Beat the cream cheese base until smooth, then incorporate eggs one at a time to avoid overworking the batter.
Fold in Earl Grey and lavender (or infuse the dairy first for a cleaner texture).
Bake gently at 325°F (160°C) until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly; cool slowly to prevent cracks.
Chill thoroughly — at least 4 hours or overnight — for the best texture and clean slices.

For a similar fruity pairing and plating idea, I sometimes borrow inspiration from this bright mixed berry cheesecake salad concept berry fruit cheesecake salad.

What you’ll need

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 4 tea bags)
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Notes and substitutions:

If you prefer no bits of tea or lavender, steep the tea/flowers in warm sour cream for 15–20 minutes, then strain and cool before adding. This yields a smoother filling.
Use gluten-free graham crackers or biscuit crumbs for a GF crust.
For a lighter tang, swap half the sour cream for crème fraîche.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s base and slightly up the sides. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling — this helps the crust set.
Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add eggs slowly: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just blended to avoid incorporating too much air.
Fold in flavor: Stir in the vanilla, sour cream, Earl Grey leaves (or strained tea-infused sour cream), lavender buds, and flour. Mix until combined but don’t overmix.
Bake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Cool and chill: Turn off the oven and crack the door open; let the cheesecake cool inside for about 30 minutes (this gradual cooldown reduces cracks). Transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with a light drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of lavender, or fresh berries.

Tip: If using tea bags, open them and use the leaves — or steep them in sour cream and strain for a smoother finish.

Best ways to enjoy it

Simple slice: Serve chilled with a tiny spoonful of honey and a few fresh raspberries for contrast.
Brunch centerpiece: Pair with shortbread cookies, lemon curd, or a citrus salad to brighten the plate.
Tea pairing: Serve alongside Earl Grey or a light white tea to echo the bergamot notes.
Party platter: Add edible flowers, candied lemon peel, and a bowl of whipped cream so guests can customize each bite.

How to store & freeze

Refrigerator: Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always keep cheesecake chilled to prevent bacterial growth.
Freezing: Wrap the cheesecake (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Safety note: Do not keep cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour in warm environments) because of the dairy and eggs.

Pro chef tips

Room temperature ingredients: Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a smoother, lump-free batter.
Avoid overmixing: Beat until just combined; too much air creates cracks and a cakey texture.
Prevent cracks: Cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar, and don’t overbake — the center should wobble slightly.
Infusion trick: For no-texture infusion, warm the sour cream slightly (not hot), add tea and lavender, steep 15–20 minutes, then strain and cool before adding to batter.
Even baking: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to protect the base and make transfer easier.

Creative twists

Lemon-Lavender: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the filling for a brighter, citrus-lavender profile.
No-bake version: Use the batter idea from a chilled, no-bake Earl Grey cheesecake if you want to skip the oven (see inspiration below).
Gluten-free: Use almond flour + a touch of sugar for a nutty crust.
Vegan/dairy-free: Try a vegan cream cheese blend and aquafaba or a commercial egg replacer, though texture will vary.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use tea bags instead of loose Earl Grey?
A: Yes. Cut open 4 Earl Grey tea bags and use the leaves, or better yet, steep the bags in warmed sour cream and strain for a smooth flavor without bits.

Q: How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
A: Avoid overmixing and overbaking. Cool the cheesecake gradually — leave it in the oven with the door cracked for 30 minutes after baking — then chill in the fridge. A water bath can help, but it’s optional if you follow gradual cooling and gentle baking.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Make it a day ahead and keep it chilled. It actually slices cleaner and tastes more integrated after resting overnight.

Q: What can I use instead of lavender?
A: If you prefer less floral notes, omit lavender and increase the Earl Grey slightly, or add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness.

Conclusion

If you want more inspiration for lavender-forward desserts, this Lavender Cheesecake from Gimme Some Oven offers another take on floral cheesecakes that’s worth a look. For an alternate Earl Grey approach — especially if you’re curious about no-bake methods — check out No Bake Earl Grey Cheesecake – The Nifty Baker for ideas you can adapt to this recipe.