Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The floral notes of lavender pair beautifully with the tartness of blackberries.
- Mini Portion Perfection: These individual servings are great for parties or portion control.
- Elegant Presentation: The vibrant blackberry topping and whipped cream garnish make these mini cheesecakes visually stunning.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated appearance, this recipe is straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Blackberry Topping:
- 6 oz blackberries, pureed and strained
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
Crust:
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
Lavender Cheesecake Filling:
- 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp lavender extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Violet gel icing color (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Violet gel icing color (optional)
- 12–14 blackberries for garnish
Directions
- Make the Blackberry Topping:
- Puree and strain the blackberries to remove seeds.
- In a small saucepan, cook the blackberry puree with sugar and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of lined cupcake tins.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes and let cool.
- Prepare the Lavender Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar and flour, followed by sour cream, lavender extract, and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- For a pop of color, stir in violet gel icing color.
- Bake the Cheesecakes:
- Divide the filling evenly among the crusts.
- Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until centers are set.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Assemble:
- Spoon the cooled blackberry topping over each cheesecake.
- Pipe whipped cream on top and garnish with a fresh blackberry.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12–14 mini cheesecakes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Berry Swap: Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for blackberries.
- Herbal Twist: Replace lavender extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers or crushed Oreos for a richer base.
- Dye-Free Option: Skip the violet gel icing color for a natural look.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual cheesecakes (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These cheesecakes are best enjoyed cold; no reheating is required.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to two days in advance. Add the whipped cream and garnish just before serving.
2. What if I don’t have lavender extract?
You can use vanilla or almond extract for a delicious alternative.
3. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and strain out any excess liquid.
4. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a lower temperature as specified.
5. Can I make these without a crust?
Yes, simply bake the filling in the liners without the crust for a crustless option.
6. How do I pipe whipped cream neatly?
Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for clean, decorative swirls.
7. Are these cheesecakes gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
9. How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?
The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.
10. Can I use a regular-sized cheesecake pan?
This recipe is designed for minis, but you can adapt it for a standard 9-inch pan. Increase the bake time to 50–60 minutes.
Conclusion
These mini blackberry lavender cheesecakes are a delightful and elegant dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself, their combination of flavors and stunning presentation make them a standout choice. Try them today and enjoy the perfect bite-sized indulgence!
Mini Blackberry Lavender Cheesecakes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Yield: 12–14 mini cheesecakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the elegance of mini blackberry lavender cheesecakes, featuring a creamy lavender-infused filling, a luscious blackberry topping, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties or special occasions, these bite-sized treats are as stunning as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Blackberry Topping:
- 6 oz blackberries, pureed and strained
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
Crust:
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
Lavender Cheesecake Filling:
- 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp lavender extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Violet gel icing color (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Violet gel icing color (optional)
- 12–14 blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Blackberry Topping:
- Puree and strain blackberries to remove seeds.
- In a small saucepan, cook the blackberry puree, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture into the bottoms of lined cupcake tins.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes. Cool.
- Make the Lavender Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and flour.
- Mix in sour cream, lavender extract, and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Optionally, add violet gel icing color.
- Bake the Cheesecakes:
- Divide filling evenly among crusts.
- Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 18–20 minutes or until centers are set.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Assemble:
- Spoon blackberry topping over each cheesecake.
- Pipe whipped cream on top and garnish with a blackberry.
Notes
- Substitute blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for variety.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- For a dye-free option, skip the violet gel icing color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American