Description
These Mini Blackberry Lavender Cheesecakes offer a delightful blend of creamy, floral, and fruity flavors packed into perfectly portioned treats. The crust combines graham cracker crumbs and butter for a crisp base, topped with a lavender-infused cream cheese filling. The luscious blackberry topping adds a burst of fresh berry goodness, and the light whipped cream with a hint of violet gel icing color crowns these charming desserts. Ideal for special occasions or anytime you want a fancy yet easy-to-make cheesecake.
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
- Make the Blackberry Topping: Place the blackberries in a food processor and puree until smooth, yielding slightly more than 1/2 cup of puree.
- Cook the 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 reaches a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Boil and Cool: Let the mixture boil for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then remove from heat. Transfer to another bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and spray with non-stick spray.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Divide about 1 1/2 tablespoons of this mixture into each cupcake liner and press firmly into the bottom.
- Bake the Crusts: Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C) for baking the cheesecakes.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until combined to minimize air incorporation, scraping down the bowl sides.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in sour cream, lavender extract, and vanilla extract on low speed until well combined.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly and scraping the bowl after each addition.
- Add Color: Add violet gel icing color if using, and gently fold to combine without overmixing.
- Fill the Liners: Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling most of the way full.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, then turn the oven off and keep the door closed for 10 minutes to gently finish baking.
- Cool Gradually: Crack the oven door open and allow cheesecakes to cool for 15-20 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill completely until firm.
- Remove from Pan: Once chilled and firm, gently remove the cheesecakes from the pan.
- Top with Blackberry Filling: Spoon the cooled blackberry topping evenly over each cheesecake.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a large mixer bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Add Color to Cream: Fold in violet gel icing color gently if using.
- Decorate Cheesecakes: Pipe the whipped cream onto the tops of each cheesecake and garnish with one fresh blackberry each.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and to avoid cracks.
- Be careful not to overbeat the cream cheese mixture to prevent too much air incorporation.
- Keep the oven door closed during the resting period to avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack cheesecakes.
- Gel icing color is optional but adds a pretty violet hue matching the lavender flavor theme.
- Chill cheesecakes thoroughly before serving for best texture.
- Substitute lavender extract with vanilla if you prefer a more classic cheesecake flavor.
- The blackberry topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mini cheesecakes, blackberry cheesecake, lavender cheesecake, berry desserts, individual cheesecakes, holiday desserts, creamy cheesecake
