Mini Blackberry Lavender Cheesecakes Recipe
Delight in these charming Mini Blackberry Lavender Cheesecakes, featuring a smooth cream cheese filling infused with delicate lavender and vanilla, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with luscious homemade blackberry compote and a dollop of violet-tinted whipped cream, these bite-sized treats are perfect for elegant gatherings or a special dessert.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12-14 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Make the blackberry topping: Add the blackberries to a food processor and puree until smooth, yielding just over 1/2 cup of puree.
- Cook the topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the berry puree, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened and it reaches a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Cool the topping: Boil for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then remove from heat. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Prepare oven and cupcake pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Place cupcake liners in the pan and spray with non-stick spray.
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Divide about 1 1/2 tablespoons into each cupcake liner and press firmly to form the base.
- Bake crusts: Bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
- Reduce oven temperature: Lower oven heat to 300°F (148°C).
- Prepare cheesecake filling base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until combined, scraping the bowl sides to keep the batter smooth and minimize air.
- Add sour cream and extracts: Mix in sour cream, lavender extract, and vanilla extract on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly and scraping the bowl after each to ensure even mixing.
- Add coloring: Fold in violet gel icing color gently if using, to achieve a subtle purple hue.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the liners, filling them mostly full.
- Bake cheesecakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes. After baking, turn off oven and leave door closed for 10 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Cool cheesecakes: Crack the oven door open; let cheesecakes cool for 15-20 minutes, then refrigerate until firm.
- Remove from pan: Once chilled and set, carefully remove cheesecakes from the cupcake pan.
- Top with blackberry filling: Spoon the chilled blackberry topping onto each cheesecake.
- Make whipped cream: In a large mixer bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Add coloring to whipped cream: Gently fold in violet gel icing color if desired.
- Decorate cheesecakes: Pipe the whipped cream on top of each cheesecake and garnish with a fresh blackberry.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth batter and to prevent lumps.
- Beating ingredients on low speed reduces air bubbles and prevents cracks on cheesecake surfaces.
- Keeping the oven door closed after baking helps cheesecakes cool gradually and maintain texture.
- If violet gel icing color is unavailable, it can be omitted or replaced with a few drops of natural purple food coloring.
- For best results, chill cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Keywords: mini cheesecakes, blackberry cheesecake, lavender dessert, bite-sized cheesecakes, creamy cheesecake, berry topping, spring dessert