Description
Sweet whispers of lavender dance through this Honey Lavender Cheesecake, creating a delicate dessert that marries floral elegance with creamy richness. Rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors will transport you to a serene countryside, promising pure culinary bliss in each silky slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 (8-ounce) cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary-grade lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish and Topping:
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh lavender sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy base by pulverizing graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the compact mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even foundation. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a light golden hue.
- Transform cream cheese into a silky canvas by whipping it with sugar until achieving a luxurious, smooth texture. Incorporate honey, creating a golden sweetness that intertwines with the cream cheese. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Introduce sour cream, heavy cream, dried lavender, and vanilla, stirring until the mixture becomes a uniform, velvety landscape.
- Carefully pour the lavender-infused filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center that signals perfect doneness. After baking, switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open, allowing it to cool gradually for one hour.
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator, letting it rest and set for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight. Before serving, drizzle a delicate stream of honey across the surface, creating an elegant finish. Optional: garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an aromatic and visual flourish.
Notes
- Use high-quality dried lavender flowers to ensure a delicate, authentic flavor without overwhelming the creamy cheesecake base.
- Crush lavender flowers gently before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the floral essence in the dessert.
- Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method, ensuring a perfectly smooth cheesecake texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking, which helps maintain a silky, crack-free surface by reducing temperature shock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 252 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg