Introduction

This Creamy Earl Grey Tea Cheesecake combines the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Its crunchy caramel biscuit base adds a delightful contrast, making it a perfect dessert for tea lovers and cheesecake fans alike.

Three square pieces of a layered dessert are shown on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three layers: a bottom crumbly brown layer, a thick middle creamy white layer with visible small black specks and bits of what looks like nuts or cake, and a smooth, shiny light tan top layer. One piece is slightly separated from the others, revealing the even layers and texture inside. In the background, a single piece of the same dessert sits on a white round plate, next to a red decorative item and a silver fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

60 g caramel biscuits (can substitute with digestive biscuits)
25 g unsalted butter
200 g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
20 g caster sugar (used in two portions)
80 ml hot milk (about 40°C)
10 g gelatin sheets (soaked in ice water for 10 minutes in advance)
3 g Earl Grey tea powder (or tea powder from 2 Earl Grey tea bags)
170 ml whipping cream
Crushed caramel biscuits (as needed for decoration)
100 ml hot milk (about 40°C)
1 Earl Grey tea bag
5 g caster sugar
3 g gelatin sheets

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the caramel biscuits into a fine powder using a rolling pin, avoiding large chunks.
Step 2: Melt the butter and mix it with the biscuit crumbs until the mixture is sandy in texture.
Step 3: Press the biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined mold. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with 10 g caster sugar until smooth and lump-free.
Step 5: Remove excess water from gelatin sheets, stir into 80 ml hot milk until dissolved, then add Earl Grey tea powder and mix well.
Step 6: Gradually combine the Earl Grey milk mixture with the cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Step 8: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese and tea mixture. Add crushed caramel biscuit pieces (about 2 biscuits) and mix lightly.
Step 9: Pour the mousse over the biscuit base in the mold, tap lightly to remove air bubbles, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 10: To make the optional Earl Grey mirror glaze, steep the tea bag in 100 ml hot milk for 5 minutes. Remove and squeeze out the bag.
Step 11: Add 5 g caster sugar and dissolved gelatin (from 3 g sheets) into the warm tea milk, stirring until fully dissolved.
Step 12: Let the glaze cool to room temperature, then gently pour over the set mousse layer. Refrigerate for another 1–2 hours until firm.
Step 13: Warm the mold edges gently with a hairdryer to release the cheesecake easily. Decorate with crushed caramel biscuits, slice, and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use digestive biscuits instead of caramel biscuits if you prefer a less sweet base.
For a stronger tea flavor, steep the Earl Grey tea longer or add an extra teaspoon of tea powder.
Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in warm liquid to avoid lumps in the mousse and glaze.
Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor development.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. The glaze may soften slightly but will hold its flavor.

How to Serve

A square dessert with three clear layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust. The middle layer is a thick, creamy white filling with tiny black specks spread evenly throughout. The top layer is a smooth, glossy light brown glaze that covers the whole dessert. A woman's hand holding a fork is about to cut into the top layer of the dessert. In the background, there is another white plate with two similar square pieces of the same dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tea for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can substitute Earl Grey with other flavored teas like chamomile or green tea, but adjust the quantity to taste to maintain a balanced flavor.

What if I don’t have gelatin sheets?

You can use powdered gelatin as a substitute. Use about half the amount by weight, and bloom it in cold water before dissolving in warm milk as directed.