Description
Sweet and delicate Honey Lavender Cheesecake offers a sophisticated dessert experience from Mediterranean regions. Creamy layers infused with floral notes provide an elegant finish that delights palates seeking refined culinary pleasures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (907 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 eggs
- 1 ⅓ cups (266 g) sugar
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) sour cream
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) melted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lavender extract
- 1 ½ tbsps honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- violet food coloring
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (topping)
- 2 tbsps powdered sugar (topping)
- 1 tbsp honey (topping)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (topping)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Thoroughly coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, then craft a uniform graham cracker base by combining crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly across the bottom and sides to create a compact foundation.
- Initial Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the crust for 13-14 minutes until achieving a golden hue, then cool completely while reducing oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Filling Development: Utilize a stand mixer to transform cream cheese into a velvety smooth consistency, gradually introducing granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lavender extract, honey, and salt until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Egg Integration: Carefully incorporate eggs one at a time, maintaining a silky texture, then gently fold in violet food coloring to create a delicate pastel shade.
- Cream Blending: Seamlessly integrate sour cream and heavy cream into the mixture, ensuring a perfectly smooth filling.
- Water Bath Technique: Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil, pour the filling into the prepared crust, and position within a large roasting pan filled with hot water reaching halfway up the cheesecake’s sides.
- Precision Baking: Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then implement a gradual cooling process by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly ajar for one hour.
- Chilling and Topping: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for 4-5 hours before creating a luxurious topping by whisking sour cream, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Final Presentation: Spread the topping evenly across the chilled cheesecake, presenting a stunning honey lavender dessert ready to be savored.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking Secrets: Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
- Water Bath Wisdom: Wrap pan tightly with foil and use hot water to create a gentle, even baking environment that prevents surface damage.
- Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate for minimum 4-5 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and texture to set completely.
- Lavender Love: Use high-quality lavender extract sparingly to achieve delicate floral notes without overwhelming the creamy cheesecake base.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg