Elegant & Easy: Honey Lavender Cheesecake
Elegant & Easy: Honey Lavender Cheesecake offers a smooth, floral twist on the classic creamy cheesecake. Combining the subtle sweetness of honey with fragrant dried lavender, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats. Balancing rich creaminess and light texture, it’s an unforgettable blend of flavors that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Lavender-Infused Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender flowers
For the Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix thoroughly with the melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to help it set well.
- Infuse the Honey with Lavender: Warm the honey gently over low heat and add the dried culinary lavender flowers. Allow the honey to steep and absorb the lavender aroma for several minutes. Strain out the lavender before use to achieve a subtle floral note without overpowering the cheesecake.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the lavender-infused honey, sour cream, and powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition to combine while avoiding overbeating to prevent air bubbles from forming in the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust. Place in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cheesecake edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
Notes
- Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for a smoother batter without lumps.
- Infuse honey with dried lavender yourself for a fresher and more aromatic flavor rather than using pre-mixed lavender extracts.
- If baking in a water bath, wrap the springform pan in foil to avoid water seepage and cracks.
- Bake at a low temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain a creamy center.
- Allow adequate chilling time after baking to improve sliceability and flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: honey lavender cheesecake, floral cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, elegant dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, lavender dessert, honey dessert