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Spiced Sweet Tea Cheesecake Blondies

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Infused with a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest, these blondies offer aromatic warmth and depth. The batter is enriched with creamy cheesecake swirl that adds luscious texture and tangy brightness. For extra flavor, a hint of brewed spiced sweet tea is incorporated into both layers, while vanilla and subtle brown sugar notes balance the richness. After gentle swirling, the bars bake to a golden finish, resulting in tender squares perfect for enjoying as a comforting dessert. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

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Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:11:00 GMT
Indulge in spiced sweet tea cheesecake blondies with a creamy swirl and rich aroma. Save
Indulge in spiced sweet tea cheesecake blondies with a creamy swirl and rich aroma. | berrycottage.com

A luscious blondie bar combining the warm flavors of spiced sweet tea and creamy cheesecake, finished with a tender crumb and a hint of citrus.

I first made these for a book club meeting, and the swirled cheesecake layer was such a hit that everyone asked for the recipe. The subtle spice from the tea and the creamy tang pair perfectly, and I love how easy it is to marble the batter for an impressive effect.

Ingredients

  • Water: 1 cup, for brewing the spiced sweet tea
  • Black tea bags: 2, to infuse the tea flavor
  • Cinnamon stick: 1, adds a warm spice
  • Whole cloves: 3, for depth of flavor
  • Lemon zest: 1 strip, fresh and aromatic
  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), melted, base for rich blondies
  • Light brown sugar: 1 1/4 cups (250 g), packed, for chewy texture
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g) for blondies plus 1/3 cup (65 g) for cheesecake swirl
  • Eggs: 2 large for blondies, 1 large for cheesecake swirl
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, adds warmth
  • Brewed spiced sweet tea: 2 tbsp for blondies, 2 tbsp for cheesecake swirl, cooled
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g), structure for bars
  • Baking powder: 1/2 tsp, for lift
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp, balances sweetness
  • Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened, main ingredient for cheesecake swirl
  • Lemon juice: 1 tsp, brightens cheesecake swirl

Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Sweet Tea:
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add tea bags, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon zest. Remove from heat and steep for 8 minutes. Remove tea bags and strain, discarding spices and zest. Let cool.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Make Blondie Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and brewed spiced sweet tea and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Spread 2/3 of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Prepare Cheesecake Swirl:
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, brewed spiced sweet tea, and lemon juice and beat until creamy and lump-free.
Assemble:
Dollop cheesecake mixture over the blondie base. Spoon remaining blondie batter in small mounds over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together for a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are golden. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
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| berrycottage.com

My family loves when the aroma of cinnamon and tea fills our kitchen. Cutting these blondies into generous squares always seems to bring everyone to the table just a little faster.

Required Tools

Saucepan, mixing bowls, 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, whisk, electric mixer (optional for cheesecake layer), parchment paper, spatula, knife or skewer

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 265 calories, 14 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for the perfect finishing touch

Delightful spiced sweet tea cheesecake blondies, perfect for dessert lovers and tea enthusiasts. Save
Delightful spiced sweet tea cheesecake blondies, perfect for dessert lovers and tea enthusiasts. | berrycottage.com

Let these Spiced Sweet Tea Cheesecake Blondies bring a twist to your dessert table with their fragrant blend of tea and classic creamy swirl. Enjoy their unique flavor and tender crumb for any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I intensify the spiced tea flavor?

Steep tea bags longer, use extra tea bags, or add ground ginger or nutmeg for a richer spice profile.

→ Can I prepare in advance?

Yes, store cooled blondies in the refrigerator up to 4 days for easy make-ahead options.

→ What texture should the blondies have?

Expect a tender crumb with moistness from the cheesecake swirl and a delicate marbled top.

→ Are there serving suggestions?

Try with whipped cream and extra lemon zest for added brightness and creamy mouthfeel.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, ingredients are vegetarian, containing dairy, eggs, and wheat. Always check packaged items for hidden allergens.

→ What tools are needed?

You’ll need a saucepan, mixing bowls, baking pan, whisk, spatula, electric mixer, and parchment paper.

Spiced Sweet Tea Cheesecake Blondies

Blondies with spiced tea, soft cheesecake swirl, and lemon zest offer richness and delicate crumb.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
65 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Spiced Sweet Tea

01 1 cup water
02 2 black tea bags
03 1 cinnamon stick
04 3 whole cloves
05 1 strip lemon zest

Blondie Base

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 2 tablespoons brewed spiced sweet tea, cooled
07 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Swirl

01 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 tablespoons brewed spiced sweet tea, cooled
05 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

Direction 01

Prepare Spiced Sweet Tea: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add tea bags, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and a strip of lemon zest. Remove from heat and steep for eight minutes. Remove tea bags and strain the mixture, discarding spices and zest; allow tea to cool.

Direction 02

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Direction 03

Mix Blondie Base: Whisk together melted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled brewed spiced sweet tea. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Spread two-thirds of blondie batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Direction 04

Prepare Cheesecake Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, egg, brewed spiced sweet tea, and lemon juice; continue beating until mixture is creamy and without lumps.

Direction 05

Layer and Marble: Dollop cheesecake mixture over the blondie base, spoon the remaining blondie batter in small mounds over the cheesecake layer, and gently swirl using a knife or skewer to achieve a marbled effect.

Direction 06

Bake Blondies: Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are golden. Cool completely in the pan prior to slicing into squares.

Necessary tools

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional for cheesecake mixture)
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Knife or skewer

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy). Check packaged ingredients for potential hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 3 g