Cheesecake Milk Tea Recipe (Bubble Tea Style)

Milk: Provides the creamy base for the drink.

Black tea: Adds a strong, robust flavor to the tea.

Sugar: Sweetens the drink to balance the flavors.

Cream cheese: Adds a rich, tangy cheesecake flavor.

Ice: Chills the drink and adds a refreshing element.

Tapioca pearls: Adds a chewy texture typical of bubble tea.

When blending the cream cheese with the tea mixture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. This will create a smoother and creamier texture for your cheesecake milk tea. If needed, you can microwave the cream cheese for a few seconds to soften it further.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar creamy texture and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based alternative.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor and is also suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• black tea - Substitute with green tea: Green tea offers a lighter, more delicate flavor and provides a different set of antioxidants.

• black tea - Substitute with oolong tea: Oolong tea has a unique, slightly floral taste that can add complexity to the drink.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and is a natural sweetener.

• cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone cheese has a similar creamy texture but is slightly sweeter and less tangy.

• cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a healthier, protein-rich alternative.

• ice - Substitute with frozen fruit: Frozen fruit can add natural sweetness and additional flavor while keeping the drink cold.

• ice - Substitute with crushed ice: Crushed ice can provide a different texture and cools the drink more quickly.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar chewy texture and are a healthier option, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with sago pearls: Sago pearls have a similar texture and appearance, making them a good alternative for bubble tea.

• Allow the cheesecake milk tea to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the texture of the tapioca pearls.
• Store the cheesecake milk tea in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake milk tea for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the tapioca pearls may become too soft and lose their chewy texture.
• If you need to store the tapioca pearls separately, place them in a container with a small amount of sugar syrup to keep them from sticking together.
• For freezing, pour the cheesecake milk tea into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw frozen cheesecake milk tea in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
• Avoid freezing the tapioca pearls as they do not retain their texture well after thawing. Instead, cook fresh tapioca pearls when ready to serve.
• If the cheesecake milk tea thickens after refrigeration or freezing, blend it again with a little milk or water to restore its smooth consistency.
• Always taste the cheesecake milk tea before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced and the texture is right. Adjust sweetness if necessary.

• Gently reheat the milk tea mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream cheese from curdling. Do not let it boil.
• If you prefer a quicker method, microwave the milk tea mixture in a microwave-safe container. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For the tapioca pearls, reheat them separately by placing them in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes until they regain their chewy texture. Drain before adding to the reheated milk tea.
• If you have a steam oven, place the milk tea mixture in a heatproof container and steam for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring the cream cheese remains smooth and creamy.
• To maintain the texture of the ice, consider adding fresh ice cubes to the reheated milk tea just before serving.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the milk and dissolve the sugar.

• Blender: Combines the brewed tea, sweetened milk, cream cheese, and ice until smooth.

• Teapot: Used to brew the black tea with hot water.

• Measuring cups: Measures the milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls accurately.

• Teaspoon: Measures the sugar.

• Serving glasses: Holds the tapioca pearls and the blended mixture for serving.

• Stirring spoon: Used to stir the milk and sugar in the saucepan.

• Ice cube tray: Provides the ice needed for blending.

• Strainer: Strains the tea bags from the brewed tea.

• Tapioca pearl cooker: Cooks the tapioca pearls to the right consistency.

Pre-brew the tea: Brew the black tea in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, it's ready to use when you need it.

Use a microwave: Heat the milk and sugar mixture in the microwave to save time. Just ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

Soften cream cheese quickly: Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for faster softening.

Cook tapioca pearls ahead: Prepare the tapioca pearls in advance and store them in a syrup solution to keep them soft and chewy.