Earl Grey Panna Cotta is a silky, elegant dessert infused with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. This creamy, lightly sweet treat has a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with honey, fresh berries, or a light citrus drizzle. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for tea lovers and anyone looking for a refined, make-ahead treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – The perfect balance of smooth texture and subtle tea flavor.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Sophisticated flavor – Infused with aromatic Earl Grey tea for a unique twist.
- Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Customizable toppings – Pair with honey, berries, caramel, or citrus zest.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf tea)
- Gelatin powder or sheets
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
- Fresh berries or honey (for serving)
Directions
- Steep the tea – In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Add Earl Grey tea bags and let steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Dissolve the gelatin – In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Sweeten the mixture – Add sugar and vanilla extract to the warm cream mixture, stirring until dissolved.
- Incorporate the gelatin – Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture until fully dissolved.
- Strain and pour – Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any tea particles. Pour into ramekins or serving glasses.
- Chill – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Serve – Top with fresh berries, honey, or a citrus drizzle before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Honey Earl Grey Panna Cotta – Replace sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist – Add a little melted white or dark chocolate to the cream mixture.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk or almond milk with agar-agar instead of gelatin.
- Lavender Infused – Add a pinch of dried lavender for extra floral notes.
- Citrus Touch – Add orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the texture may change.
- Serving Tip – Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes! Use about 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea and strain well before setting.
How do I ensure my panna cotta is smooth?
Strain the mixture before pouring into ramekins to remove any lumps or tea particles.
What’s the best way to serve panna cotta?
Serve in the ramekins or unmold onto a plate by dipping the bottom in warm water for a few seconds.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It’s best when made the day before serving, making it great for dinner parties.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce or increase the sugar to taste, or use honey or maple syrup instead.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
Agar-agar is a great vegetarian alternative; adjust the amount according to package instructions.
Can I use decaf Earl Grey tea?
Yes! Decaf works just as well without altering the flavor.
How long does panna cotta take to set?
At least 4 hours in the fridge, but overnight is best for a firm texture.
What pairs well with Earl Grey panna cotta?
Fresh berries, caramel sauce, shortbread cookies, or citrus zest make great pairings.
Can I make this without milk?
Yes! You can use all heavy cream for a richer texture, or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
Earl Grey Panna Cotta is an easy yet luxurious dessert that brings a fragrant tea twist to the classic Italian treat. With its silky-smooth texture and delicate citrusy tea notes, this make-ahead dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Try it with different toppings and enjoy a beautifully infused, creamy delight!
PrintEarl Grey Panna Cotta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian, French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Earl Grey Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy dessert infused with the delicate floral and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Lightly sweetened and topped with a drizzle of honey or fresh berries, this elegant dessert is perfect for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a sophisticated treat!
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder (about 1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish (Optional):
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
-
Steep the Earl Grey Cream:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar.
- Add the Earl Grey tea and stir occasionally.
- Heat until it almost reaches a simmer (do not boil!).
- Remove from heat and let it steep for 5–7 minutes for a strong tea flavor.
-
Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons of cold water.
- Let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes a gel-like consistency.
-
Strain and Combine:
- Strain the Earl Grey cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved.
-
Pour and Chill:
- Divide the mixture into ramekins, glasses, or molds.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve in the ramekins or unmold onto plates.
- Garnish with honey, fresh berries, or whipped cream for an elegant touch.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *