This Earl Grey Panna Cotta is a creamy, silky-smooth dessert infused with the delicate flavors of bergamot and black tea. The rich, vanilla-scented cream pairs beautifully with the floral and citrusy notes of Earl Grey, making it an elegant treat for tea lovers. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, this panna cotta is perfect for dinner parties, afternoon tea, or a luxurious personal indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet creamy – A smooth and delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple to make – Requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
- Elegant and unique – A refined twist on classic panna cotta.
- Make-ahead dessert – Perfect for entertaining or prepping in advance.
- Customizable toppings – Pair with honey, citrus, fresh berries, or chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Heavy cream (or a mix of heavy cream and whole milk)
- Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf Earl Grey tea)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Unflavored gelatin powder
- Cold water
- Honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh berries or citrus zest (for garnish)
Directions
1. Steep the Earl Grey Cream
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream (or cream and milk) over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Add the Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf tea in a tea infuser) and steep for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Remove the tea bags (or strain out the loose tea) and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Bloom the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes until it softens.
3. Combine and Dissolve
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm tea-infused cream and whisk until completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Pour and Chill
- Pour the mixture into ramekins or serving glasses.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Serve directly in the ramekins or unmold onto a plate.
- Garnish with fresh berries, citrus zest, honey drizzle, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Steeping & cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-free version – Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Sweeter option – Add extra honey or maple syrup.
- Citrus twist – Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to enhance the bergamot flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle – Top with dark chocolate for a rich contrast.
- Lavender infusion – Add a touch of dried lavender for a floral accent.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may change.
- Serving tip: If unmolding, dip the ramekin in warm water for a few seconds to release the panna cotta.
FAQs
What is panna cotta?
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made with sweetened cream thickened with gelatin, resulting in a silky, custard-like texture.
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes! Use about 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea in a tea infuser or strain it after steeping.
How do I prevent a grainy texture?
Ensure the gelatin fully dissolves and don’t overheat the cream.
Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, but use about half the amount and follow the package instructions for best results.
How firm should panna cotta be?
It should be set but still have a slight jiggle when shaken.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Panna cotta is perfect for making a day in advance.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Enjoy it straight from the ramekin or unmold onto a plate for an elegant presentation.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Adjust the sugar to your taste or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
How do I add more Earl Grey flavor?
Let the tea steep longer (without boiling) or use an extra tea bag.
Can I top this with caramel or chocolate?
Absolutely! Caramel sauce, honey, or melted chocolate pairs beautifully.
Conclusion
This Earl Grey Panna Cotta is a sophisticated, creamy dessert with delicate tea-infused flavors. It’s easy to make, perfect for special occasions, and a must-try for tea lovers. Try this simple yet elegant recipe today and enjoy a beautifully balanced, silky treat!
PrintEarl Grey Panna Cotta
This Earl Grey Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy dessert infused with the delicate floral and citrus notes of Earl Grey tea. It’s easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and is the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian, French
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf Earl Grey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tbsp cold water
For Garnish (Optional):
- Honey drizzle or caramel sauce
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries)
- Whipped cream
- Edible flowers
Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Earl Grey tea bags and steep for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. (For a stronger flavor, steep longer.)
- Remove tea bags (or strain if using loose tea). Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes until it blooms.
Step 3: Combine & Chill
- Remove the cream mixture from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour into ramekins, small glasses, or silicone molds.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- To unmold, dip the ramekins in warm water for 5 seconds, then invert onto a plate.
- Garnish with honey drizzle, fresh berries, or edible flowers. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Prefer a sweeter panna cotta? Increase sugar to ⅓ cup.
- For an extra citrusy twist, add ½ tsp orange zest to the cream mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.