Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée is a sophisticated twist on the classic French dessert, infusing the creamy custard base with the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea and fragrant vanilla. Topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust, this dessert is both elegant and comforting—perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or a luxurious treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crème brûlée offers a beautiful balance of creamy richness and subtle complexity from the Earl Grey tea. The vanilla enhances the dessert’s warmth, while the tea adds a gentle floral-citrus aroma that sets it apart from traditional versions. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and feels like a gourmet experience with every spoonful. Plus, cracking through that caramelized sugar top never gets old.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Heavy cream
• Earl Grey tea (loose leaf or bags)
• Vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract
• Egg yolks
• Granulated sugar
• Brown or turbinado sugar (for the brûlée topping)
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering.
3. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea and vanilla (bean seeds or extract), and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain the infused cream to remove tea leaves or bags.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
6. Slowly pour the warm infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
7. Strain the mixture again for a silky texture, then pour into ramekins.
8. Place ramekins in a deep baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
9. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the custards are just set with a slight wobble in the center.
10. Remove from the water bath and let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
11. Before serving, sprinkle the tops evenly with brown or turbinado sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp.
12. Let sit for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Variations

• Lavender Twist: Add a pinch of culinary lavender with the tea for a floral note.
• Citrus Boost: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to highlight the bergamot in Earl Grey.
• Honey-Sweetened: Replace sugar in the custard with honey for a more complex sweetness.
• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk, though the texture may be slightly different.
• Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or amaretto to the cream after steeping.

storage/reheating

Store the custards covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not brûlée the sugar topping until just before serving to maintain its signature crunch.
The custard can be made in advance, but caramelize the sugar fresh for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf?

Yes, use 2–3 tea bags in place of loose leaf for convenience.

How strong should the Earl Grey flavor be?

It’s meant to be subtle and aromatic. Adjust steeping time to your taste, but don’t over-steep to avoid bitterness.

Do I need a kitchen torch?

A kitchen torch works best, but you can broil the sugar topping briefly under a hot broiler as an alternative.

What’s the best type of cream to use?

Heavy cream (or double cream) is ideal for the richest, smoothest texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the custards can be prepared and chilled a day in advance. Caramelize the sugar just before serving.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of a bean?

Absolutely. Use 1–2 teaspoons of good quality vanilla extract if you don’t have a vanilla bean.

Why is my custard grainy?

The cream may have been too hot when mixed with the eggs, causing curdling. Whisk slowly and temper gradually.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The custard should be set around the edges but still jiggle slightly in the center when gently shaken.

Can I freeze crème brûlée?

Freezing isn’t recommended as it can alter the creamy texture once thawed.

What size ramekins should I use?

Use 4-ounce (about 120 ml) ramekins for individual portions. Adjust bake time slightly for larger or smaller sizes.

Conclusion

Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée is a luxurious dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. With its smooth custard base, aromatic tea infusion, and crisp caramelized topping, it’s a truly special treat that feels gourmet yet is simple enough to make at home. Whether for a celebration or a quiet indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress with every spoonful.

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