Silky Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Classic

Smooth, silky earl grey panna cotta whispers elegance with every delicate spoonful.

Tea lovers understand the magic of infusing delicate cream with bergamot’s subtle fragrance.

Delightful desserts sometimes surprise us with unexpected flavor combinations that dance across our palates.

Cold, creamy textures contrast beautifully against the aromatic tea’s gentle warmth.

Each bite promises a sophisticated experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Italians perfected this dreamy custard-like treat, and now you can craft a stunning version right in your kitchen.

Rich yet light, this dessert will impress even the most discerning sweet enthusiasts.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that elevates afternoon tea into a decadent moment of pure bliss.

How To Make Earl Grey Panna Cotta Step By Step

Step 1: Create Earl Grey Cream Infusion

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar

Warm the mixture over medium heat, gently stirring until sugar completely melts. Drop in Earl Grey tea bags and let them dance in the liquid for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to encourage flavor extraction. Once the tea has worked its magic, pull out the tea bags. Splash in vanilla extract and give it a friendly stir.

Step 2: Awaken the Gelatin

Grab a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over cool water. Let it rest and soften for 5 minutes, watching it transform into a wobbling, translucent blob. This process is called blooming, where gelatin becomes ready to work its thickening magic.

Step 3: Blend and Chill

Remove cream from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin. Ensure every bit dissolves smoothly into the creamy mixture. Pour the silky liquid into elegant ramekins, charming glasses, or flexible silicone molds. Cover gently and tuck into the refrigerator. Let it rest and set for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 4: Unmold and Decorate

When ready to serve, dip ramekins briefly in warm water to help release the panna cotta. Flip onto a beautiful plate with a confident motion. Drizzle with golden honey, scatter fresh berries, or sprinkle delicate edible flowers. Your Earl Grey Panna Cotta is ready to dazzle taste buds!

Tips For Making Smooth Earl Grey Panna Cotta

• Steep Strategically: Adjust Earl Grey tea steeping time to control the intensity of flavor, with longer steeping creating a more robust tea essence in your panna cotta.
• Gelatin Mastery: Ensure gelatin blooms completely in cold water before mixing to guarantee a smooth, perfectly set dessert without lumpy texture.
• Unmolding Magic: Use a brief warm water bath to help release panna cotta cleanly from ramekins, creating picture-perfect dessert presentation every time.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different honey varieties or fresh berries as garnishes to complement the delicate Earl Grey tea notes and add visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare panna cotta a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving you time before serving guests or enjoying a special treat.

How To Store Earl Grey Panna Cotta The Right Way

• Chill freshly made panna cotta in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture.
• Store the dessert in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains covered to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Keep the panna cotta away from strong-smelling ingredients to preserve its delicate Earl Grey flavor.
• When storing, place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent any potential separation.

Perfect Pairings For Earl Grey Panna Cotta

• Pair with Bergamot-Infused Cocktail: Create a refreshing cocktail using gin, bergamot liqueur, and a splash of tonic water to complement the Earl Grey's citrusy notes.
• Match with Lavender Shortbread Cookies: The delicate, buttery cookies provide a perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy panna cotta while echoing the floral tea undertones.
• Serve alongside Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich, intense chocolate beautifully balances the light, silky texture of the dessert, creating a luxurious flavor combination that enhances the Earl Grey's depth.
• Combine with Fresh Berry Compote: A tangy, slightly sweet berry sauce cuts through the panna cotta's richness, adding a bright, fresh element that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Ways To Switch Up Earl Grey Panna Cotta

• Lavender Infusion: Replace Earl Grey tea bags with dried lavender buds for a floral, aromatic version that brings a soft, delicate flavor to the classic panna cotta.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Add orange or lemon zest during the cream infusion to create a bright, refreshing take on the traditional dessert that provides a tangy undertone.
• Chai Spice Remix: Swap Earl Grey for chai tea bags and include a pinch of ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger to transform the panna cotta into a warm, spiced dessert with complex layers of flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Accent: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the set panna cotta or mix a small amount of melted chocolate into the cream for a rich, luxurious variation that adds depth and intensity.

Common Questions About Earl Grey Panna Cotta

• What does Earl Grey tea bring to this panna cotta?

The tea adds a unique, bergamot-infused flavor that gives the dessert a delicate, aromatic twist. The citrusy notes of Earl Grey complement the creamy texture, creating a sophisticated and refreshing dessert experience.

• Can I use loose tea instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! Simply strain the loose tea leaves after steeping. Use about 2-3 teaspoons of loose Earl Grey tea for the same flavor intensity as tea bags. The key is to steep the tea long enough to extract its full flavor profile.

• Is this dessert difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This panna cotta is surprisingly simple. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create an elegant dessert. The process involves heating, steeping, and chilling – no complex techniques required.

• How can I tell if the panna cotta is properly set?

The dessert should be firm but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. After 4 hours of chilling, it should hold its shape when unmolded. If it’s too soft, it needs more time in the refrigerator.

Why Earl Grey Panna Cotta Feels So Elegant

• Quick Flavor Infusion: Steep Earl Grey tea bags directly in cream for an effortless, aromatic twist that transforms a classic dessert into a sophisticated treat without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Prep Dessert: Requires only 15-20 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want an elegant dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Presentation: Easily adaptable for fancy dinner parties or casual gatherings by changing garnishes like honey, fresh berries, or edible flowers, creating a visually stunning dessert that impresses guests.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, reducing day-of stress and allowing busy hosts to focus on other meal preparations while still serving a delightful, creamy dessert.

Ingredients You Need For Earl Grey Panna Cotta

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious foundation for smooth panna cotta texture.
• Milk: Helps create a lighter, more delicate dessert consistency.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tea's earthy flavor.

• Earl Grey Tea Bags: Signature citrusy bergamot flavor that defines the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the tea's aromatic profile.

• Gelatin, Cold Water: Crucial for setting the dessert with a soft, silky structure. Select high-quality, unflavored gelatin for best results.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and complements the tea's flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Provides bright, fresh contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Edible Flowers: Elegant visual and subtle floral touch to the presentation.

Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky earl grey panna cotta whispers Italian dessert elegance with delicate tea-infused cream. Elegant and smooth, this chilled treat brings European sophistication to your dessert table with pure culinary charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole milk
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Garnish Ingredients:

• Honey
• Caramel sauce
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Whipped cream
• Edible flowers

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Instructions

1. Gently warm the cream mixture in a saucepan, allowing sugar to dissolve completely while maintaining a medium heat. Immerse Earl Grey tea bags into the liquid, letting the robust tea essence permeate the cream for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring to enhance flavor extraction.
2. Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water, allowing the powder to absorb and transform into a soft, spongy texture. Let the gelatin rest undisturbed for several minutes until it appears fully hydrated and translucent.
3. Carefully remove tea bags from the cream, ensuring no excess liquid drips back into the mixture. Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the aromatic cream until it integrates seamlessly, creating a silky, uniform liquid.
4. Delicately transfer the infused cream into elegant serving vessels, ensuring an even distribution. Seal the containers with protective wrap to prevent surface condensation.
5. Refrigerate the panna cotta for a minimum of four hours, allowing the mixture to set and develop a delicate, trembling consistency. The dessert should wiggle slightly when gently nudged.
6. To release the panna cotta, briefly submerge the serving containers in warm water, which will help loosen the edges. Invert onto a chilled plate with a swift, confident motion.
7. Embellish the creamy dessert with a delicate drizzle of golden honey, scattered fresh berries, or a sprinkle of edible floral petals for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Steep tea with precision by monitoring the infusion time carefully to achieve the perfect balance of Earl Grey flavor without overwhelming bitterness.
• Swap whole milk for lighter options like almond or oat milk to create a more diet-friendly dessert that accommodates lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
• Use high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea for a more nuanced and sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to add depth and complexity to the traditional panna cotta recipe while catering to different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg