Silky Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe

Silky Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe: A Tea Lover’s Dream

Dessert lovers swoon over this delicate earl grey panna cotta that captures Italian elegance with a delightful tea-infused twist.

Creamy and smooth, the silky earl grey panna cotta melts on your tongue with sophisticated charm.

Rich cream gently steeps with fragrant tea leaves, creating a luxurious dessert that whispers of refined indulgence.

Each spoonful promises a delicate balance of subtle bergamot and velvety texture.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant masterpiece that feels both comforting and exotic.

Minimal effort yields maximum pleasure with this show-stopping dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Prepare to be transported by this heavenly culinary creation that elevates afternoon tea to an art form.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Earl Grey Panna Cotta Ingredient Guide

For Tea Infusion:
  • Earl Grey Tea Bags: Delivers signature bergamot flavor, choose high-quality tea for robust aromatic profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone, select pure vanilla for authentic taste.
For Cream Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture, select fresh cream with high butterfat content.
  • Whole Milk: Balances richness and provides smooth consistency, opt for fresh dairy.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides gentle sweetness, helps stabilize mixture.
For Setting Agent:
  • Powdered Gelatin: Ensures perfect wobble and structure, select unflavored gelatin for clean setting.
  • Cold Water: Activates gelatin, helps bloom process evenly.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness, choose local raw honey for complex flavor.
  • Fresh Berries: Brings vibrant color and tangy contrast, select ripe, seasonal berries.
  • Edible Flowers: Provides elegant decoration, ensure they are culinary-grade and pesticide-free.

Tools Needed For Earl Grey Panna Cotta

  • Saucepan: Essential for heating and infusing cream with tea.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for blooming gelatin with cold water.
  • Whisk: Helps blend gelatin into cream mixture smoothly.
  • Ramekins or silicone molds: Ideal for setting and serving panna cotta.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amounts of vanilla and sugar.
  • Tea bags or tea strainer: Needed for steeping Earl Grey tea.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for garnishing and plating.

Steps To Make Earl Grey Panna Cotta Silky

  • Brew Tea-Infused Cream

Gently warm cream with sugar in a saucepan, stirring until sugar melts. Drop Earl Grey tea bags into the liquid and let them dance around for 5-7 minutes. Remove tea bags and swirl in vanilla extract, creating a fragrant base.

  • Activate Gelatin Magic

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it transform into a silky bloom for about 5 minutes. This step helps create the smooth, wobbling texture that makes panna cotta irresistible.

  • Merge and Chill

Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the tea-kissed cream until completely merged. Pour the silky mixture into elegant glasses or molds. Tuck into the refrigerator and allow to set for at least 4 hours, letting the dessert develop its dreamy consistency.

  • Unveil and Embellish

Loosen the panna cotta by dipping the containers briefly in warm water. Flip onto serving plates with a confident motion. Crown your creation with a drizzle of golden honey, scattered fresh berries, or delicate edible blossoms for a show-stopping finale.

Tips To Get Earl Grey Panna Cotta Just Right

  • Tea Intensity Tip: Adjust steeping time to control Earl Grey flavor strength – shorter for subtle notes, longer for robust tea taste. Experiment to find your perfect balance.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare panna cotta up to 3 days in advance, keeping covered in refrigerator. This makes entertaining super easy and stress-free.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version. Use agar-agar instead of gelatin to maintain plant-based integrity.
  • Flavor Twist: Replace Earl Grey with other tea varieties like lavender, chamomile, or green tea for unique flavor profiles. Each tea will bring a distinctive character to the dessert.
  • Texture Tricks: For silkier result, strain cream mixture through fine-mesh sieve before adding gelatin. This removes any potential tea leaf particles and ensures ultra-smooth consistency.

Serving Earl Grey Panna Cotta Elegantly

  • Elegant Tea Party Showcase: Arrange panna cotta on delicate china plates with a vintage tea set backdrop for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Sweet Berry Burst: Top each dessert with a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries, creating a vibrant color contrast against the creamy white surface.
  • Lavender Honey Drizzle: Gently pour a thin stream of local honey mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil over the panna cotta for an aromatic finish.
  • Edible Flower Elegance: Decorate with delicate edible flowers like violets or rose petals to add a whimsical and Instagram-worthy touch to the dessert.

How To Store Earl Grey Panna Cotta Properly

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the Earl Grey Panna Cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Use airtight containers or plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent flavor absorption and moisture formation.
  • Advance Preparation: Make this dessert a day ahead for optimal texture and flavor development. The chilling time allows gelatin to set perfectly and tea notes to deepen, creating a more refined taste experience.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 weeks. Wrap each panna cotta tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Portion Control: Use small 4-ounce ramekins or glasses for individual servings. This makes serving easier and helps maintain consistent texture across each dessert. Smaller portions also encourage portion management and prevent waste.
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Silky Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe

Silky Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Silky earl grey panna cotta brings Italian dessert elegance to your tea-infused sweet treat. Delicate cream and bergamot notes create a luxurious dessert that will charm your palate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups / 473 milliliters heavy cream
  • 1 cup / 237 milliliters whole milk
  • ¼ cup / 50 grams granulated sugar
  • 2 Earl Grey tea bags
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ tsps / 1 packet unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tbsps cold water
  • honey
  • caramel sauce
  • fresh raspberries
  • fresh blueberries
  • whipped cream
  • edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Infuse: Warm cream in a saucepan over medium heat, dissolving sugar while steeping Earl Grey tea bags for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to maximize flavor extraction.
  2. Prepare Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water, allowing it to bloom and transform into a translucent, spongy consistency without disturbance.
  3. Combine: Remove tea bags from cream, then whisk bloomed gelatin into the aromatic liquid until perfectly integrated, creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
  4. Mold: Distribute the infused cream evenly into serving vessels, covering with protective wrap to prevent moisture accumulation.
  5. Set and Chill: Refrigerate for a minimum of four hours until the panna cotta achieves a delicate, trembling texture that quivers when gently nudged.
  6. Unmold and Garnish: Briefly dip serving containers in warm water to loosen edges, then invert onto chilled plates with a confident motion. Adorn with a drizzle of honey, scattered fresh berries, or delicate edible flower petals for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Steep Strategically: Control tea steeping time carefully to prevent bitterness; 5-7 minutes ensures robust flavor without overpowering the cream’s delicate profile.
  • Gelatin Precision: Bloom gelatin completely in cold water to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, consistent texture throughout the panna cotta.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain gentle, medium heat when warming cream to prevent scorching and preserve the subtle Earl Grey essence.
  • Unmolding Mastery: Use quick, warm water bath technique for smooth release; avoid prolonged contact to prevent melting the delicate dessert structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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