Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe
If you love the delicate aroma of tea and the creamy chill of a perfectly set dessert, Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts are about to become your new obsession. These gorgeous little tarts pair the fragrant citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with silky, vanilla-infused panna cotta, all nestled in a crisp tart shell. They’re effortlessly elegant, guaranteed to delight at any gathering, and surprisingly simple to make—even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The irresistible blend of flavors and textures in these Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts will have everyone swooning for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 6 fully baked tart shells (3–4 inches each)
- Optional garnish: fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar
How to Make Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
Pour the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar into a small saucepan. Gently heat over medium until the mixture is steaming and the sugar has melted—keep an eye out, you don’t want it to boil. Take the pan off the heat, toss in your Earl Grey tea, and pop on a lid. Let it steep for 10 minutes; this is where your panna cotta gets that unmistakable Earl Grey flavor. When the time’s up, strain out the tea (bags or leaves) for a perfectly smooth cream base.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
While the tea is working its magic in the cream, sprinkle your powdered gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This process, known as blooming, allows the gelatin to absorb the water and prevents clumping in your finished panna cotta.
Step 3: Finish the Panna Cotta
Once you’ve strained your cream mixture, return it to low heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, scrape in the now-bloomed gelatin and stir gently until it’s completely dissolved. This step is crucial—make sure every bit of gelatin is thoroughly melted so your Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts set up perfectly.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. (Hot milk poured directly into the tart shells can make the crusts soggy, and nobody wants that!) When the cream feels just warm to the touch, carefully pour it into the prepared tart shells. Set the tarts in the fridge and let them chill for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is softly set and deliciously creamy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When your Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts are set, decorate them with a flourish! Top with fresh berries, scatter over a few edible flowers, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a charming finish. These tarts look as lovely as they taste, so take a moment to admire your handiwork before serving.
How to Serve Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms these tarts into a real showstopper. Try fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, or plump blueberries for a burst of color and tang. Edible flowers—think violets or pansies—bring elegance and charm. A gentle snowfall of powdered sugar adds a classic bakery vibe. Mix and match for your own signature touch!
Side Dishes
Although Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts can happily stand on their own, pairing them with the right sides elevates your dessert spread. A fresh fruit salad or a platter of citrus segments balances the creaminess, while a light, crisp shortbread biscuit alongside each plate makes for a subtle, buttery contrast. If serving at teatime, a pot of strong Earl Grey tea brings the flavor theme full circle.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts truly unforgettable? Arrange them artfully on a tiered stand for a playful nod to English tea parties. For a modern twist, serve the panna cotta in clear glasses or mini jars with layers of crumbled tart shell at the bottom. For special occasions, use tiny tartlet tins for perfectly bite-sized treats that are as adorable as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These tarts keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container, or gently wrap each tart in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. The panna cotta will stay silky, and your crust will hold its crunch—just avoid adding delicate garnishes until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
If you need to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the un-garnished Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts. Set them on a tray to freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Do note: while the filling stays creamy, the texture of the tart shell may lose a little crispness, so freeze only if absolutely necessary.
Reheating
No reheating required—one of the joys of these tarts is enjoying them cold straight from the fridge! If they’ve chilled for several days and seem very firm, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring back the perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Earl Grey is classic for its unique bergamot flavor, you can swap in lavender, chamomile, or any other aromatic black tea you love. Just steep to taste, as strength levels can vary.
Do I need to make my own tart shells?
Not at all—store-bought tart shells work perfectly and save loads of time. If you do want to go homemade, any classic buttery tart pastry will be delicious. Just be sure they’re fully baked and cooled before filling.
How can I make these Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts vegetarian?
Swap the gelatin for a vegetarian alternative such as agar-agar. Check the package directions, since agar sets more firmly and the method can vary a little. The result will still be lovely and creamy!
Can I make the panna cotta without the tart shells?
Definitely. Just pour the mixture into ramekins or small glass cups to create classic panna cotta. You can still garnish with berries and flowers for a pretty finish—no tart shell required.
What can I do for extra Earl Grey flavor?
For even more pronounced Earl Grey essence, steep the tea for 12–15 minutes or use a premium loose-leaf blend. Just keep an eye on bitterness—taste as you go to balance fragrance with flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly enchanting about these Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts—the balance of creamy, dreamy filling and fragrant tea in a crisp shell just feels special every time. Whether you’re making a treat for yourself or impressing guests, I hope you’ll fall in love with this dessert as much as I have. Give the recipe a try and see just how magical a little infusion of Earl Grey can be!
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Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts that marry the delicate flavors of Earl Grey tea with creamy panna cotta, all nestled in a buttery tart shell. A sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 6 fully baked tart shells (3–4 inches each)
- Optional garnish: fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Panna Cotta Mixture: In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, and sugar. Steep Earl Grey tea, then strain. Dissolve gelatin in water and add to the mixture. Cool slightly.
- Fill the Tart Shells: Pour the panna cotta mixture into tart shells. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with berries, flowers, or powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the panna cotta mixture is slightly cooled before pouring into tart shells to prevent soggy crusts.
- For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, extend the steeping time or use a more robust tea blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
