Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Published: November 20, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Earl Grey tea and vanilla bean creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this crème brûlée is accessible for any home cook.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Impressive Presentation: The caramelized sugar top offers a stunning visual appeal that will wow your guests.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different teas or flavorings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Earl Grey crème brûlée, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process, ensuring a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ramekins
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
Sieve
Baking tray (9 by 12 or 9 by 13)
Kitchen torch or broiler

Importance of Each Tool

Ramekins: These individual dishes help create perfect portions and ensure even cooking for your crème brûlée.
Sieve: A sieve is essential for straining out tea leaves and vanilla pods, ensuring a smooth custard texture.
Kitchen Torch: A kitchen torch allows you to caramelize the sugar evenly, giving your dessert that classic brûlée finish.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Earl Grey crème brûlée, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Custard Base

1 ⅓ cups milk (preferably 2%)
2 tablespoons loose leaf earl grey tea (or 2 teabags)
1 whole vanilla bean (whole)
5 egg yolks (large)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream (35%))

For the Caramelized Sugar Topping

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to Make Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Step 1: Infuse the Milk

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the vanilla bean pod, seeds, earl grey tea, and milk.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Strain through a sieve to discard the tea leaves and vanilla pod.

Step 2: Prepare for Baking

Fill a kettle with water and set it to boil.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

Step 3: Mix Egg Yolks and Cream

In a large bowl, stir together granulated sugar and egg yolks until smooth; do not whisk until lightened in color.
Add the infused milk and heavy cream along with sea salt, stirring until combined.

Step 4: Fill Ramekins

Pour the custard mixture evenly into four individual ramekins.
Place ramekins in a large baking tray; carefully pour boiling water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes or until mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool

Carefully remove ramekins from water bath using tongs while they are still hot.
Allow them to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least three hours or overnight until chilled.

Step 7: Caramelize Sugar

Just before serving, sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar on each crème brûlée’s surface.
Heat with a kitchen torch or place under a broiler until sugar melts and caramelizes.
Let cool completely before serving.

Enjoy this elegant Earl Grey Crème Brûlée as a perfect ending to any meal!

How to Serve Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Earl Grey crème brûlée is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Pair with Fresh Berries

Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a pop of color and complement the creamy texture of the crème brûlée.

Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

A light and fluffy whipped cream topping can enhance the richness of the dessert while providing a lovely contrast in texture.

Serve with Shortbread Cookies

The buttery crunch of shortbread cookies pairs beautifully with the silky smoothness of the crème brûlée, offering an enjoyable bite.

Accompany with Tea

A cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea can elevate the experience, allowing you to enjoy the flavors in both dessert and beverage form.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

Edible flowers like violets or pansies not only beautify the dish but also add a subtle floral note that complements the tea flavor.

Create a Dessert Plate

Present your crème brûlée alongside other desserts, such as fruit tarts or chocolate mousse, for an impressive dessert spread.

How to Perfect Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

To achieve the best Earl Grey crème brûlée, pay attention to these essential tips for flawless results.

Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality tea and fresh vanilla beans make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for loose leaf tea for a richer infusion.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your ramekins while baking. They should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Cool Gradually: Allow ramekins to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface.
Caramelize Carefully: When melting sugar on top, do it slowly and evenly to avoid burning. A kitchen torch works best for precision.

Best Side Dishes for Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Adding side dishes can create a well-rounded dining experience when serving Earl Grey crème brûlée. Here are some excellent options:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light counterbalance to the rich dessert.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits or marshmallows into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that complements the flavors.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti offers a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs nicely.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie alongside some nuts and dried fruits for an elegant touch.
Mini Scones: Lightly sweetened scones can be served warm with clotted cream, providing an English twist.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra creaminess and balances out the warmth of caramelized sugar.
Pistachio Cake: This light cake delivers nutty flavors that complement Earl Grey without overpowering it.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and flavor depth, enhancing your dessert experience without being too filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Earl Grey crème brûlée can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve a perfect dessert.

Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs and cream can lead to uneven cooking and texture.
Skipping the infusion time: Infusing the tea and vanilla is crucial for flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it steep for the full 10 minutes.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your custard as it bakes. It should be mostly set with a slight jiggle. Overbaking will result in a rubbery texture.
Not cooling properly: After baking, let your crème brûlée cool to room temperature before chilling. This ensures a smooth consistency and helps with flavor development.
Ignoring the sugar layer: For that perfect caramelized top, ensure even sugar distribution when sprinkling over the crème brûlée. Uneven layers can cause some areas to burn while others remain uncaramelized.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Crème brûlée can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

You can freeze the custards without the sugar topping for up to 2 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Reheating Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Oven: Preheat at 150°C (300°F) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, avoid overheating.
Microwave: Use medium power in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place ramekins in a pan of simmering water for gentle reheating, ensuring they do not touch the water directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Earl Grey crème brûlée.

Can I use any type of tea for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other flavored teas if you want to experiment. Just remember that different teas will impart unique flavors.

How can I make my Earl Grey Crème Brûlée dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, keeping in mind that this may alter the taste and texture slightly.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

If ramekins are not available, you can use small oven-safe dishes or cups, but ensure they have similar depth and size for even baking.

How do I achieve a crunchy top on my Earl Grey Crème Brûlée?

Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top before caramelizing. Use a kitchen torch or broiler carefully to achieve that satisfying crunch without burning it.

Final Thoughts

Earl Grey crème brûlée is a delightful dessert that balances creamy texture with aromatic flavors. Its versatility allows customization with different teas or toppings. Try making it for your next dinner party or special occasion; it’s sure to impress!

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