Ultimate Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe Perfect for Citrus Lovers

Name: Ultimate Earl Grey Panna Cotta Recipe Perfect for Citrus Lovers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or 2 tea bags; Zest of one orange; 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (about one packet); 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Posted on August 22, 2025

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There’s something magical about the combination of Earl Grey tea and citrus. The cozy floral notes of bergamot paired with the bright tang of orange zest create a dessert that feels both comforting and refreshing. Enter the ultimate Earl Grey panna cotta – a luxuriously creamy treat with just the right hint of citrus to keep things interesting. If you’re a citrus lover or a tea enthusiast, this recipe is sure to win your heart. It’s decadent yet simple to make, and honestly, it’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a little “me time” with a spoon and no distractions.

This recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it combines two of my favorite things: elegant desserts and tea. Plus, the subtle citrus twist makes it feel uniquely mine. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up, and once you try it, it might just become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

The Story Behind Earl Grey Panna Cotta

Earl Grey tea has a fascinating history tied to British tradition. It’s named after Charles Grey, the British Prime Minister in the 1830s, who supposedly received the recipe as a gift from a Chinese diplomat. The blend’s signature bergamot flavor is what sets it apart – it’s floral yet citrusy and pairs beautifully with creamy textures. Combining it with panna cotta, an Italian dessert known for its delicate, silky consistency, feels like a match made in heaven.

My journey with this recipe started during a cozy winter afternoon. I was sipping Earl Grey tea, and the idea struck me: what if I infused this tea into a dessert? After experimenting with a few variations, the addition of orange zest became the secret ingredient that took the panna cotta to the next level. It’s perfect year-round, but it especially shines during spring and winter when you’re craving something elegant yet comforting.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to get the perfect balance of flavors. The floral notes of the tea and the brightness of citrus complement the creamy base beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as the finale to a dinner party or enjoying it solo after a long day, this dessert always feels special.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the ultimate Earl Grey panna cotta. Here’s a closer look:

Heavy cream: Choose a high-quality cream for the creamiest texture. Avoid ultra-pasteurized options as they can impact the flavor.
Earl Grey tea: Loose-leaf tea works best for maximum flavor, but tea bags are also fine. Look for blends with a strong bergamot presence.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar is ideal for sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin is the key to achieving that perfect wobble. Agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian alternative, but the texture will be slightly firmer.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor. Pure vanilla extract is a must here – avoid artificial varieties.
Orange zest: The citrus twist that makes this recipe pop. Fresh zest is non-negotiable; it adds brightness and a hint of complexity.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could experiment with Meyer lemon zest or even swap the Earl Grey for another tea blend like lavender or chamomile for a unique spin.

Equipment Needed

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy tools to pull off this recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Small saucepan: For steeping the tea and heating the cream mixture.
Fine mesh strainer: Essential for removing tea leaves or any zest bits.
Mixing bowl: For blooming the gelatin.
Whisk: A simple whisk works wonders for combining ingredients smoothly.
Ramekins or serving glasses: Choose your favorite presentation style – ramekins for a classic look or pretty glasses for a modern vibe.

If you don’t have ramekins, small jars or even teacups can work beautifully. Bonus points for creativity in presentation!

Preparation Method

Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons (about one packet) of unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until softened.
Infuse the cream: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups (480ml) of heavy cream and ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags) and the zest of one orange. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the cream doesn’t boil.
Strain the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and zest.
Add the gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture until fully dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Pour and chill: Divide the mixture evenly into ramekins or serving glasses. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Serve: Once set, garnish with additional orange zest, a sprig of mint, or even edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Serve chilled and enjoy!

The key here is patience while chilling – it’s worth the wait to get that perfect silky texture!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making panna cotta might seem intimidating, but here are some tips to ensure success:

Steep the tea carefully. Too long, and it may turn bitter; too short, and the flavor won’t shine.
Don’t let the cream boil – gentle heating preserves the delicate flavors.
Bloom the gelatin properly. Skipping this step can lead to uneven texture.
For a smoother texture, strain the cream multiple times if needed.
Chilling overnight gives the best results, but if you’re in a rush, 4 hours will suffice.

And trust me, if your first batch isn’t perfect, don’t despair – panna cotta is forgiving, and you’ll nail it with practice.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Seasonal twist: Replace orange zest with lemon zest in spring or grapefruit zest during winter.
Tea variations: Use chamomile, jasmine, or matcha instead of Earl Grey for a different flavor profile.
Sweetener swap: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

I once tried adding a touch of cardamom to the mix – it added a warm, spicy note that paired beautifully with the tea!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Here’s how to serve and store your Earl Grey panna cotta:

Serving: Serve chilled for the best texture. Garnish with orange zest, fresh fruit, or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Pairings: This dessert pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies or a cup of Earl Grey tea.
Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture.
Reheating: Panna cotta doesn’t need reheating – enjoy it straight from the fridge!

The flavors deepen slightly after a day in the fridge, making it even better as leftovers.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g

Heavy cream provides a rich source of energy, while the tea and citrus add antioxidants. It’s gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets!

Conclusion

The ultimate Earl Grey panna cotta is a luxurious dessert that combines the elegance of tea with the bright freshness of citrus. It’s simple to make yet feels like a special treat every time. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or indulging solo, this recipe is worth trying!

I love how customizable it is – you can play with flavors and garnishes to make it your own. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your variations and tag me if you post a picture – I’d love to see your creations.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, citrusy bite!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tea?

Yes! Chamomile, jasmine, or even green tea can be substituted for Earl Grey to create new flavor profiles.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of gelatin?

Agar-agar is a great vegetarian alternative, but keep in mind the texture will be slightly firmer.

Can I freeze panna cotta?

It’s not recommended as freezing affects the creamy texture. Stick to refrigeration for best results.

How do I prevent the tea from becoming bitter during steeping?

Keep an eye on the steeping time – 5-7 minutes is usually perfect. Don’t let the cream boil, as this can also affect the flavor.