Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Published: January 19, 2026

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: Infused with Earl Grey tea and vanilla, this crème brûlée offers a unique taste that stands out from traditional recipes.
Elegant Presentation: The beautiful caramelized sugar layer on top adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
Satisfying Texture: The smooth creaminess paired with the crunchy top creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for beginner bakers.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Earl Grey Crème Brûlée, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ramekins
Medium saucepan
Baking tray (9 by 12 or 9 by 13)
Whisk
Fine mesh sieve
Kitchen torch or broiler

Importance of Each Tool

Ramekins: These small dishes are essential for portioning the crème brûlée, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for infusing flavors into milk while controlling heat effectively.
Kitchen torch: Provides precise control for caramelizing sugar on top of the crème brûlée without affecting the custard underneath.

Ingredients

To make this delectable Earl Grey Crème Brûlée, you will need the following ingredients:

Dairy Ingredients

1 ⅓ cups milk (preferably 2%)
1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream (35%))

Flavorings

2 tablespoons loose leaf earl grey tea (or 2 teabags)
1 whole vanilla bean (whole)

For the Custard Base

5 egg yolks (large)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon sea salt

For the Caramel 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.
Combine the vanilla bean pod, seeds, earl grey tea, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil then remove from heat. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Strain through a sieve to discard 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 the Custard

In a large bowl, stir together sugar and egg yolks until smooth—do not whisk until lightened in color.
Add in the infused milk mixture (cream, infused milk, and salt) and stir well.

Step 4: Bake the Custards

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

Step 5: Cool Down

Carefully remove ramekins from water bath using tongs while still hot.
Let them cool until room temperature then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Caramelize Sugar

Just before serving, sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar on top of each crème brûlée.
Use a kitchen torch or place under a broiler until sugar melts and caramelizes.
Allow sugar to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy this exquisite Earl Grey Crème Brûlée as an elegant end to any meal!

How to Serve Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Earl Grey crème brûlée is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its elegance and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Classic Presentation

Serve the crème brûlée in individual ramekins for a traditional look. The charming presentation makes each serving feel special.

Berry Garnish

Top each crème brûlée with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. They add a vibrant color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. This creamy addition complements the rich texture of the brûlée perfectly.

Mint Leaves

Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. It elevates the dessert’s presentation and adds an aromatic touch.

Chocolate Shavings

Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the top for an indulgent twist. The bitterness of chocolate pairs well with the sweet caramelized sugar.

Tea Pairing

Serve alongside a cup of brewed Earl Grey tea to echo the flavors in your dessert. This creates a harmonious dining experience.

How to Perfect Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Achieving the perfect Earl Grey crème brûlée requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you master this delightful dessert.

Infuse Properly: Ensure you steep the tea in warm milk long enough for full flavor extraction, enhancing your dessert’s overall taste.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your ramekins while baking; they should have a slight jiggle in the center when done, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Cool Gradually: Allow your ramekins to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation on the surface.
Caramelize Evenly: When caramelizing sugar, move your torch or broiler slowly across the surface for even melting and browning.
Chill Thoroughly: Chill your crème brûlée for at least three hours, or overnight if possible, for optimal texture and flavor development.
Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality Earl Grey tea and fresh vanilla bean for the best flavor profile in your dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Pairing side dishes with Earl Grey crème brûlée can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

Fresh Fruit Salad
A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the crème brûlée.
Almond Biscotti
These crunchy cookies provide a delightful contrast in texture, perfect for dipping into your dessert.
Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread complements the creamy texture of crème brûlée, making it an excellent pairing choice.
Chocolate Fondue
A small serving of chocolate fondue encourages fun interactions as guests dip fruits or cookies into warm chocolate.
Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses can serve as an interesting contrast to the sweet dessert, offering variety to your meal.
Tea Cakes
Light tea cakes with citrus notes can enhance the flavors found in Earl Grey tea, creating a cohesive experience.
Pistachio Crumble
A sprinkle of pistachio crumble adds nutty crunchiness that pairs beautifully with creamy desserts like crème brûlée.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle
A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can add an extra layer of sweetness and richness when served alongside this dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Bold Preparation: Not preparing the ingredients properly can lead to uneven flavors. Always infuse the tea and vanilla in the milk correctly before mixing with eggs.
Bold Overcooking: Baking for too long can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on your crème brûlée; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Bold Skipping the Cooling: Failing to cool the mixture thoroughly can affect the final texture. Chill your ramekins in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight for best results.
Bold Ignoring Water Bath: Not using a water bath can lead to uneven cooking. Always bake your ramekins surrounded by hot water for better heat distribution.
Bold Incorrect Sugar Caramelization: Using too much heat when caramelizing sugar can burn it. Use a torch or broiler carefully, watching closely until it’s golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers to prevent absorption of odors.
Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Wrap each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, freezing may affect texture.

Reheating Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and warm the ramekins for about 15 minutes until just heated through.
Bold Microwave: Use a low power setting and heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) to avoid cooking the custard further.
Bold Stovetop: Place a pot of simmering water on low heat and set your ramekin inside (not directly touching water) until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Earl Grey Crème Brûlée?

Earl Grey crème brûlée is a rich dessert that combines traditional crème brûlée with aromatic Earl Grey tea, creating a unique flavor profile.

Can I use different teas for my crème brûlée?

Yes! While this recipe features Earl Grey tea, you can experiment with other flavored teas or herbal blends to create different variations.

How do I get a perfectly caramelized top?

To achieve the perfect caramelized layer, sprinkle an even layer of sugar and use a kitchen torch or broiler until it melts and turns golden brown.

Is Earl Grey Crème Brûlée gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can create a vegan version by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk and using aquafaba or another egg substitute instead of egg yolks.

Final Thoughts

This Earl Grey crème brûlée is an indulgent yet light dessert that impresses every time. Its silky smooth texture paired with fragrant tea makes it versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding different flavorings or toppings, such as fresh fruits or herbs, to make it uniquely yours.

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