Fresh Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe: Elegant Tea-Time Treat

My latest earl grey panna cotta tarts represent a delicate dance between fragrant tea and silky Italian cream.

Whispers of bergamot weave through each delicate bite, promising subtle complexity.

Elegant yet approachable, these miniature desserts blend classic techniques with unexpected flavor profiles.

Smooth custard nestles into buttery pastry shells, creating a sensory experience that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Cold cream infused with tea leaves delivers a refined twist on traditional panna cotta.

Sophisticated palates and curious home bakers will adore this nuanced sweet treat.

Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts What You’ll Use

• Butter: Rich, creamy base for tender tart shell.
• Icing Sugar: Adds sweetness and delicate texture.
• Ground Almonds: Provides nutty flavor and subtle crunch.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and creates structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates classic pastry foundation.

• White Chocolate: Adds protective barrier and subtle sweetness.
• Baking Beans/Weights: Ensures even baking and prevents rising.

• Milk: Gentle liquid for tea infusion and smooth texture.
• Loose-Leaf Earl Grey Tea: Signature flavor profile with bergamot notes.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy accent to enhance tea flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious, rich base for silky dessert.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and provides sweetness.
• Gelatin: Creates stable, smooth set for panna cotta.

• Edible Dried Flowers: Elegant decorative element.
• Honeycomb: Adds textural contrast and natural sweetness.

Crafting Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts in Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Delicate Pastry Dough

Blend softened butter with powdered sugar and ground almonds until creamy and smooth.

Gently incorporate the egg, mixing until well combined.

Gradually fold in flour, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Shape the mixture into a flat disk, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to firm up.

Step 2: Create Beautiful Tart Shells

Divide the chilled dough into eight equal portions, rolling each into a perfect ball.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a 5-6 inch circle.

Carefully line removable-bottom mini tart pans with the delicate dough.

Refrigerate the prepared shells for one hour to maintain their shape.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Use a fork to prick the pastry base.

Cover with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or weights.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

Allow the shells to cool completely.

Brush the interior of each tart shell with melted white chocolate and refrigerate to create a protective seal.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Earl Grey Panna Cotta

Gently warm milk in a saucepan, adding loose-leaf Earl Grey tea and lemon zest.

Heat the mixture without bringing it to a boil.

Remove from heat and let the flavors mingle for one hour.

Strain the infused milk back into the saucepan.

• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Gelatin (sprinkled on top)

Let the gelatin bloom for 10 minutes.

Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking until sugar and gelatin completely dissolve (around 125°F).

Strain into a pouring jug and allow to cool for 30 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent skin formation.

Step 4: Assemble Elegant Tarts

Carefully pour the cooled panna cotta into the prepared tart shells.

Refrigerate for 4-5 hours until the panna cotta sets firmly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Adorn the tarts with delicate edible dried flowers and crunchy honeycomb.

Present these sophisticated desserts to your delighted guests.

Tart Prep Tips for Panna Cotta with Earl Grey

• Mix flour gently and minimally to keep the pastry tender and avoid developing gluten, which can make the crust tough.
• Chill tart shells before baking to prevent shrinkage and ensure crisp, golden-brown edges that hold their shape beautifully.
• Let milk steep with Earl Grey tea for exactly one hour to extract maximum flavor without turning bitter or overwhelming the delicate cream.
• Heat mixture slowly and avoid boiling to help gelatin dissolve smoothly, creating a silky, perfectly set panna cotta texture.
• Use edible dried flowers and honeycomb as elegant garnishes that complement the Earl Grey's sophisticated flavor profile and add visual appeal.

Keep Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Fresh

• Store the Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
• Wrap each tart individually with plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in a flat container to prevent damage to the decorative top.
• Do not freeze these tarts, as the creamy panna cotta and delicate pastry will lose their smooth texture and become watery upon thawing.
• Gently bring tarts to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave, which can compromise the silky panna cotta and crisp tart shell.

What to Serve with Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts

• Citrus-Infused Champagne Cocktail: Blend crisp champagne with a splash of bergamot-orange liqueur, creating a zesty companion that echoes the Earl Grey tea's bright citrus notes and complements the tart's delicate creaminess.
• Lavender Honey Shortbread: Serve delicate lavender-infused shortbread cookies alongside the tarts, providing a subtle floral crunch that harmonizes with the tea's aromatic profile and adds textural contrast.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Truffles: Offer rich dark chocolate truffles with a hint of espresso, whose intense bittersweet complexity beautifully balances the tart's smooth, delicate sweetness and enhances the tea's sophisticated undertones.
• Sparkling Elderflower Spritzer: Mix elderflower liqueur with sparkling water and a twist of lemon, creating a light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and mirrors the tart's elegant, botanical essence.

Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tart Flavor Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and structure for the tart shells.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk for the panna cotta, maintaining the Earl Grey tea's distinctive flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut cream, plant-based milk, agar-agar instead of gelatin, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a completely plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the elegant taste and smooth consistency of the tart.

FAQs

• What makes Earl Grey unique in this panna cotta recipe?

Earl Grey tea provides a distinctive bergamot flavor that infuses the creamy panna cotta with a delicate, fragrant citrus undertone, creating a sophisticated and elegant dessert experience.

• Can I use tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?

While loose-leaf tea provides the best flavor intensity, you can use 2-3 high-quality Earl Grey tea bags as a substitute. Just ensure you steep them carefully to extract maximum flavor without making the milk bitter.

• How do I prevent my tart shells from becoming soggy?

Brushing the inside of the baked tart shells with melted white chocolate creates a protective barrier that prevents the panna cotta from making the pastry soggy, ensuring a crisp and delightful texture.

• What's the best way to remove tarts from mini tart pans?

Use tart pans with removable bottoms. Gently push the bottom up from underneath, which will help release the delicate tart shells without breaking them.

Earl Grey Tarts That Feel Elegant, Silky, And Lightly Floral

Savor Sophisticated Simplicity: Quick and Impressive Dessert Creation

• Minimal Technique Mastery: This recipe transforms complex pastry-making into an achievable culinary adventure, perfect for bakers wanting to elevate their skills without overwhelming complexity.
• Time-Efficient Elegance: With strategic make-ahead steps like chilling dough and preparing components in advance, you'll create stunning desserts without last-minute stress, ideal for planned gatherings or weekend projects.
• Flavor Fusion Delight: Earl Grey's delicate bergamot notes combined with creamy panna cotta create a sophisticated dessert that surprises and delights, offering a gourmet experience in every delectable bite.
• Versatile Presentation Potential: These individual tarts work beautifully for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or as an elegant finale to special meals, impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum visual appeal.

Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delicate Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts bring Italian elegance to British tea culture with silky smooth custard nestled in buttery pastry shells. Delightful desserts promise a refined sensory experience that will transport guests straight to a luxurious cafe.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups bleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup icing sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk (3.25% fat)
• 1/2 cup whipping cream (35% fat)

Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup white chocolate (melted)
• Edible dried flowers
• Honeycomb

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry base by softening butter and blending with powdered sugar and almond meal until creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
2. Incorporate egg thoroughly, then gently fold in flour without overworking the dough, ensuring a delicate texture.
3. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the consistency.
4. Divide the chilled dough into eight equal portions, rolling each into a neat spherical shape.
5. On a lightly dusted surface, transform each dough ball into a circular disc approximately 5-6 inches wide, carefully draping them into mini tart molds.
6. Return the lined tart shells to the refrigerator for an additional hour to maintain structural integrity.
7. Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing for precise baking.
8. Pierce the pastry base with fork tines, cover with parchment, and fill with ceramic baking weights to prevent rising.
9. Bake initially with weights for 15 minutes, then remove and continue baking until achieving a golden-brown appearance.
10. Allow tart shells to cool completely, then delicately brush interior surfaces with melted white chocolate to create a protective barrier.
11. Infuse milk with Earl Grey tea leaves and lemon zest, warming gently without reaching boiling point.
12. Allow the aromatic mixture to steep for one hour, then strain to extract maximum flavor essence.
13. Return the infused liquid to the saucepan, introducing cream and sugar, then sprinkle gelatin across the surface.
14. Permit gelatin to bloom for ten minutes before applying gentle heat, stirring until completely dissolved.
15. Strain the mixture into a pouring vessel, allowing it to cool to room temperature while occasionally whisking.
16. Carefully fill the prepared chocolate-lined tart shells with the Earl Grey panna cotta mixture.
17. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours until the panna cotta achieves a perfect, trembling set.
18. Garnish with delicate edible dried flowers and honeycomb just before serving these sophisticated dessert treasures.

Notes

• Customize the dough by swapping ground almonds with gluten-free flour or almond meal for a more dietary-friendly option.
• Use a food processor to quickly combine butter and sugar, ensuring a smoother, more consistent pastry base.
• When infusing milk with Earl Grey tea, adjust steeping time based on desired tea intensity – shorter for subtle flavor, longer for robust tea notes.
• White chocolate brushing creates a moisture barrier, preventing soggy tart shells and adding a delicate sweet undertone to the dessert.
• Experiment with different tea varieties like lavender or jasmine for unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy panna cotta texture.
• Chill tart pans before blind baking to prevent dough shrinkage and maintain crisp, clean shell edges.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg