If you adore delicate desserts that perfectly blend elegance and comfort, you are going to fall head over heels for this Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe. Imagine a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with a luxuriously smooth panna cotta infused with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Each bite feels like a gentle hug from your favorite afternoon tea moment, making it a charming treat that’s as delightful to serve at a gathering as it is to enjoy quietly by yourself. This Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little sophistication with a playful twist to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, high-quality ingredients come together in this recipe to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance between a crisp base and silky, aromatic filling.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the tart shell, ensuring a tender yet sturdy base.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a finer crumb texture in the crust.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in the shell.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Key for a flaky, rich crust that melts in your mouth.
- Egg yolk: Binds the tart dough while adding richness.
- Cold water: Just enough helps bring the dough together without overworking.
- Heavy cream: Creates that creamy, luscious panna cotta texture.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream for a smooth, delicate finish.
- Earl Grey tea bags: Infuse the filling with the signature bergamot aroma and subtle citrus notes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the panna cotta perfectly without overpowering the tea flavor.
- Unflavored gelatin: Provides the structure needed for the panna cotta to set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the tea’s bright flavors.
How to Make Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. The crust is the foundation of our tarts, so take a moment to pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor until well combined. Then add the cold, cubed butter; pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is the secret to a wonderfully flaky texture. Next, incorporate the egg yolk and pulse again. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough clumps together. Turn the dough onto a surface, shape it into a disk, and chill it for 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll it out and gently press it into mini tart pans, prick the bottoms with a fork, and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until beautifully golden. Let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey Panna Cotta Filling
Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Add the Earl Grey tea bags and allow the mixture to heat just until it’s nearly simmering. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep, covered, for a full 10 minutes to infuse all those irresistible bergamot flavors. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for five minutes—this step ensures a silky, firm set. Gently stir the softened gelatin into the warm cream mixture until it completely melts. Finally, add vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic profile and let the mixture cool slightly before assembly.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Carefully pour the Earl Grey panna cotta mixture into each pre-baked tart shell. Place the filled tarts in the refrigerator for at least four hours so they can set into that perfect, silky texture we all love. Chill them until they feel firm to the touch but creamy inside.
How to Serve Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making these tarts shine. Consider topping each tart with a small dollop of freshly whipped cream or a delicate sprinkle of crushed Earl Grey tea leaves for an extra aromatic punch. Edible flowers or a few fresh berries can add a pop of color and freshness, transforming your dessert into a visual feast.
Side Dishes
Pairing these tarts with light, complementary accompaniments elevates the overall experience. A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a simple fruit compote balances the creamy richness of the panna cotta, while a cup of hot Earl Grey tea naturally echoes the flavors you love in this recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, consider serving these tarts in clear glass mini jars or on individual porcelain plates accented with a drizzle of honey or lemon sauce. Adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or candied zest around the plate adds texture and interest. These creative touches make your Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe a centerpiece that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These tarts keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties or special occasions.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the delicate panna cotta filling may alter in texture upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use loose-leaf Earl Grey instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Using high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey will intensify the flavor and aroma in your panna cotta. Just use about one tablespoon of loose leaves per cup of liquid and strain well after steeping.
Are there alternatives to gelatin for setting the panna cotta?
If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you might try agar-agar as a substitute. Keep in mind it sets differently and may alter the panna cotta’s texture slightly.
How can I make the tart crust more flavorful?
Adding a pinch of finely grated lemon zest or a bit of ground cardamom to the tart dough adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the Earl Grey beautifully.
Can I make mini tart shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tart shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with panna cotta right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Is it possible to make these tarts larger instead of mini?
Definitely. Just adjust the baking time for the tart shells and use a larger mold. Keep in mind that chilling time for the panna cotta may also increase for larger servings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so utterly charming and comforting about the Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves a little elegance with their sweets. From the buttery, crisp tart shell to the creamy, delicately flavored panna cotta, every element works in harmony to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I can’t wait for you to make these and share them with the people you love. Trust me, once you try this Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to treats.
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Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts are elegant mini desserts featuring a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with a silky panna cotta infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea. This French-inspired treat combines the floral notes of Bergamot tea with creamy vanilla panna cotta, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Tart Shells:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
For the Earl Grey Panna Cotta Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Tart Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Bake Tart Shells: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Press the dough into mini tart pans. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each shell to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the shells are golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare Earl Grey Panna Cotta: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the Earl Grey tea bags and heat gently until just below a simmer. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Sweeten and Bloom Gelatin: Remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Combine Gelatin and Cream Mixture: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture until completely dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid melting the tart shells.
- Fill Tart Shells and Chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into the cooled tart shells. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the panna cotta is fully set.
- Serve: Once set, serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed Earl Grey tea leaves for decoration and added flavor.
Notes
- Store-bought tart shells can be used to save preparation time.
- For a floral variation, add a drop of lavender extract to the panna cotta or garnish with edible flowers.
- Using high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea will provide a stronger and more fragrant flavor.
