Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts

Ready to make a dessert that will not only wow your guests but also make you feel like a baking genius? These Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts are just the thing. The creamy, delicate panna cotta, infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea, sits in a perfectly crisp tart shell. It’s the kind of dessert that feels refined but is surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts

This dessert is all about balance: smooth, velvety panna cotta with the earthy, floral notes of Earl Grey tea, nestled inside a buttery tart shell. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Versatile: Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or a festive celebration, these tarts work for all occasions. They’re elegant but easy enough to make on a weekday night when you need something to make your evening feel special.

Budget-Friendly: No need for hard-to-find ingredients here! You likely have most of these in your kitchen already, and the flavors are anything but basic.

Quick and Easy: The tart shells are made with simple ingredients, and the panna cotta sets up in the fridge, giving you time to relax or prep other dishes while it firms up.

Customizable: Want to switch up the flavor? Try using another type of tea, like chamomile or jasmine, to make these tarts your own. A touch of vanilla or citrus zest would also be a perfect complement to the tea.

Crowd-Pleasing: These tarts are just as popular with kids as they are with adults—perfect for impressing family, friends, or that special someone.

Ingredients for Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these lovely tarts. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all—just a few key ingredients that come together to create something magical.

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crust, providing the structure and texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Adds that buttery, flaky goodness to the tart crust. Be sure it’s cold for the best results.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough without making it overly sweet, giving the crust a light texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
• 1 large egg yolk: Gives the dough its rich, tender texture. We’re using just the yolk for a crumbly yet sturdy base.
• 2 tbsp ice-cold water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky. Cold water is key to keeping that flaky texture.

For the Earl Grey Panna Cotta Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream: The creaminess in the panna cotta comes from heavy cream, giving it that silky, rich texture we all crave.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances the richness of the heavy cream while maintaining a smooth consistency.
• 3 tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 4 tea bags): This is where the magic happens! The bold, aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea infuses the cream with a sophisticated, slightly floral taste.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the panna cotta without overpowering the tea’s subtle flavors.
• 2 1/2 tsp gelatin (about 1 packet): This helps the panna cotta set and gives it that perfect wobbly texture.
• 2 tbsp cold water: You’ll use this to bloom the gelatin so it works its magic in the panna cotta.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional): If you like a little extra warmth and depth, vanilla is a wonderful addition.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to create something extraordinary? Let’s break this down step by step:

1. Make the Tart Shells:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the egg yolk and cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may need a little more water—just don’t let it get too sticky.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough to fit your tart pans. Press the dough into the pans and trim any excess. Prick the bottoms of the tarts with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.

2. Prepare the Earl Grey Panna Cotta:

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags. Let it steep for about 5 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves (or remove the tea bags).
• Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture until fully dissolved. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
• Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then carefully pour it into the cooled tart shells, filling them almost to the top.
• Refrigerate the tarts for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta has fully set. For best results, leave them overnight.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the tarts are set, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of honey.
• Slice them up, serve, and be prepared for lots of compliments!

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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How to Serve Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts

These tarts are perfect as a standalone dessert, but here are a few ideas for serving them up in style:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a winner with panna cotta. It adds a light, airy texture to complement the rich filling.

Fresh Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries—anything with a little tartness will balance out the sweet panna cotta perfectly.

Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest adds a fresh, fragrant contrast to the creamy filling.

Chocolate Shavings: If you’re a chocolate lover, a little bit of dark chocolate shaved on top will add depth and a lovely visual touch.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make both the tart shells and the panna cotta ahead of time. The tarts can be stored at room temperature, and the panna cotta will need a few hours in the fridge to set.
• Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cardamom or cinnamon in the panna cotta will add an extra layer of warmth.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and almond milk in place of whole milk.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the tart shells ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the tart shells a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q2: Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?
A2: Absolutely! You can use 4 tea bags in place of the loose-leaf tea. Just steep them for 5 minutes.

Q3: How long do the panna cotta tarts need to set?
A3: They need to set for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the perfect consistency.

Q4: Can I freeze these tarts?
A4: These tarts are best served fresh, but you can freeze them (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: How can I make the panna cotta firmer?
A5: To make the panna cotta firmer, just add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin to the mixture.

Q6: Can I use a different flavor of tea?
A6: Yes! Feel free to experiment with other teas like chamomile, chai, or jasmine. Just adjust the steeping time accordingly.

Q7: What’s the best way to garnish these tarts?
A7: Fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar will make these tarts even more beautiful.

Q8: Can I make mini tarts instead of full-size?
A8: Yes, mini tart pans work great for this recipe. Just adjust the baking and chilling times as needed.

Q9: How do I know when the panna cotta is set?
A9: The panna cotta will be firm to the touch and slightly jiggle when shaken gently.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just double the ingredients and make sure your tart pans can accommodate the increased quantity. Cooking and chilling times might need slight adjustments.

Conclusion

There you have it—a stunning, flavorful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make! These Earl Grey Panna Cotta Tarts are the perfect combination of elegance and comfort, with the fragrant tea and silky smooth filling making each bite an indulgent experience. Enjoy the process, and enjoy the sweet reward at the end!

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