If you’re a fan of delicate, aromatic desserts, then this Earl Grey Custard Tart with a Buttery Shortbread Crust is a treat you’ll want to add to your repertoire. It features a perfect balance of creamy custard infused with the floral notes of Earl Grey tea, all nestled in a crisp, buttery shortbread crust. This elegant tart is the ideal accompaniment to a cozy cup of Earl Grey tea, making it the perfect dessert for afternoon tea, special occasions, or just because you deserve something delicious.

What is an Earl Grey Custard Tart with a Buttery Shortbread Crust?

An Earl Grey Custard Tart with a Buttery Shortbread Crust is a sophisticated dessert that combines two classic elements—rich, creamy custard and a crisp shortbread base. The custard is infused with the aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea, which is made from a blend of black tea and the citrusy essence of bergamot. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety custard filling. It’s a wonderful dessert for those who enjoy the refined flavor of Earl Grey tea and the indulgence of a classic tart.

The tart is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing yet comforting dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, or looking to impress your guests with something unique, this Earl Grey Custard Tart is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Origin of Earl Grey Custard Tart

Earl Grey tea itself has an interesting history, dating back to the 19th century when it was reportedly gifted to the second Earl Grey, a British Prime Minister, by a Chinese mandarin. While the story behind the origins of Earl Grey tea is still debated, it’s clear that the infusion of bergamot in the tea has become iconic. It’s a blend that evokes feelings of elegance and refinement, often enjoyed during tea time in British culture.

As for the Earl Grey Custard Tart, the fusion of traditional custard and the fragrant Earl Grey tea is a relatively modern twist on classic dessert recipes. Custards and tarts have been enjoyed for centuries, but the use of Earl Grey tea adds a sophisticated and modern flair. This dessert brings together the rich history of traditional baking with a contemporary, fragrant twist, making it a timeless treat for today’s tea lovers.

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1–2 tbsp ice water

Earl Grey Custard Filling

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 3–4 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf)
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This will create the dry base for your crust.

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits. This is what gives the crust its signature crumbly texture.

Step 2: Add Ice Water

Gradually add 1 tablespoon of ice water at a time to the dough until it just begins to come together. You want the dough to be moist but not sticky. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.

Step 3: Form the Crust and Chill

Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. This will give you the traditional tart shape. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help it hold its shape during baking.

2. Blind Baking the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has chilled, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans to weigh it down.

Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment paper. Continue baking the crust for an additional 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

3. Making the Earl Grey Custard Filling

Step 1: Infuse the Cream and Milk

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to steam but does not boil. Remove it from the heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf tea). Cover the pan and let it steep for 10 minutes so the tea infuses into the cream mixture. After steeping, remove the tea bags, squeezing them gently to release any remaining flavor.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

While the cream is steeping, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. You want this mixture to be pale and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

To avoid scrambling the eggs, slowly add the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This gradual process is called “tempering” the eggs and ensures they stay smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Strain the Custard

Once the cream and egg mixture are combined, strain the custard through a fine sieve to remove any curdled bits and ensure a silky-smooth texture.

4. Assembling and Baking the Tart

Step 1: Fill the Tart Shell

Pour the prepared custard into the cooled shortbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Tart

Bake the tart in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 25–30 minutes. The custard should be set around the edges but still have a slight wobble in the center when gently shaken.

Step 3: Cool and Refrigerate

Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set.

5. Serving the Earl Grey Custard Tart

Step 1: Garnish and Serve

Once the tart is fully chilled, you can garnish it with a dollop of whipped cream, candied orange peel, or even edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Lightly dust the tart with powdered sugar or crushed shortbread crumbs to enhance its visual appeal.

Slice the tart into wedges and serve chilled with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for the perfect pairing.

Variations

While the Earl Grey Custard Tart is already a showstopper, there are a few variations you can try to put your own twist on this dessert:

1. Herbal Tea Custard: Instead of Earl Grey, experiment with other flavored teas such as chamomile or lavender for a unique floral note.
2. Chocolate Shortbread Crust: Add cocoa powder to the shortbread crust for a chocolatey contrast that pairs well with the Earl Grey custard.
3. Fruit Garnish: Fresh berries or citrus slices can add a burst of freshness and color to your tart’s presentation.

FAQs About Earl Grey Custard Tart

1. Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, the tart can be prepared a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. How long will the Earl Grey Custard Tart stay fresh?
The tart will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to serve it within 2 days for optimal flavor.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy option?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

4. How do I store the tart if I have leftovers?
Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If possible, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

5. Can I use a different crust for this tart?
While the shortbread crust complements the custard beautifully, you can try a graham cracker or almond flour crust for a different texture.

Conclusion: Earl Grey Custard Tart

This Earl Grey Custard Tart with a Buttery Shortbread Crust is a true culinary delight, offering a perfect blend of aromatic tea flavor and creamy custard in a delicate, buttery shell. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply enjoying it with your afternoon tea, this tart is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a unique and elegant dessert that is both comforting and refined. Prepare it for your next gathering, and watch as your guests savor every bite!

Earl Grey Custard Tart with Buttery Shortbread Crust: A Fragrant Dessert Perfect for Tea Time

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An Earl Grey Custard Tart with a Buttery Shortbread Crust is a sophisticated dessert that combines two classic elements—rich, creamy custard and a crisp shortbread base. The custard is infused with the aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea, which is made from a blend of black tea and the citrusy essence of bergamot. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety custard filling. It’s a wonderful dessert for those who enjoy the refined flavor of Earl Grey tea and the indulgence of a classic tart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1–2 tbsp ice water

Earl Grey Custard Filling

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup whole milk

• 3–4 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf)

• 4 large egg yolks

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter (or pulse in a food processor) until mixture looks sandy with pea-sized bits.

3. Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until dough just comes together.

4. Press evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Chill 20 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick crust with a fork, line with parchment, fill with baking weights.

6. Blind bake 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

Make the Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat cream and milk until just steaming. Remove from heat, add tea bags, cover, and steep 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, squeezing gently.

2. In a bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, vanilla, and salt until pale.

3. Slowly whisk warm cream mixture into yolks (temper gradually so eggs don’t scramble).

4. Strain custard through a sieve for smoothness.

Assemble & Bake

1. Pour custard into cooled tart shell.

2. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set but center still has a slight wobble.

3. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Notes

This refined tart combines the delicate aroma of Earl Grey tea with a buttery shortbread base, making it an elegant dessert for tea time or special gatherings. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of citrus zest to enhance the flavors.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European / Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: Moderate

Keywords: Earl Grey tart, Earl Grey custard, custard tart with Earl Grey, Earl Grey shortbread tart