Introduction
When it comes to French desserts, few can rival the sophistication and indulgence of Crème Brûlée. Now, imagine infusing this classic with the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender, two ingredients that bring a distinct floral, citrusy twist to the dish. Welcome to the world of Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée—a dessert that not only delivers a silky, melt-in-your-mouth custard but also offers a refined touch that’s perfect for any special occasion or elegant tea party.
This recipe brings together the smoothness of rich cream, the delicate notes of lavender, and the deep, citrusy essence of Earl Grey tea. When paired with the signature caramelized sugar topping, it becomes a feast for both the eyes and the palate. If you’ve ever wanted to impress your guests with a dessert that blends comfort with refinement, this recipe is for you.
Origin of the Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée, a traditional French dessert, is thought to have originated in France during the 17th century. However, some claim its origins trace back to England. Regardless of where it was first created, the dessert has evolved over time, with various adaptations based on regional ingredients. Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée is a contemporary twist on this classic, combining two unique flavors—Earl Grey tea and lavender—to give it an aromatic, floral infusion.
Earl Grey tea is a blend of black tea flavored with bergamot, a type of citrus fruit, which is a key part of this dessert’s flavor profile. Lavender, on the other hand, brings a floral sweetness that works wonderfully with the citrusy undertones of Earl Grey, creating a beautifully balanced, aromatic dessert.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a dinner party or add a refined touch to a blog post, this recipe brings a sense of luxury and elegance to any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée
To prepare this indulgent dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream – The base of the custard, providing rich, creamy texture.
- 4 large egg yolks – These give the crème brûlée its smooth and velvety consistency.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – To sweeten the custard and balance the flavors.
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf) – For that unmistakable citrusy, bergamot flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender – Adds a fragrant floral note to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla pod) – For added depth of flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- 4 tablespoons caster sugar – For the signature brûlée topping, which caramelizes to a crispy, golden finish.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these simple yet detailed steps to create the perfect Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée:
1. Infuse the Cream
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose leaf), 1 teaspoon dried lavender, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s just simmering, but be careful not to let it boil. You want to gently release the flavors from the tea and lavender without scorching the cream.
Once the mixture reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat. Cover the pan and allow it to steep for about 15 minutes. This gives the cream time to absorb the flavors from the tea and lavender.
After steeping, strain the cream to remove the tea bags and lavender. Let the cream cool slightly before using it in the custard.
2. Prepare the Custard
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 4 large egg yolks and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and thickens. This step is crucial to creating the smooth texture of your crème brûlée.
Slowly pour the warm infused cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This ensures that the eggs don’t curdle when combined with the hot cream.
Once everything is combined, strain the mixture again into a clean bowl to remove any bits of egg or lavender, ensuring your custard is silky and smooth.
3. Bake the Crème Brûlée
Divide the custard evenly among 4 ramekins.
Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish, and fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will help cook the custard evenly, ensuring it stays creamy.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is just set with a slight jiggle in the center. Be careful not to overbake it, as this will affect the texture.
Once the custards are baked, remove the ramekins from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then, cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Brûlée the Tops
Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of caster sugar evenly over the top of each chilled custard.
Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer. Allow the crème brûlée to sit for 1-2 minutes to let the sugar harden before serving.
Variations of Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée
While the Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée recipe is already a showstopper, there are a few variations you can experiment with to customize the flavor and presentation:
- Honey Infusion: For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of honey to the custard mixture, either in place of or in addition to the granulated sugar.
- Lavender Sugar: Create a lavender-infused sugar to use as the topping, giving an extra burst of floral fragrance.
- Citrus Twist: Add a little orange zest or lemon zest to the infused cream to enhance the citrusy notes of the Earl Grey tea.
- Berry Compote: Serve the crème brûlée with a side of fresh or compote-style berries to add a refreshing contrast to the rich custard.
- Herb Garnishes: For a unique presentation, serve with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. The earthy herbs contrast beautifully with the floral notes of lavender and Earl Grey.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée
1. Can I make Lavender-infused Crème Brûlée without a kitchen torch?
Yes! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sugar. Just make sure to watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
2. How long will the crème brûlée keep in the fridge?
You can store the chilled custards in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to brûlée the sugar right before serving, as the crisp sugar topping will lose its texture over time.
3. Can I use dried Earl Grey tea leaves instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use 2 teaspoons of loose Earl Grey tea leaves to achieve the same flavor as the tea bags. Strain the tea well before using it in the custard.
4. Can I make this recipe without lavender?
If you prefer a more traditional flavor, you can skip the lavender. However, it does add a delightful floral complexity to the dessert that pairs beautifully with the Earl Grey.
5. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be made ahead of time. After baking the custards, chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, brûlée the sugar on top just before serving.
Conclusion: Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée
The Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée is a perfect balance of elegance and flavor. Infused with the fragrant essence of Earl Grey tea and lavender, this dessert brings a sophisticated twist to the classic French treat. The creamy custard, with its perfectly caramelized sugar topping, offers a sensory experience that’s both comforting and refined.
Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply indulging in an elegant dessert at home, this crème brûlée is sure to impress. The unique combination of floral and citrus flavors makes this dessert not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the senses.
Try it out and elevate your dessert game to new heights with this decadent recipe that promises both refinement and comfort in every bite.
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Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée: A Floral, Citrus Twist on a Classic French Delight
- Total Time: 55 mins + chilling 2 hrs
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée, a traditional French dessert, is thought to have originated in France during the 17th century. However, some claim its origins trace back to England. Regardless of where it was first created, the dessert has evolved over time, with various adaptations based on regional ingredients. Earl Grey & Lavender Crème Brûlée is a contemporary twist on this classic, combining two unique flavors—Earl Grey tea and lavender—to give it an aromatic, floral infusion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf)
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla pod)
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tbsp caster sugar (for brûlée topping)
Instructions
1. Infuse the cream:
- In a saucepan, combine cream, tea bags, lavender, vanilla, and salt.
- Heat gently until just simmering—do not boil.
- Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain to remove tea and lavender. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the custard:
- Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour warm infused cream into yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
- Strain mixture again for a silky texture.
3. Bake:
- Divide custard into 4 ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a deep baking dish. Fill dish halfway with hot water.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove ramekins from water and cool to room temp. Chill for 4+ hours or overnight.
4. Brûlée the tops:
- Before serving, sprinkle each custard with 1 tbsp caster sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
- Let sit 1–2 minutes before serving.
Notes
This delicate dessert blends fragrant Earl Grey tea with floral lavender for a luxurious twist on a classic. Serve chilled with a perfectly caramelized top, and garnish with a few edible lavender buds or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / Water bath
- Cuisine: French / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Earl Grey Crème Brûlée
