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