Earl Grey Panna Cotta is an elegant, creamy dessert perfect for a dinner party, tea party or to enjoy anytime! Panna Cotta is quick and simple to make, and can be made well in advance, an ideal option for entertaining. You and your guests will experience the subtle, complementary flavours of honey and Earl Grey tea in this light, refreshing dessert.
Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert made by heating gelatin together with milk, cream and sugar until it sets into a creamy custard. I always prefer to use natural sweeteners so my version of panna cotta uses honey or maple syrup as a healthier and tastier alternative to sugar. The honey combined with the infused flavour of Earl Grey tea creates a unique and elegant dessert. For more creamy and delicious desserts, try my Chai Tea Ice Cream, Strawberry Mint Ice Cream, Blended Cottage Cheese Ice Cream and Healthy Chocolate Pudding.
My recipe for Panna Cotta is also good for you with the nutritional benefits of dairy, honey and gelatin. Gelatin contains collagen which is known to help strengthen and improve joint health as well as playing a key role in maintaining the elasticity and moisture in our skin. Gelatin may also aid digestion and improve sleep quality. This dessert is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of gelatin!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- very quick and easy to make
- make ahead to simplify prep for guests
- made with gelatin which contains the nutritional benefits of collagen
- subtle and sophisticated flavour of honey, vanilla and bergamot
- creamy smooth texture
- simple and beautiful presentation
- a light, refreshing finish to a meal
Ingredients
- Milk - use full fat milk for a creamy texture and extra nutrition
- Cream - use heavy cream (35%)
- Gelatin - allows the dessert to set and adds significant nutritional value
- Honey - adds a subtle flavour that pairs well with the Earl Grey tea (you can substitute maple syrup, if desired)
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
This is a very versatile recipe, open to your creativity.
- try low-fat milk if you prefer a lighter panna cotta
- instead of honey, try maple syrup, agave nectar or sugar
- try your favourite tea to infuse flavour, such as chai or fruity teas
- try adding ½ cup of chopped chocolate to the milk and cream mixture before heating
- make the classic vanilla panna cotta by adding an extra ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla instead of the Earl Grey tea
- make a fruity panna cotta by adding a dollop of pureed fruit such as raspberry or peach before heating the milk
- infuse the milk with coffee instead of tea for a rich and creamy coffee flavoured panna cotta
- make it savoury by using herbs, spices and even cheese for a unique appetizer or side dish
At this time, I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.
How To Make Earl Grey Panna Cotta
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Bloom your gelatin
Pour ½ cup of whole milk into a large bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin on top of the milk. Make sure to let the gelatin bloom for at least 5 minutes, without stirring, so that the gelatin fully absorbs the liquid.
Step 2: Combine remaining ingredients and heat.
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining whole milk, heavy cream, honey, Earl Grey tea and pure vanilla extract. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot, but not simmering.
Step 3: Strain the heated mixture and combine with gelatin mixture.
Pour the hot milk mixture through a sieve into the large bowl with the gelatin and milk mixture. Whisk well until the gelatin is dissolved.
Step 4: Pour mixture into serving bowls.
Pour your Panna Cotta into 4 teacups, ramekins or small dessert bowls. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the top of the Panna Cotta. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
Step 5: Enjoy!
And that's it! Your delicious Panna Cotta is ready to be enjoyed.
Expert Tips
- Bloom the gelatin properly by letting it sit undisturbed on the liquid for at least five minutes.
- Use high quality sources for your milk, cream, gelatin and vanilla.
- Heat the mixture slowly over medium heat to dissolve the gelatin and avoid scorching.
- Don't let your mixture come to a boil. Heat until hot but not boiling or simmering. Boiling can break down the gelatin and your panna cotta may not set.
- For a silky smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
- Allow at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the panna cotta time to set.
Recipe FAQs
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made by simmering cream, milk, sugar (or natural sweetener) and gelatin together. It is then allowed to set until it is firm.
Panna cotta is similar in texture and richness to a custard. However, panna cotta is made without eggs and is therefore very easy to prepare.
Gelatin is the traditional and most common way to set your panna cotta. It is also possible to use alternatives such as agar-agar.
Panna cotta needs to be made ahead of serving time to allow sufficient time for it to set. This is an advantage when trying to prepare parts of your meal in advance, especially when entertaining. Let it set in the refrigerator for a minimum of six hours or preferably overnight. Panna cotta can be stored in your refrigerator for several days.
It is possible to freeze panna cotta but it is not recommended. Freezing can change the texture and consistency of this dessert.
Yes. Have fun experimenting with a variety of ingredients such as vanilla, coffee, various teas, herbs such as lavender or rosemary, fruit puree or chocolate.
Panna cotta can be served on its own, but is also often served along with fruit, caramel or chocolate sauce, or a fruit compote to add extra flavour and texture.
Storage
Refrigerator
After the panna cotta sets for a minimum of six hours, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Freezer
I do not recommend freezing panna cotta as freezing will change the beautiful texture of this dessert.
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Recipe
Earl Grey Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream 35%
- 1 tablespoon unflavoured gelatin (one envelope)
- ¼-1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (depending on how sweet you'd like it)
- 1 ½ tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour ½ cup of the whole milk. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to bloom.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot but not simmering.
- Pour the hot milk mixture through a strainer into the large bowl with the gelatin and milk mixture. Whisk well until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Divide the mixture evenly into your tea cups, ramekins or small dessert bowls. My recipe filled 4 tea cups.
- Cover the cups with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on top of the panna cotta.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours and preferably overnight.
- And that's it! Your delicious Earl Grey Panna Cotta is ready to be enjoyed. Serve as is or add a little garnish such as fruit, an edible flower or a sprinkle of Earl Grey tea.
Notes
- Bloom the gelatin properly by letting it sit undisturbed on the liquid for at least five minutes.
- Don't let your mixture come to a boil. Heat until hot but not boiling or simmering. Boiling can break down the gelatin and your panna cotta may not set.
- For a silky smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
- Allow at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the panna cotta time to set.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Meg says
I had never had a panna cotta before and I found the texture so delicious and fascinating. Like a creamy jello? Very satisfying and a must try. I love the subtle tea flavour and it was perfectly sweetened. Thanks for the inspo! Tea cups added to the experience.
Tristin says
This was so creamy and delicious! It was like a cup of tea with honey but in custard form.
Monica says
This is such a fun and unique dessert! I loved it for our family and will be saving the idea to serve for my next girls' brunch. So fun and feels fancy!
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
OMG! I have to make this Earl Grey Panna Cotta only to serve it in tea cups as you did. What a great idea. Panna cotta is one of my favorite Italian desserts, and it's so easy to make. Thanks for the inspiration!
Silvia says
A few years ago a friend made earl grey pot-a-crème and I loved it. Your recipe reminded me of it and it was so easy to follow that is now one of my favorites! Absolutely delicious!
Elizabeth says
I have never had panna cotta before, but after reading your post, I feel I have been missing out! Sounds delicious!
Alex says
Great recipe! I was worried the earl grey flavor wouldn't be strong enough, but it was perfect. I added some orange zest and served it with orange syrup on top. Delicious!
Daniela Weiner says
This early gray panna cotta is incredible! Loved the flavor combo of the tea and the honey. So simple but still a show stopping dessert
Natalia says
The only ‘problem’ with this earl grey panna cota is that it’s impossible to stop eating it! Such an easy and delicious recipe. Definitely making it again soon!
Dennis says
I love panna cotta and your version was refreshingly delicious! I will definitely be making it again.
Mikayla says
This dessert was so good. I wasn't sure if it would be overly sweet, but it was just right, creamy with the Earl Grey and honey. We are looking forward to having it again.
Anna says
This panna cotta is one of the tastiest desserts I've ever had! The delicate and super creamy texture with fragrant and aromatic earl grey is a marriage made in heaven!
Monica says
Delicious! I LOVE the flavor combo of honey and earl grey tea.