These Earl Grey Brownies with Lemon Panna Cotta offer a refined dessert experience that combines the deep, aromatic flavor of tea-infused brownies with a zesty, silky citrus topping. The result is a perfectly balanced treat—decadent yet refreshing, indulgent yet light. This plant-based and gluten-free recipe is ideal for an elegant afternoon tea, special gatherings, or anytime you want a sophisticated, layered sweet that feels as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refined Flavor Combination: The floral notes of Earl Grey tea pair beautifully with the brightness of lemon.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for a range of dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
Elegant and Unique: A visually appealing layered bar that’s as fitting for a tea party as it is for a dessert platter.
Silky Yet Structured: The coconut-based panna cotta layer sets perfectly with agar-agar for a clean, sliceable finish.
Naturally Sweetened: Made with maple syrup for a more wholesome touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Earl Grey Brownie Base:

almond flour
cocoa powder
maple syrup
coconut oil, melted
strong brewed Earl Grey tea
salt
baking soda

For the Lemon Panna Cotta Layer:

canned coconut milk
almond milk
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
maple syrup
vanilla extract
agar-agar powder

To Garnish (optional):

lemon slices
edible flowers

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a small square baking pan (8×8 inch or similar) with parchment paper.
Make the Brownie Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
Stir in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and brewed Earl Grey tea. Mix until a thick, smooth batter forms.
Press the batter firmly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Panna Cotta
In a small saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and agar-agar powder.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once it bubbles, cook for 1–2 more minutes to activate the agar-agar.
Assemble and Set
Carefully pour the hot panna cotta mixture over the cooled brownie base. Tap gently to smooth the surface.
Allow to cool at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
Slice and Garnish
Once firm, slice into 9 even bars. Garnish with thin lemon slices or edible flowers just before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per bar

Variations

Lime or Orange Version: Swap lemon for lime or orange juice and zest for a twist on the citrus flavor.
Matcha Base: Substitute cocoa powder with matcha for a green tea variation.
Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with oat flour (note: texture will vary).
Chocolate Ganache Layer: Add a thin chocolate ganache on top of the panna cotta for a more decadent finish.
Spiced Brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the brownie base for warming depth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze un-garnished bars for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Not recommended—best served chilled for panna cotta texture.

FAQs

Can I use loose-leaf Earl Grey tea?

Yes, brew a strong cup using 1–2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea or use 1 tea bag steeped in 1/4 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes.

What is agar-agar and how does it work?

Agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed. It sets liquids into a firm, jelly-like texture and must be boiled to activate properly.

Can I use other plant-based milks?

Yes, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk can be substituted for almond milk in the panna cotta.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness—just enough to highlight the chocolate and citrus without overpowering. You can adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Can I make the panna cotta layer with gelatin?

If not vegan, you can substitute with unflavored gelatin, though the setting method and amount will differ.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh juice and zest are recommended for best flavor and aroma. Lemon extract can be used sparingly if necessary.

How do I know when the panna cotta is set?

It should be firm to the touch and slice cleanly with a knife after at least 2 hours of chilling.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, they’re excellent make-ahead desserts—prepare the day before and garnish just before serving.

Do I need to grease the pan?

Parchment paper lining is enough and makes for easy removal and slicing.

Can I skip the garnish?

Yes, the garnish is optional, but it adds visual elegance—perfect for entertaining or tea-time presentation.

Conclusion

Earl Grey Brownies with Lemon Panna Cotta are a beautiful example of how contrast creates harmony in dessert. Rich yet light, earthy yet bright, and indulgent yet refreshing, these bars are a feast for the senses. With elegant layers and thoughtful ingredients, they’re perfect for entertaining guests or elevating your everyday dessert repertoire—whether for afternoon tea or a sweet finale to any meal.

Earl Grey Brownies with Lemon Panna Cotta

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Earl Grey Brownies with Lemon Panna Cotta are a refined, plant-based dessert featuring fudgy Earl Grey-infused brownies topped with silky, citrusy lemon panna cotta. Vegan and gluten-free, these elegant bars are perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or a sophisticated sweet bite.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking + Stovetop
Cuisine: Modern Fusion / Tea-Inspired
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and brewed Earl Grey tea. Stir to form a thick batter.
Press batter evenly into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool completely.
For the panna cotta, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat.
Once mixture begins to simmer, cook for 1–2 minutes to activate the agar.
Pour over the cooled brownie base. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Slice into bars and garnish with lemon slices or edible flowers before serving.

Notes

Brew Earl Grey tea strongly for more flavor intensity.
For best results, use canned coconut milk for its creaminess.
Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Substitute almond milk with oat or soy if preferred.