Elegant Crème Brûlée Tart

This Earl Grey Crème Brûlée Tart is a sophisticated dessert that combines the floral and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with the rich, creamy texture of crème brûlée. Encased in a buttery tart crust, this dessert offers a delightful contrast of crisp pastry, silky tea-infused custard, and a crackly caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant afternoon tea, this tart is a show-stopping treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and unique – The Earl Grey flavor adds a refined touch to the classic crème brûlée.
• Perfect texture combination – Buttery crust, smooth custard, and crisp caramelized sugar.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare it in advance and caramelize the sugar just before serving.
• A twist on a classic – A fusion of French and British dessert traditions.
• Ideal for tea lovers – A must-try for those who enjoy tea-infused desserts.

Ingredients

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

• 2 Earl Grey tea bags
• 6 g Earl Grey tea leaves, ground
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg (separately used)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 70 g caster sugar (superfine)
• 40 g caster sugar
• 40 g icing sugar (powdered)
• 220 g plain flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 110 g unsalted butter
• 480 ml double cream
• 15 ml water

Directions

1. Prepare the pastry crust

   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, icing sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Add one large egg and mix until the dough forms. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
   • Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 15 minutes.
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with baking beans.
   • Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

2. Make the Earl Grey-infused custard

   • Heat the double cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Add the tea bags and ground Earl Grey leaves. Let steep for 15 minutes.
   • Strain the cream to remove the tea leaves and reheat gently.
   • In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, caster sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Gradually pour in the warm cream, whisking continuously.
   • Strain the mixture to ensure a smooth custard.

3. Bake the tart

   • Pour the custard into the tart shell. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 30–35 minutes until just set with a slight wobble in the center.
   • Let it cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours.

4. Caramelize the sugar topping

   • Sprinkle an even layer of caster sugar over the custard.
   • Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow it to harden before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Citrus twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for extra brightness.
• Chocolate infusion: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the crust before pouring in the custard.
• Spiced version: Infuse the cream with a cinnamon stick or cardamom for warmth.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the tart crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap.
• Caramelization: Only caramelize the sugar just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.
• Freezing: The baked tart (without the sugar topping) can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

How strong is the Earl Grey flavor in this tart?

The Earl Grey flavor is prominent but balanced. You can adjust the intensity by steeping the tea longer or using extra ground tea leaves.

Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes! You can bake the tart a day in advance and caramelize the sugar just before serving.

What can I use instead of a kitchen torch?

You can broil the tart in the oven for a few minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Can I use store-bought pastry?

Yes, but homemade pastry provides better flavor and texture.

Why is my custard not setting?

The tart may need more baking time, or the oven temperature was too low. It should have a slight wobble in the center when done.

How do I prevent my tart crust from shrinking?

Chilling the dough before baking and using pie weights will help prevent shrinkage.

Can I use a different type of tea?

Yes! Try chamomile, chai, or matcha for a unique twist.

What’s the best sugar for the brûlée topping?

Use superfine or caster sugar for the best caramelization.

Can I make mini tarts instead?

Absolutely! Reduce the baking time for the custard to around 15–20 minutes.

Is this tart overly sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness. You can adjust the sugar to taste if needed.

Conclusion

This Earl Grey Crème Brûlée Tart is an exquisite dessert that brings together the delicate flavors of tea, the richness of custard, and the crunch of caramelized sugar. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a refined treat, this tart is sure to impress. Try this elegant dessert and elevate your baking repertoire!