We’ve always been captivated by the aromatic charm of Earl Grey tea, with its distinctive bergamot citrus notes that originated from British tea traditions. Turning this classic brew into a creamy ice cream offers a delightful twist, blending sophistication with a cool treat that’s perfect for warm evenings or elegant gatherings.
In our kitchen, we’ve perfected this recipe to capture Earl Grey’s essence while keeping it simple yet indulgent. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just seeking a unique dessert, this ice cream promises to elevate your homemade creations.
Ingredients
To create our irresistible Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, we start by gathering these key ingredients, carefully selected to infuse the bold bergamot citrus notes of Earl Grey tea into a creamy, luxurious base.
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream: Provides the rich, velvety texture that makes our ice cream so indulgent.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds balance and helps achieve the perfect smooth consistency.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture evenly; we recommend organic for a purer flavor.
Flavor Enhancers
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags: Steeped to extract the signature citrusy essence; use high-quality loose leaves if preferred for a stronger infusion.
- 6 large egg yolks: Essential for a custard-style base that ensures a creamy mouthfeel without iciness.
Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth, complementing the tea’s floral undertones.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: A pinch to elevate the flavors and balance the sweetness.
This lineup ensures our Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream recipe is straightforward and yields about 1 quart of dessert, perfect for 4–6 servings. For precise measurements and preparation notes, we’ll transition to the next steps seamlessly.
Equipment Needed
Now that we’ve gathered our key ingredients for the Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, let’s equip ourselves with the essential tools to craft this creamy, citrus-infused delight effortlessly.
To prepare this recipe successfully, we recommend the following equipment. We’ve organized them into a simple list, highlighting must-haves for optimal results:
- Ice cream maker: Our go-to for churning the mixture into smooth, velvety ice cream—ensures even freezing and the perfect texture.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for gently heating the heavy cream, whole milk, and Earl Grey tea bags to infuse that signature bergamot flavor.
- Large mixing bowl: Used for whisking egg yolks and sugar together, creating a stable base for our rich custard.
- Whisk: A sturdy one for blending ingredients smoothly and incorporating air for a lighter ice cream consistency.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Crucial for straining the tea-infused mixture, removing any solids to achieve a silky finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools like a 2-cup measure and 1-teaspoon spoon to precisely portion our ingredients.
- Instant-read thermometer: Helps us monitor the temperature of the custard base, ensuring it reaches 170–175°F for food safety and proper thickening.
- Airtight storage container: For freezing the churned ice cream, yielding about 1 quart that serves 4–6 people—keeps it fresh and scoopable.
| Equipment Item | Quantity Needed | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Ice cream maker | 1 | Electric or manual, with a 1.5–2 quart capacity |
| Medium saucepan | 1 | 2–4 quart size for even heating |
| Large mixing bowl | 1–2 | Heat-resistant, 4-quart capacity |
| Whisk | 1 | Stainless steel for durability |
| Fine-mesh strainer | 1 | 6–8 inch diameter for efficient straining |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Set | Standard set including 1-cup, 1/2-cup, and teaspoons |
| Instant-read thermometer | 1 | Digital for precise temperature readings |
| Airtight storage container | 1 | 1–2 quart, freezer-safe with lid |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through crafting our Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream step by step. This process yields a luxurious, citrusy treat with a creamy texture that highlights the bergamot essence.
Prep
Before we begin, we prepare our ingredients to ensure smooth execution. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large egg yolks and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick—this creates the rich base for our ice cream. Measure out 4 Earl Grey tea bags, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt nearby for easy access.
Infuse Tea
To infuse the signature bergamot flavor, we heat the cream mixture in the saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer—around 170°F as checked with an instant-read thermometer. Add the 4 Earl Grey tea bags and remove the pan from heat. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, allowing the aromatic citrus notes to permeate the liquid and transform it into a fragrant infusion that will elevate our ice cream’s taste profile.
Cook the Base
Next, we create the custard base for that velvety smoothness. Slowly temper the egg yolk mixture by pouring in about half of the infused cream mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining infused cream. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a sturdy whisk, until the base thickens to coat the back of a spoon and reaches 175°F on the thermometer—this step ensures a safe, creamy consistency. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove the tea bags and any solids, then stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and pinch of fine sea salt for a balanced, indulgent flavor.
Chill
To achieve the perfect scoopable texture, we chill the custard base thoroughly. Transfer the strained mixture to a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully cooled—this cooling process allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the citrusy bergamot notes in our Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream.
Churn
Once chilled, we churn the base into soft-serve bliss using our ice cream maker. Pour the custard into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20–25 minutes, until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency like fresh whipped cream. This step incorporates air and freezes the mixture evenly, resulting in a light yet rich Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream with a delightful, smooth mouthfeel.
Freeze
Finally, we freeze the churned ice cream for the ideal firmness. Transfer it to an airtight storage container, smoothing the top for even freezing. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid—this hardens the dessert while preserving its creamy texture, making it ready for serving in refreshing scoops that capture the sophisticated essence of Earl Grey tea.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we perfect our Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream recipe, planning ahead ensures you achieve that creamy, bergamot-infused texture without last-minute rushes. We recommend preparing components in advance to enhance flavors and simplify your dessert routine.
Preparing the Custard Base Ahead
One of our favorite strategies is to make the custard base up to two days in advance. Start by following the initial steps in our recipe—combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and Earl Grey tea bags in a saucepan, heat until steaming, then steep for 10 minutes. After straining, whisk in the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and cook the mixture to thicken as directed. Once cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. This allows the Earl Grey tea flavors to infuse deeply, resulting in a more sophisticated taste.
Churning and Freezing in Advance
For full Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream preparation, churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker as outlined, then freeze the soft-serve consistency in an airtight container. We suggest doing this up to one week ahead for optimal freshness. To maintain the ice cream’s smooth, scoopable texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container—this prevents ice crystals from forming.
Storage Tips and Serving Guidelines
Store your frozen Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below to preserve its creamy indulgence. If you’re making multiple batches, here’s a quick overview of make-ahead timelines:
| Component | Make-Ahead Duration | Storage Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Custard Base | Up to 2 days | Refrigerate in an airtight container |
| Churned Ice Cream | Up to 1 week | Freeze in an airtight container |
When ready to serve, let the ice cream soften in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes for easier scooping, ensuring each bite delivers the refreshing, citrusy essence of Earl Grey tea. This approach keeps your dessert elegant and ready for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Earl Grey tea ice cream recipe as it brings a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday treats into something memorable.
Our hope is that you’ll experiment with it and discover the joy of homemade flavors. Enjoy every creamy bite and make it your go-to dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream?
Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is a sophisticated dessert that transforms the classic bergamot-flavored tea into a creamy treat. It’s perfect for warm evenings or elegant gatherings, blending the citrusy essence of Earl Grey with rich cream and a hint of vanilla for a unique, indulgent experience.
What are the key ingredients for Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of heavy cream for richness, 1 cup of whole milk for balance, ¾ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness, 4 Earl Grey tea bags for flavor, 6 large egg yolks for creaminess, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt. This combination yields about 1 quart, serving 4–6 people.
What equipment is needed to make Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream?
You’ll need an ice cream maker for churning, a medium saucepan for heating the mixture, a large mixing bowl and whisk for blending, a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth texture, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, an instant-read thermometer for temperature control, and an airtight container for freezing.
How do you prepare Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream?
Start by heating cream and milk with Earl Grey tea bags to infuse flavor. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, temper with the hot mixture, then cook until thickened. Strain, chill thoroughly, churn in an ice cream maker until soft-serve consistency, and freeze until firm. The process is simple and yields a refreshing, citrusy dessert.
Can you make Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the custard base up to two days in advance to deepen flavors. Churn and freeze the ice cream up to one week ahead for convenience. Cover the surface with plastic wrap before freezing to prevent ice crystals, and store at 0°F (-18°C) or below for optimal freshness.
How should you store homemade Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream?
Store in an airtight container in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. To maintain scoopability, let it soften in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps preserve its creamy texture and prevents ice crystals from forming.
What makes Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream special?
It’s special due to the bergamot citrus flavor from Earl Grey tea, combined with a rich, creamy base that appeals to tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts. This easy recipe offers a sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream, making it ideal for elegant occasions or casual treats.