Amazing Earl Grey Ice Cream Recipe
This Earl Grey ice cream recipe creates a perfectly balanced frozen dessert that combines the floral notes of bergamot with rich creaminess. The black tea ice cream base delivers a sophisticated flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this tea ice cream at home.
Looking for more delicious frozen treats? Check out our complete guide to homemade ice cream for additional recipes and techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Ice Cream
This tea ice cream stands out because:
- Uses high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea for maximum flavor
- Balances the bold black tea taste with creamy sweetness
- Makes a sophisticated dessert that impresses guests
- Contains just 6 simple ingredients
Ingredients for Black Tea Ice Cream
Gather these quality ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- 6 tbsp (30g) loose Earl Grey tea
- ½ tsp (2g) kosher salt
- 6 large egg yolks
Step-by-Step Earl Grey Ice Cream Recipe
Preparing the Tea-Infused Base
1. Combine cream and milk in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water. The bowl shouldn’t touch the water.
2. Whisk in ½ cup sugar, tea leaves, and salt until dissolved. Heat until steaming.
3. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl, pressing on tea leaves to extract maximum flavor. Return infused liquid to double boiler.
Making the Custard
1. Prepare an ice bath with a bowl set over it.
2. Whisk egg yolks with remaining ¼ cup sugar until uniform.
3. Temper yolks by slowly adding half the hot dairy mixture while whisking constantly.
4. Pour yolk mixture back into remaining dairy in double boiler.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until custard thickens enough to coat spoon.
For more expert ice cream tips, visit our ultimate ice cream making resource.
Chilling and Churning
1. Strain custard into bowl over ice bath and stir 3-5 minutes until cooled.
2. Transfer to container, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
3. Churn in ice cream maker until soft-serve consistency.
4. Transfer to chilled container and freeze until firm.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tea Ice Cream
• Use premium loose leaf Earl Grey with real bergamot oil for best flavor
• Steep tea longer for stronger black tea taste (up to 1 hour)
• Ensure custard reaches 170°F (77°C) for food safety
• Freeze storage container beforehand to prevent ice crystals
Serving Suggestions
This Earl Grey ice cream pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh berries
- Shortbread cookies
- Chocolate sauce
- Citrus desserts
For more creative serving ideas, check our Pinterest board with beautiful presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tea bags instead of loose tea?
Yes, but you’ll need about 8-10 premium tea bags to match the flavor intensity.
How long does this black tea ice cream keep?
Properly stored, it maintains best quality for 1 week in the freezer.
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Pour into shallow container and stir every 30 minutes as it freezes.
Conclusion
This Earl Grey ice cream recipe delivers a sophisticated frozen dessert that beautifully balances floral tea notes with rich creaminess. The black tea base creates a uniquely refreshing tea ice cream that’s perfect for warm days or elegant dinner parties.
Ready to try more frozen treats? Explore our complete ice cream recipe collection for more delicious ideas!
Creamy Earl Grey Ice Cream Recipe (Easy & Delicious)
Instructions
- Combine the cream and milk in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water (avoid letting the bowl touch the water). Add 1/2 cup (100 grams) of sugar, the tea, and the salt, then whisk until dissolved. Heat until steam appears. Remove from heat, strain into a bowl, and press the tea leaves to extract all liquid. Discard the leaves and return the infused mixture to the double boiler.
- Fill a large bowl with ice water. Place a second bowl on top and set it aside.
- Place a medium bowl on a kitchen towel to prevent slipping. Whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Gradually add a splash of the hot dairy mixture while whisking. Continue adding the dairy mixture slowly until half is incorporated. Pour the yolk mixture into the remaining dairy in the double boiler. Heat over medium, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Reduce to medium-low as needed until steam rises and the custard thickens enough to coat the spoon. Test by running a finger through the custard on the spoon—if the trail holds, it's ready to cool.
- Strain the custard into the bowl over the ice bath. Stir for 3–5 minutes until cooled. Transfer to a quart container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and freeze as directed. Freeze the storage container beforehand to hold the finished ice cream. Churn until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. Transfer to the pre-chilled container and freeze until firm, or serve immediately for a gelato-like consistency. Store frozen for up to one week.
How to Make Earl Grey Ice Cream at Home
If you love the floral, citrusy notes of bergamot paired with creamy sweetness, this Earl Grey ice cream recipe is a must-try. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade tea ice cream lets you control the intensity of the tea flavor for a richer, more aromatic experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf)
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Infuse the cream: Heat milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling). Remove from heat, add tea, and steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove leaves/bags.
- Prepare the custard: Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly pour the warm tea-infused cream into the yolks while whisking to temper.
- Cook the base: Return the mixture to low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (coats the back of a spoon).
- Chill & churn: Stir in vanilla and salt. Refrigerate for 4+ hours, then churn in an ice cream maker.
Black Tea Ice Cream Variations
For a deeper, maltier flavor, swap Earl Grey with Assam or Ceylon in this black tea ice cream base. Try these twists:
- Chai-Spiced: Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper during steeping.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace half the sugar with ¼ cup honey for floral depth.
- Layered Texture: Fold in crushed tea biscuits or dark chocolate chunks after churning.
Why Tea Ice Cream Works So Well
The bitterness of tea ice cream balances the richness of dairy, creating a sophisticated dessert. Tips for best results:
- Quality matters: Use fresh, high-grade loose-leaf tea for vibrant flavor.
- Steep smart: Oversteeping can make the base bitter—20 minutes max for black tea.
- Serve creatively: Pair Earl Grey ice cream with lemon curd or shortbread cookies.
No-Churn Earl Grey Ice Cream Option
No ice cream maker? Try this shortcut:
- Whip 2 cups cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold in 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk and 2 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea.
- Freeze in a loaf pan for 6 hours. The texture will be lighter but equally delicious.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container with parchment pressed against the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for ideal creaminess.
- Garnish with citrus zest or edible flowers to highlight the tea’s aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decaf tea? Yes, but reduce steeping time by 5 minutes to avoid tannic bitterness.
How long does it keep? Up to 2 weeks in the freezer, though best within 5 days for peak flavor.
Can I make it vegan? Substitute coconut milk for dairy and use cornstarch instead of eggs for thickening.
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