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Creamy Earl Grey Lavender Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries

Creamy Earl Grey Lavender Panna Cotta - featured image

A silky, aromatic panna cotta infused with Earl Grey tea and lavender, topped with fresh mixed berries. This elegant yet simple dessert is perfect for special occasions or a soothing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender buds (food-grade)
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) gelatin powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cold water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
  • Optional garnish: edible flower petals or a sprig of fresh lavender

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until softened and spongy.
  2. Steep the tea and lavender: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and whole milk. Warm gently over medium-low heat until just below simmering (around 180°F / 82°C). Remove from heat and add Earl Grey tea leaves and dried lavender buds. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the infusion: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cream mixture into a clean saucepan or bowl to remove tea leaves and lavender buds. Press gently to extract maximum flavor without sediment.
  4. Add sugar and vanilla: Whisk in granulated sugar and vanilla extract while mixture is still warm, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
  5. Incorporate gelatin: Reheat strained cream gently if needed, then whisk in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Avoid boiling.
  6. Pour into molds: Divide mixture evenly among 4 to 6 ramekins or molds. Let cool slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  7. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set with a gentle wobble.
  8. Serve: Just before serving, top each panna cotta with fresh mixed berries and optional edible flower or lavender sprig.

Notes

Bloom gelatin properly to avoid lumps. Steep Earl Grey and lavender for about 10 minutes to avoid bitterness. Keep cream mixture below simmering to preserve gelatin setting power. Chill panna cotta at least 4 hours for best texture. Fresh berries can be macerated with sugar and lemon juice for extra brightness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, Earl Grey, lavender, dessert, creamy, fresh berries, easy dessert, floral dessert, homemade panna cotta