Name: Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or vanilla extract); 2 cups heavy whipping cream (35%); 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea (optional); 5 large egg yolks; ½ cup granulated sugar; ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; 1 pie crust (Mi-del chocolate gluten free pie crust recommended); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping); Fresh berries (for decoration and serving)

There’s something incredibly soothing about the warm, floral notes of Earl Grey mingling with creamy, caramelized sugar in a dessert. This Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe combines that classic tea flavor with the silky richness of creme brulee, all nestled in a crisp chocolate crust that makes each bite a little celebration. Trust me, it’s one you’ll want to bake more than once.

The image shows a round pie with three clear layers: a dark brown crumb crust at the bottom, a thick creamy beige filling in the middle, and a golden caramelized top layer with dark spots. The pie is placed inside a white ceramic dish with handles, on a white marbled surface. The top edge of the pie is decorated with fresh red strawberries, some whole and some sliced, and small round dark blueberries scattered around the strawberries. In the background, there is a white container filled with more strawberries and blueberries, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I made this pie for friends, I knew it was special. It’s elegant yet approachable, and the Earl Grey isn’t just a subtle hint—it’s a star that makes this creme brulee pie uniquely memorable. Whether you’re an Earl Grey fan or a dessert lover, this recipe treats you beautifully without complicated steps.

Exceptional Flavor Fusion: The Earl Grey tea infuses the custard with bergamot notes, creating an elevated twist on classic creme brulee.
Luxurious Texture: Silky smooth custard paired with a satisfyingly crunchy caramelized sugar topping.
Gluten-Free Option Ready: Using a chocolate crumb crust keeps it accessible for those avoiding gluten but craving indulgence.
Impress Without Stress: Minimal fuss, straightforward steps—perfect for showing off at brunch, dinner parties, or tea time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe works in harmony to craft a stunning dessert. From that aromatic vanilla bean to the rich cream and fragrant Earl Grey, every element has its duty—and choosing quality makes all the difference when you want that perfect balance.

Flat lay of a whole fresh vanilla bean pod sliced open to reveal seeds, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing loose Earl Grey tea leaves, five whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a simple round chocolate pie crust, and a small white ceramic bowl of fresh mixed berries with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla Bean: I recommend the whole bean for that deep, fragrant vanilla flavor, but vanilla paste or extract works in a pinch—just keep it real to complement the tea.
Heavy Whipping Cream (35% fat): This is the foundation for your custard’s luscious mouthfeel, delivering richness and body.
Earl Grey Tea Leaves: The star flavor component, steeped gently to infuse the cream with bergamot aroma without bitterness.
Large Egg Yolks: These create the silky custard texture when mixed carefully—don’t whisk too vigorously to avoid air bubbles.
Granulated Sugar: Part goes into sweetening the custard, while a separate amount caramelizes for that crunchy topo coat.
Sea Salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors, subtle but essential.
Pie Crust: I love a Mi-del chocolate gluten-free crust here—it adds a lovely chocolate depth and textural contrast without gluten worries.
Fresh Berries: They finish the pie with color, fresh tartness, and a juicy balance to the rich custard.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about tailoring desserts to what you love most. I often play with the crust, swapping chocolate for classic graham cracker or even a nutty crust when berries are in season. The Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe is versatile enough to handle it.

Variation: Once, I added a splash of Lapsang Souchong tea alongside the Earl Grey for a smoky twist that surprised and delighted my guests.
For a Lighter Version: Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will be less rich but still delicious.
Non-Dairy Swap: Coconut cream can substitute heavy cream, but expect a subtle coconut note that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with two distinct layers on a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is dark, crumbly chocolate crust and the top layer is smooth, creamy light beige cheesecake with a slightly browned, caramelized top. Around the slice, there are scattered fresh blueberries and halved strawberries adding pops of blue and red color. A silver spoon with some cheesecake remnants is placed near the slice, and the photo has a soft, warm light that highlights the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Infuse Your Cream with Earl Grey & Vanilla

Start by slicing your vanilla bean down the middle and scraping out those fragrant seeds—I love this part, it smells so heavenly! Toss both the seeds and pod into a saucepan with the heavy cream and Earl Grey tea leaves. Warm this gently over medium-low heat until it’s just steaming but not boiling; trust me, boiling can alter the smoothness of your custard. Then turn the heat off, cover, and let those flavors steep for a full 10 minutes. It’s like a spa day for your cream.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture

While your cream is steeping, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl until everything is just mixed—not foamy. Over-whisking lets in too much air and risks a custard with bubbles. Patience pays off here; smooth and silky is the goal.

Step 3: Combine Cream and Yolks Slowly

Once your cream has steeped, carefully strain out the tea leaves and vanilla pod—don’t forget to squeeze out every bit of flavor from the leaves! Gradually introduce the warm cream into your yolk mixture, about a half-cup at a time, whisking consistently to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly. This gradual addition keeps everything smooth and silky.

Step 4: Pour & Bake Carefully

Place your chosen pie crust on a baking sheet—especially if it’s crumb-style like mine—to catch any spills. Pour the custard into the crust; using a spatula to guide the cream prevents messing up the crust’s surface. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a custard that’s set at the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center, like jello. Once baked, cool it to room temperature, then chill for at least three hours. This resting time is worth it for ultimate creaminess.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Before serving, sprinkle a generous 3 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the pie surface. Pop it under the broiler just until the sugar melts and caramelizes, which happens fast—about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eagle eye here to avoid burnt sugar! Then, chill the pie in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm the caramelized top, making it easier to slice. No broiler? A kitchen torch works, though it takes longer but keeps the pie cooler overall.

Step 6: Serve with a Crack and Fresh Berries

Tap the caramelized top gently with the back of a spoon to crack it—it’s a fun part and makes each slice neat and satisfying. Serve with fresh berries to add a pop of tartness and color, and enjoy the elegant flavors you created!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe several times now, and the caramelization step truly makes or breaks the experience; here’s what I’ve learned to ensure perfection every time.

Gentle Heating: Keep your cream low and slow when infusing—no boiling! This keeps the custard silky without curdling.
Patience with Whisking: Whisk the yolk mixture only until combined to avoid bubbles in the custard.
Caramelize with Caution: Use the broiler for speed but watch it closely; a second too long can turn your sugar bitter.
Freeze to Firm Up: After caramelizing, freezing the pie for a bit really helps when slicing so you get those beautiful crunchy shards.

How to Serve Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe

Earl Grey Creme Brulee - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple—fresh raspberries and blackberries scatter across the top for a tart contrast and vibrant presentation. Sometimes, I add a few edible flowers when hosting to make it extra special. A tiny sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate over the berries adds an elegant touch, too.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a light green tea or a glass of Champagne if you’re celebrating. For a brunch spread, consider alongside fresh fruit salad or pound cake slices for variety without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented this pie with mini jars of clotted cream and honey on the side, inviting guests to dollop or drizzle for extra indulgence. Plating slices with a berry coulis drizzle makes a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the main event, wrap any leftover Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Just remember that the caramelized sugar top can soften a bit with time, so slice it fresh if you want that perfect crack.

Freezing

Freezing this pie isn’t my favorite—because the custard texture changes and the crunchy sugar top gets lost. However, if you must freeze, wrap it tightly and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently re-caramelize the top with a torch before serving.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating creme brulee pie since it’s best enjoyed cold. If it’s a little too chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring out the custard’s creamy richness without losing structural integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaves?

Yes, using Earl Grey tea bags works perfectly fine. Just steep the tea bag in the cream as directed and squeeze out the flavor carefully before mixing with the egg yolks. Loose leaf usually provides a bit more flavor intensity, but tea bags are a convenient swap.

What if I don’t have a broiler or kitchen torch for caramelizing?

If you don’t have a broiler or torch, you can sprinkle the sugar and put the pie under a very hot grill briefly, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, you could skip the caramelization and just serve as a creamy custard pie with fresh berries—still delicious, just a different texture on top.

How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

Look for edges that are just set and a center that has a slight jiggle, similar to jello. It might seem underdone, but the pie will firm up as it chills. Overbaking causes curdling, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate or traditional pie crust works well, just blind bake it first to prevent sogginess before filling with the custard. Using a pre-made gluten-free crust is a great shortcut if you want to save time without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s that perfect intersection of comfort and sophistication that’s hard to find in one dessert. Sharing it with friends makes the experience even sweeter, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the way the tea-infused custard and crunchy caramelized topping play together. Try it out, savor each bite, and watch your guests’ faces light up. It’s a kitchen win you’ll want to make again and again.