Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe

Intro

There are certain flavors that feel elegant the moment they hit your senses, and Earl Grey is one of them. I still remember the first time I infused tea into cream instead of water. The kitchen filled with this soft, citrusy perfume—bergamot, vanilla, warm dairy—and I knew instantly that something special was happening. That moment is exactly why I’m sharing this Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe with you today.

As a female chef, ice cream is one of my favorite playgrounds. It’s where technique meets comfort, and where a simple scoop can feel incredibly refined. 

This Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe is creamy, floral, lightly citrusy, and unbelievably smooth. It’s the kind of dessert you serve after a dinner party when you want guests to pause, close their eyes, and say, “Wait… what is this flavor?”

If you love tea, if you love ice cream, or if you simply enjoy desserts that feel a little elevated without being fussy, this easy Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe is going to win your heart.

What is Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe?

Earl Grey tea ice cream is a custard-based frozen dessert infused with Earl Grey tea leaves, traditionally flavored with bergamot oil. The base is made with cream, milk, egg yolks, and sugar, then gently steeped with tea to capture that signature floral-citrus aroma.

What makes this classic Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe unique is its balance. It’s not overly sweet. Instead, the richness of the cream carries the delicate bitterness of black tea, while bergamot adds a soft citrus lift that keeps every bite refreshing.

A well-made homemade Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe should taste smooth, fragrant, and clean, with no harsh tea notes—just a lingering, elegant finish.

Why This Flavor Works So Beautifully

Tea and dairy are a quiet power couple. The fat in cream softens the tannins in black tea, turning what could be sharp into something round and soothing. Earl Grey, in particular, shines because bergamot cuts through the richness, keeping the ice cream from feeling heavy.

This is the kind of dessert that feels grown-up but still comforting. I love serving it on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies, honey drizzle, or fresh berries.

Equipment List

You’ll need a few basic tools to make this recipe smoothly:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Ice cream maker
• Airtight freezer-safe container
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

Simple ingredients, treated with care, make all the difference here.

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf Earl Grey)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional additions:

• 1 teaspoon bergamot extract (use sparingly)
• 1 tablespoon honey for added depth

Instructions

Step 1: Warm and Infuse the Dairy

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat gently over medium-low until steam appears. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse flavor without bitterness.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thick. This step ensures a smooth, creamy ice cream texture.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the warm tea-infused cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents curdling and keeps the custard silky.

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.

Step 5: Strain and Chill

Strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer to remove tea leaves. Stir in vanilla and salt. Chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 6: Churn and Freeze

Churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.

Flavor and Texture Notes from a Chef

This Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe should be ultra-smooth and creamy, with a gentle tea flavor that blooms as it melts. If it tastes bitter, the tea steeped too long. If it tastes flat, a pinch more salt or a drop of bergamot can bring it to life.

Variations I Love

If you enjoy experimenting, try one of these variations:

• Lavender Earl Grey: Add a small pinch of culinary lavender while steeping.
• Honey version: Replace part of the sugar with honey for floral warmth.
• Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk for a lush, vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This ice cream shines in simple presentations:

• A single scoop with shortbread cookies
• Paired with lemon loaf cake
• Drizzled lightly with honey
• Served alongside fresh raspberries

Storage Tips

For best texture:

• Store in an airtight container
• Press parchment paper directly on the surface
• Use within 2 weeks for peak flavor

FAQs

Does Earl Grey ice cream taste bitter?
No, when steeped correctly, it’s smooth and aromatic.

Can I use loose-leaf tea?
Absolutely—just strain well before chilling.

Do I need an ice cream maker?
It’s recommended for best texture, but no-churn adaptations are possible.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but sugar also affects texture, so reduce gradually.

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen

This homemade Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe is one of those desserts that feels quietly luxurious. It’s subtle, creamy, and deeply satisfying without being loud or overly sweet.

If you’re looking to impress with something unexpected yet comforting, this classic Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream Recipe belongs in your freezer. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why tea lovers and ice cream lovers meet so happily here.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every scoop.