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Earl grey tea infused pastry cream for filling

Earl Grey Pastry Cream

Earl Grey vibes, simple ingredients, and endless dessert possibilities.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Steep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Cream Patisserie, Earl Grey, Earl Grey Tea, Filling, Pastry Cream
Servings: 2.25 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk ~480 g, plus about 1/4 cup more to top up
  • 4 tbsp Earl Grey leaves or 4 Earl Grey tea bags, about 8 g
  • 4 egg yolks medium or large, about 60-70 g
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch ~40 g
  • 7 tablespoons sugar ~87 g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ~28 g

Instructions

  • Infuse Milk: Heat milk until just below boiling. Remove from heat, add tea, and steep for 15–20 minutes.
    4 tbsp Earl Grey leaves, 2 cups milk
  • Strain and Measure: Strain the milk, squeezing out the leaves to extract flavor, and top up the milk to 2 cups.
  • Heat Milk Mixture: Combine milk, vanilla, and sugar in a clean pot. Heat to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 7 tablespoons sugar
  • Prep Yolks: While the milk heats, whisk yolks, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of the milk mixture (while it's still lukewarm) in a bowl.
    4 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Temper Eggs: Gradually whisk hot milk into yolk mixture in small additions to avoid curdling.
  • Thicken Cream: Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling (2–4 minutes).
  • Whisk Off Heat: Remove from heat and whisk for about a minute until smooth.
  • Add Butter: Stir in butter until fully melted and incorporated.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Taste and Adjust: Taste while hot and add sugar if needed.
  • Strain if Desired: Strain through a mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
  • Cool: Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin. Cool at room temp for 30–60 minutes, then refrigerate.
  • Whisk and Use: Break up the chilled cream with a fork and whisk until smooth before using.
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