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 utterly magical about the silky smooth custard meeting that crisp sugar crack on top, and when you add a subtle hint of bergamot with this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe, it elevates the whole experience to something quite extraordinary. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

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

Honestly, I can’t get over how the Earl Grey flavor adds such a unique twist to a classic creme brulee, transforming it into a pie that's just as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s not just for tea-time—in my kitchen, it’s a star whenever company drops by.

Elegant Flavor Pairing: The fragrant bergamot in Earl Grey perfectly complements the creamy richness, giving this pie a sophisticated edge.
Textural Delight: Silky custard with that signature crunchy caramelized sugar top—every bite offers contrast and satisfaction.
Simple but Special: Though it feels fancy, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, perfect for impressing without stress.
Versatile Dessert: Great for brunch, dinner parties, or a cozy treat with fresh berries on the side.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe has a purpose, combining to create that perfect custard texture and signature flavor. I always recommend quality vanilla and fresh cream for the best richness and aroma.

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: Adds deep, natural vanilla flavor that works beautifully with the tea’s citrus notes. If you can, scrape out the seeds for maximum aroma.
Heavy whipping cream: The base for that luscious, creamy custard texture you expect in creme brulee.
Earl Grey tea: The star here—infuses the cream with bergamot’s floral and citrus character, elevating the whole dessert.
Egg yolks: These give the custard body and creaminess, binding everything just right.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and the signature crunchy brulee topping that cracks satisfyingly.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those lovely flavors.
Pie crust: I love a chocolate gluten-free crust here because it adds a subtle indulgence and contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.

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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 like to keep this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe pretty classic, but don’t hesitate to tinker a little to suit your taste or occasion—there’s plenty of fun ways to make it yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chocolate crust for a graham cracker crust for a lighter feel, which works beautifully if you want a less chocolatey bite.

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: Steep the Cream the Right Way

Start by slicing your vanilla bean and scraping out those tiny seeds—this is where the magic lives! Warm the cream gently with the bean and Earl Grey leaves on low heat until it’s just steaming. Don’t rush it; if the cream boils, it can affect the texture. Take it off the heat and let those flavors mingle for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Base

While your cream is infusing, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until combined. Aim for smooth, but try not to whip it so much that it gets foamy—gentle is key here.

Step 3: Marry the Custard and Cream

Strain your cream to remove the tea leaves and vanilla pod. Then slowly add the warm cream into the egg mixture, a bit at a time, whisking as you go to gently temper the eggs and prevent scrambling. This slow incorporation is crucial for silky smooth custard.

Step 4: Pour, Bake, and Chill

Pour your custard gently into the pie crust, ideally onto a spatula if you're using a crumb crust to keep it intact. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set but still jiggles slightly—like a good jello. Let it cool to room temp, then pop it into the fridge to chill fully for about 3 hours.

Step 5: Caramelize That Perfect Top

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the top liberally with sugar and broil it quickly—watch it like a hawk because it shifts from perfect to burnt in seconds! If you don’t have a broiler, a kitchen torch works too, though it takes a little longer. After caramelizing, chill the pie in the freezer for 15 minutes so it slices beautifully.

Step 6: Serve with a Crack and Fresh Berries

Tap the top gently with the back of a spoon for that iconic crack, slice it up, and adorn with fresh berries for a pop of color and a tangy contrast that I absolutely love.

Top Tip

When I first made this pie, my biggest challenge was getting that perfect crack on the sugar topping without burning it. Here are some tips I learned along the way to help you nail it faster:

Use a Thin, Even Sugar Layer: Sprinkle the sugar evenly and not too thickly, or it won’t caramelize properly.
Supervise the Broiler Closely: It’ll go from golden to burnt in less than a minute, so stay by the oven with the door cracked open.
Cool Before Slicing: Broiling heats the custard edge; chilling briefly in the freezer lets it reset so your slices stay clean and neat.
Kitchen Torch Alternative: If you’re using a torch, move in slow circles to avoid burning spots and keep it about an inch away from the surface.

How to Serve Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe

Earl Grey Creme Brulee - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by fresh berries—raspberries and blueberries in particular—because their tartness slices through the creamy richness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Sometimes, I scatter a few edible flowers on top for an elegant touch when guests come over.

Side Dishes

This pie shines as a showstopper dessert after a simple meal, but if you wanted to build a menu, I’d pair it with a loose leaf Earl Grey or a light citrusy salad beforehand to keep that aromatic theme flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual slices with a drizzle of lavender honey and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. It feels luxurious and really elevates the experience, making every bite memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and pop it back into the fridge. It stays delicious for about 3 days, but I do recommend finishing it sooner for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing custards can be tricky because texture might change, but if you must, wrap slices tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use within a week for best enjoyment—expect a slightly softer texture.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold, so I don’t recommend reheating. However, if the pie is too chilled, letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving brings back its luscious creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Just be sure to squeeze the tea bags gently after steeping to get all that wonderful bergamot flavor out. You’ll still get the aromatic infusion needed for this recipe.

What if I don’t have a broiler to caramelize the sugar topping?

No worries! You can use a handheld kitchen torch as an alternative. It might take a little longer but gives you more control without heating the custard underneath too much. Just keep the flame moving to avoid burning.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Definitely! A buttery, flaky crust from scratch will work beautifully. Just be sure to blind bake it first to keep it crisp against the rich custard filling. Using gluten-free or chocolate crusts like I do adds wonderful personal touches too.

How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

Look for the custard to be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center, like a gently wobbly jello. It will firm up as it chills, so don’t overbake or you risk it turning grainy.

Final Thoughts

This Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe holds a special place in my dessert rotation because it brings together two beloved flavors—classic creme brulee and fragrant Earl Grey tea—in a way that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re prepping for guests or treating yourself, it’s a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite way to enjoy afternoon tea or dinner dessert.