Easy No-Churn Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream – Simple & Delicious!

Imagine the rich, creamy texture of homemade ice cream infused with the delicate, citrusy aroma of Earl Grey tea.

This Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is a sophisticated yet comforting dessert that blends the bold flavors of black tea with the bright, floral notes of bergamot.

Each spoonful is smooth, velvety, and irresistibly fragrant—perfect for tea lovers and ice cream enthusiasts alike.

This recipe is inspired by classic custard-based ice cream, ensuring a luscious, scoopable texture.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to something special, this Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is an elegant and easy-to-make indulgence.

With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a homemade dessert that rivals any gourmet ice cream shop.

Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream

A Unique Twist on Classic Ice Cream

While vanilla and chocolate are timeless favorites, this Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream offers a refreshing change.

The fragrant, slightly citrusy bergamot in Earl Grey tea adds depth and sophistication, making this a standout dessert.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of rich dairy, delicate tea, and just the right amount of sweetness creates a harmonious balance.

It’s creamy yet light, sweet yet slightly earthy—a truly refined treat.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether served at a fancy dinner party, as an afternoon treat, or alongside a warm slice of cake, this ice cream fits every occasion.

It pairs wonderfully with shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of honey.

Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results

With just a handful of ingredients—tea, milk, cream, sugar, and eggs—you can create a luxurious homemade ice cream that tastes far better than store-bought varieties.

No artificial flavors, just pure, natural goodness.

A Dream Dessert for Tea Lovers

If you love a comforting cup of Earl Grey tea, imagine enjoying those same flavors in a rich, frozen form.

This ice cream allows you to savor the essence of your favorite tea in an entirely new way.

Ingredients for Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream

To create this luxurious Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, you’ll need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and depth of flavor.

Main Ingredients:

• Whole Milk (1 ½ cups) – Provides a smooth, creamy base while keeping the ice cream light.
• Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups) – Adds richness and a velvety texture.
• Earl Grey Tea (4-5 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf) – The star ingredient, infusing the ice cream with bold black tea and citrusy bergamot flavors.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the ice cream and helps achieve a creamy consistency.
• Egg Yolks (4 large) – Essential for a custard-style base, creating a smooth and scoopable texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the depth of flavor and complements the tea.
• Salt (a pinch) – Balances sweetness and highlights the tea’s complexity.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Honey or Maple Syrup – For a natural sweetness boost.
• Lavender (¼ teaspoon, dried, optional) – Adds a floral note that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey.
• Candied Orange Zest or Dark Chocolate Chips – For a gourmet twist.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require fancy equipment, but having the right tools ensures a smooth process.

Essential Tools:

• Saucepan – Used to heat and infuse the milk with tea.
• Whisk – Helps blend the egg yolks and sugar for a silky custard base.
• Fine Mesh Strainer – Removes tea leaves and any curdled bits for a smooth mixture.
• Mixing Bowls – Needed for tempering the eggs and combining ingredients.
• Ice Cream Maker – Churns the mixture into a creamy, airy texture. (If you don’t have one, a no-churn method is possible!)
• Airtight Container – Essential for storing the ice cream and preventing ice crystals.

Optional but Helpful Tools:

• Ice Bath Setup (Large Bowl with Ice and Water) – Speeds up the chilling process.
• Silicone Spatula – Ensures you scrape every bit of the custard from the saucepan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream involves a few key steps, from infusing the milk with tea to churning it into a creamy delight.

Follow this detailed guide for the perfect homemade ice cream.

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Earl Grey Tea

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat.
2. Add the Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf tea in a tea infuser).
3. Heat the mixture until it just begins to steam, but do not let it boil. This helps extract the tea’s flavor without making it bitter.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes for a strong infusion.
5. Strain out the tea bags or loose leaves, pressing gently to extract all the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base

1. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
2. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of the warm tea-infused milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
3. Gradually add the rest of the warm milk while whisking until fully combined.

Step 3: Cook the Custard

1. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan and place it over low to medium heat.
2. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 170–175°F or 77–80°C).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Chill the Custard

1. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any small bits of cooked egg.
2. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
2. The ice cream should have a soft-serve consistency when finished churning.

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

1. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
2. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for easier scooping.
3. Enjoy on its own, or pair it with shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.

Tips for the Best Earl Grey Ice Cream

Use High-Quality Tea

The flavor of your ice cream depends heavily on the tea you use.

Opt for a high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey or premium tea bags to get the best aroma and taste.

Steep with Care

Letting the tea steep too long can make the ice cream taste bitter. 10–15 minutes is the ideal time for a strong yet smooth flavor.

Chill the Custard Properly

Patience is key! Refrigerating the custard for several hours ensures a creamy texture when churned.

Rushing this step can result in grainy ice cream.

Don’t Over-Churn

Over-churning can make the ice cream dense and icy.

Stop churning when it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Enhance the Flavor

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding:

• A hint of honey for natural sweetness.
• A dash of lavender for a floral twist.
• Candied orange zest to complement the bergamot notes.

No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try a no-churn method:

1. Whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the cooled, tea-infused custard (without eggs).
3. Pour into a container and freeze for at least 6 hours, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours to break up ice crystals.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is already a treat on its own, you can experiment with different variations and substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Option

Want to make this ice cream without dairy? Here’s how:

• Swap whole milk and heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a mix of almond and cashew milk for a creamy consistency.
• Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help thicken the base instead of egg yolks.
• Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener.

No-Churn Earl Grey Ice Cream

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try this easy alternative:

1. Steep Earl Grey tea in 1 cup of warm heavy cream for 15 minutes, then strain and chill.
2. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. Fold in 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk and the chilled tea-infused cream.
4. Freeze in an airtight container for at least 6 hours before serving.

Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream

Enhance the floral notes of Earl Grey by adding ½ teaspoon dried lavender to the milk while steeping. It creates a beautifully fragrant and delicate flavor.

Honey Earl Grey Ice Cream

For a naturally sweet and slightly floral twist, replace part of the sugar with ¼ cup of honey. The honey complements the bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea beautifully.

Chocolate-Infused Earl Grey Ice Cream

For a decadent touch, mix in ½ cup of dark chocolate shavings or chips during the last few minutes of churning. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tea’s citrusy notes.

Citrus Twist – Bergamot & Orange Zest

Since Earl Grey tea is infused with bergamot, adding fresh orange or lemon zest (about 1 teaspoon) to the custard base enhances the citrus aroma, making the flavor even brighter.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary flavors and textures can take it to the next level.

Classic Pairings

• Shortbread Cookies – Buttery and crumbly, shortbread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy ice cream.
• Lemon Pound Cake – The citrusy notes of lemon beautifully complement the bergamot in Earl Grey.
• Scones with Clotted Cream – A true tea-time experience when served alongside warm scones.

Toppings and Drizzles

• Honey Drizzle – Enhances the floral notes of the tea.
• Caramel or Butterscotch Sauce – Adds a rich, buttery contrast.
• Candied Orange Peel – A touch of citrusy sweetness.
• Crushed Biscotti or Graham Crackers – Adds a bit of crunch to every bite.

Beverage Pairings

• A Warm Cup of Earl Grey Tea – For an immersive tea experience.
• London Fog Latte – Earl Grey tea with frothed milk and vanilla pairs harmoniously with this ice cream.
• Sparkling Lemonade – A refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess.

Creative Desserts Using Earl Grey Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Scoop it between two shortbread cookies for an elegant twist.
• Affogato-Style Dessert – Pour a shot of warm espresso over a scoop for a sophisticated coffee and tea fusion.
• Milkshakes – Blend with a splash of milk for a creamy Earl Grey milkshake.

Final Thoughts

Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is a truly unique and sophisticated dessert that combines the comforting richness of homemade ice cream with the delicate, floral-citrus aroma of bergamot.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for a refined twist on a classic treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its velvety texture, perfectly balanced sweetness, and fragrant notes of black tea, it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and elegant.

Plus, with the various substitutions and serving suggestions, you can easily customize it to your taste.

So why not treat yourself to a batch of this homemade delight?

Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with cookies, or transformed into a creative dessert, this Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream is bound to become a favorite.

Give it a try and savor the flavors of tea in an entirely new way!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy this ice cream in the evening, you can use decaf Earl Grey tea without compromising the flavor.

2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

No problem! You can make a no-churn version by whipping 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form, then folding it into a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and tea-infused cream before freezing.

3. How long can I store this ice cream?

Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent freezer burn, press a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

4. Can I adjust the strength of the tea flavor?

Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger Earl Grey taste, steep the tea for an extra 5 minutes (but not too long to avoid bitterness). For a milder flavor, reduce the steeping time to 8–10 minutes.

5. Can I add other flavors to this ice cream?

Yes! Earl Grey pairs beautifully with lavender, honey, vanilla, citrus zest, and even dark chocolate. Feel free to experiment with mix-ins to create your own custom version.