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 used); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping); Fresh berries (for decoration and serving)

There’s something so captivating about that first crack through a crispy caramelized sugar top, and this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe delivers exactly that magic. With fragrant Earl Grey tea infused custard and a luscious chocolate crust, it’s a dessert that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.

The image shows a pie with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and crumbly like a cookie crust; the middle layer is thick and creamy, light beige in color; the top layer is golden brown and caramelized, with a shiny, slightly burnt surface texture. Fresh strawberries, halved, and whole blueberries decorate the edge of the pie, arranged neatly on top. The pie sits on a white ceramic dish with handles, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white container filled with more strawberries and blueberries on a white cloth. 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

I’m truly smitten with how this pie combines the luxurious creaminess of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of a chocolate pie crust and the subtle bergamot notes from Earl Grey tea. Plus, it’s approachable enough to pull off on a weeknight or for impressing guests.

Unique Flavor Twist: The infusion of Earl Grey tea adds a sophisticated citrusy note that lifts the creamy custard beautifully.
Texture Perfection: Silky smooth filling contrasts with the crunchy caramelized sugar topping — pure bliss.
Easy but Elegant: You get a fancy-looking dessert without complicated techniques or tons of ingredients.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Using a gluten free chocolate pie crust makes it accessible for various diets.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays its part in balancing flavors and textures in this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe. Choosing quality vanilla and a good heavy cream really brings the custard to life, while the chocolate crust adds a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with the tea infusion.

Flat lay of a fresh whole vanilla bean pod sliced open showing the seeds inside, a small pile of loose Earl Grey tea leaves, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with heavy whipping cream, five large whole uncracked brown eggs neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sea salt, a whole chocolate pie crust on a plain white ceramic plate, and a small pile of fresh mixed berries including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries — all ingredients looking fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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 (or paste/extract): Fresh vanilla seeds add rich aroma and depth—if you don’t have a vanilla bean, vanilla paste is a great substitute for that concentrated flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: The base for a silky, rich custard—it’s important to use cream with at least 35% fat for that perfect texture.
Earl Grey tea: Adds a subtle citrusy bergamot flavor that transforms the classic custard into something surprisingly complex.
Egg yolks: They’re the secret behind the creamy custard richness and help it set beautifully in the oven.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness in the custard and also for that signature crunchy brûlée topping.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
Pie crust (gluten free chocolate crust recommended): The chocolate crust complements the Earl Grey and custard perfectly—you can use your favorite crust, but chocolate adds a wonderful little surprise.
Fresh berries: Brighten up the dessert and add a fresh contrast when serving.

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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

One of the best things about this Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe is how flexible it is. I love making it as is, but feel free to experiment a little—whether it’s swapping the chocolate crust for a classic buttery one or tweaking the steeping time for a stronger tea flavor.

Stronger Tea Flavor Variation: Sometimes I steep the Earl Grey leaves longer for a bolder taste—just watch the cream so it doesn’t boil.
Vanilla Twist: Try swapping vanilla bean for bourbon vanilla extract for a warm, cozy aroma.
Fruit Infusion: Adding a layer of thinly sliced poached pears beneath the custard is a lovely seasonal touch.
Dietary Modifications: Use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, but note it might change texture slightly.

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

A single slice of cheesecake sits on a white marbled surface, showing two main layers: a thick, creamy pale yellow top layer with a caramelized brown sugar crust, and a dense, dark chocolate crumb base layer. Around the slice, there are scattered crumbs, a small silver dessert spoon with some cream on it, and blurred fresh berries in the background including whole blueberries and a mix of whole and sliced strawberries. The scene is softly lit, bringing out the contrast between the creamy top and rich base of the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Infuse the Cream with Vanilla and Tea

Start by slicing your vanilla bean open and scraping out the seeds into a saucepan along with the pod itself. Add heavy cream and Earl Grey tea leaves. Heat gently until it’s steaming — the key is to avoid boiling to keep that smooth texture. Then, let it steep off the heat for about 10 minutes to soak up those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Whisk Your Egg Yolks, Sugar & Salt

While the cream is doing its thing, whisk the egg yolks together with sugar and a pinch of sea salt until just combined. Don’t over-whisk here — the goal is to dissolve the sugar without adding too much air, which keeps the custard silky and dense.

Step 3: Combine Steeped Cream and Egg Mixture

Strain the cream to remove tea leaves and vanilla pods, squeezing out all that flavor. Slowly add the warm cream in small batches to the egg mixture, whisking continuously—you want to temper the eggs gently, or you’ll end up with scrambled bits. Once combined, your custard base is ready.

Step 4: Pour Into Crust and Bake

Pour the custard into your chocolate pie crust placed on a baking sheet (this helps catch any spills). If you’re using a crumb crust like I do, pouring over a spatula helps keep the crust intact. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly—like a gentle wobble of jello.

Step 5: Chill Completely in the Fridge

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully chill and finish setting. This step is crucial for that perfect creamy texture.

Step 6: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Right before serving, sprinkle a generous 3 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the top. Place under the broiler on the top rack, watching closely as the sugar melts and caramelizes into a crispy golden crust—usually about 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have a broiler, a kitchen torch works well, though it takes a bit longer and keeps the filling cooler.

Step 7: Chill Briefly and Serve

Pop the pie into the freezer for 15 minutes after broiling to firm up the topping, making slicing cleaner and easier. Crack the caramelized sugar gently with the back of a spoon, slice, and serve with fresh berries for a stunning finish.

Top Tip

From making this pie several times, I’ve learned a few things that make the process smoother and the results better. These handy tips can save you the common pitfalls and reward you with that silky custard and perfect crack.

Don't Boil the Cream: Heating cream too high can cause a grainy texture—stick to medium-low and watch for steam, not bubbling.
Gradually Add Cream to Eggs: Tempering the eggs slowly prevents them from cooking unevenly or scrambling.
Use a Crumbler-Safe Pouring Method: Pour custard over a spatula into crumb crusts so you keep the base neat and intact.
Watch the Broiler Like a Hawk: That sugar topping goes from perfect to burnt in seconds—stay close and keep the oven door cracked if possible.

How to Serve Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe

Earl Grey Creme Brulee - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I adore finishing this pie with a handful of bright fresh berries—raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries work beautifully—to contrast the sweet richness. Sometimes a tiny sprig of mint adds a cheerful pop of green and freshness that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own but pairs nicely with a light, citrusy salad or a cup of your favorite black tea or herbal infusion to complement the Earl Grey notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like laying edible flowers atop the caramelized sugar or serving individual slices with a drizzle of homemade lavender syrup for an extra touch of elegance and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pie tightly covered in the fridge. The caramelized top may soften a bit but still tastes fantastic. I usually slice leftovers and cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie by wrapping it well in foil then plastic wrap. While the texture softens slightly after thawing, it’s still delicious — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

I recommend serving chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If warmed is preferred, do so briefly at a low oven temperature, then re-broil the sugar topping for that fresh crack.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

You can, but it won’t have the distinctive citrusy bergamot flavor that Earl Grey tea provides. If you really want that aromatic twist, I recommend sticking with Earl Grey.

How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie should be just set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center, similar to jelly. Avoid overbaking to prevent a rubbery texture. A good 30-35 minutes at 325°F usually does the trick.

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

A kitchen torch is a great alternative and actually gives you more control over the caramelization process. It will just take longer to get the sugar fully melted and crisp.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on heavy cream and eggs for that classic custard texture, so substitutions can change the outcome. You might experiment with coconut cream and a vegan egg replacer, but texture and flavor will differ.

Final Thoughts

This Earl Grey Creme Brulee Pie Recipe truly holds a special place in my sweet recipe lineup. It’s that perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, ideal for sharing with friends over tea or as a stunning finale to any dinner. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll become your go-to when you want something that feels extra special but isn’t intimidating to prepare. Trust me, you’ll love cracking into that sugary crown and savoring the creamy, fragrant custard beneath.