Panna cotta, an Italian classic, is known for its silky texture and rich, creamy taste. While traditionally flavored with vanilla, incorporating tea adds a new level of sophistication, introducing floral, earthy, spiced, or citrusy undertones that elevate this simple yet elegant dessert.

Tea-infused panna cotta is light yet indulgent, making it perfect for any occasion, from dinner parties to everyday treats. The subtle complexity of the tea enhances the custard’s smoothness, creating a familiar and refreshingly unique dessert.

Let’s explore the best teas for panna cotta, how tea enhances the flavor, and a step-by-step recipe to help you create this delicate dessert at home.

Tea is an excellent way to infuse depth and aroma into panna cotta without overpowering its delicate creaminess. The natural tannins, essential oils, and floral or spiced notes of tea contrast the rich dairy base.

Benefits of Tea-Infused Panna Cotta

• Adds Natural Flavor Complexity – Tea introduces a depth of flavor without artificial extracts.
• Balances Sweetness – The tannins in tea provide a gentle contrast to the panna cotta’s sweetness.
• Customizable – Different teas create unique variations, from floral and citrusy to earthy and spiced.
• Aromatic and Elegant – The infusion of tea makes panna cotta a sensory experience, both in taste and aroma.

Best Teas for Panna Cotta

The choice of tea will define the flavor of the dessert. Here are some of the best options:

1. Earl Grey (Citrusy & Floral)

• Infused with bergamot orange, Earl Grey brings a bright, fragrant note to panna cotta.
• It is best paired with honey or dark chocolate for contrast.

2. Chai Tea (Warm & Spiced)

• Chai is a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger that adds warmth and depth.
• Ideal for a cozy, comforting panna cotta with a hint of spice.

3. Jasmine Tea (Delicate & Floral)

• A lightly perfumed tea with sweet, floral undertones that create an elegant, spring-like panna cotta.
• It pairs well with citrus zest or white chocolate.

4. Matcha (Earthy & Vibrant)

• A powdered Japanese green tea with a bold umami flavor and natural sweetness.
• Creates a visually stunning green panna cotta with a slightly bittersweet taste.

5. Rooibos (Nutty & Caffeine-Free)

• Naturally sweet and rich in honey and vanilla-like notes, rooibos enhances the creaminess of panna cotta.
• Perfect for those avoiding caffeine.

Recipe:

This tea-infused panna cotta uses a simple steeping method to extract the best flavors from the tea, ensuring a smooth, aromatic, and delicate dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp gelatin powder (or three gelatin sheets)
• 2 tbsp loose-leaf tea (or three tea bags)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: honey, citrus zest, or spices for additional flavor

Directions:

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

1. Add 2 tbsp of cold milk in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it.
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the liquid and soften.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Tea

1. Combine heavy cream, remaining milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Heat until just below boiling (about 180°F), stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the tea leaves or tea bags, remove from heat, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor.
4. Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves.

Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Tea-Infused Cream

1. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture, whisking until fully dissolved.
2. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Pour and Set

1. Divide the mixture into four to six ramekins or serving glasses.
2. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) until fully set.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. To serve, run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and gently invert onto a plate.
2. Alternatively, serve directly in the ramekins or glasses.
3. Garnish with a dusting of matcha, cocoa powder, caramel drizzle, or fresh berries.

Tips for the Best Tea-Infused Panna Cotta

• Use high-quality tea. The better the tea, the more refined the flavor. Loose-leaf tea provides a richer taste than tea bags.
• Steep properly – Over-steeping can make the tea bitter while under-steeping results in a weak flavor.
• Strain well – Ensure no tea leaves remain in the mixture to maintain the smooth texture.
• Adjust sweetness – Depending on the tea’s bitterness, you may want to increase or decrease the sugar.
• Substitute coconut milk and almond milk for heavy cream and whole milk for a dairy-free version.

Variations & Enhancements

• Earl Grey Honey Panna Cotta – Drizzle with honey and top with candied orange peel.
• Chai-Spiced Panna Cotta – Infuse with chai tea and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Matcha White Chocolate Panna Cotta – Add melted white chocolate to enhance the matcha’s richness.
• Jasmine Citrus Panna Cotta – Pair jasmine tea with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

Tea-infused panna cotta is a simple yet elegant way to incorporate new flavors into a beloved dessert. Whether you prefer the boldness of matcha, the spice of chai, or the delicate floral notes of jasmine, this tea-infused version is a versatile, customizable treat that will impress with its flavor and presentation.

Try this recipe, experiment with different teas, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy texture and aromatic infusion in every spoonful.