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Creamy Earl Grey custard with a hint of lavender in a buttery crust—this elegant cream pie is perfect for tea parties or brunch! #EarlGreyDessert #CreamPie #Lavender

Earl Grey Lavender Cream Pie
If you love elegant, floral flavors, this Earl Grey Lavender Cream Pie will steal your heart. A buttery shortbread crust holds a silky Earl Grey-infused custard with a subtle hint of culinary lavender. The result? A fragrant, creamy, and utterly dreamy pie that’s perfect for tea parties, brunches, or a sophisticated dessert any day of the week.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Tools Needed: Saucepan, whisk, pie dish, mixing bowls
2. Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
For the Earl Grey Lavender Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/2 tsp culinary lavender
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Edible dried lavender or lemon zest, for garnish
3. Preparation Steps
A. Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly.
- Press into a 9-inch pie dish; prick bottom with a fork.
- Bake 15 minutes or until lightly golden; cool completely.
B. Infuse the Milk
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until steaming.
- Remove from heat; steep Earl Grey tea bags and lavender in hot milk for 10 minutes.
- Remove tea bags; strain out lavender if desired.
C. Make the Custard
- Whisk sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt in a bowl until thick.
- Slowly whisk in the infused milk.
- Return to saucepan; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling.
- Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
- Pour custard into cooled crust; smooth top.
- Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
D. Whip the Cream & Finish
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over chilled pie.
- Garnish with dried lavender or lemon zest.
E. Serve It Up
Slice and serve with hot tea or sparkling water.
4. Tips & Variations
- Add a touch of honey to the custard for natural sweetness.
- Replace lavender with dried rose petals for a different floral twist.
- Make it gluten-free with a gluten-free shortbread crust.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
- Why does my custard taste bitter? Over-steeping the tea can cause bitterness; steep only 10 minutes.
- Can I use loose-leaf tea? Yes—about 2 tsp, strained before adding to custard.
- Why is my crust crumbly? Press the dough firmly into the dish to help it hold together.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh berries for a pop of color.
- Pair with Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Not needed; serve chilled.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Make crust and custard a day ahead; top with whipped cream before serving.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze without whipped cream up to 1 month; thaw in fridge before finishing.