Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle Recipe

It’s funny how some recipes just unexpectedly become family favorites. This Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle was one of those delightful surprises. Initially, I was drawn to the unique combination of Earl Grey tea and lavender – two of my favorite scents and flavors. I wasn’t entirely sure how it would translate in a dessert, but the concept of layering textures and tastes in a trifle always seemed so inviting. The first time I made it, for a casual Sunday lunch, it was an instant hit. The delicate floral notes of lavender, perfectly balanced by the robust Earl Grey, created a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that everyone, from my notoriously picky teenager to my dessert-loving parents, absolutely adored. The fresh berries added a burst of juicy brightness, and the creamy mascarpone provided a luxurious finish. It wasn’t overly sweet, which was a big plus, and the aromatic tea-soaked hot cross buns gave it a wonderfully unique twist. Since then, this Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle has become a requested centerpiece for gatherings, and honestly, I’m always happy to make it. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, and the elegant presentation always impresses. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little bit different, a little bit special, and a whole lot delicious, you absolutely have to try this.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle hinges on the quality and freshness of your ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the symphony of flavors and textures that make this dessert so extraordinary. Let’s delve into each ingredient, exploring why they are essential and how to choose the best for your trifle.

For the Earl Grey Tea Soak:

• Earl Grey Tea Bags (3-4 bags): The heart of our flavor profile, Earl Grey tea provides a distinctive malty black tea base infused with the bright, citrusy notes of bergamot. Opt for a good quality Earl Grey tea for the most pronounced and authentic flavor. Loose leaf tea can also be used; simply measure out the equivalent of 3-4 tea bags (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) and use a tea infuser or strain after brewing. The bergamot is key – it’s what sets Earl Grey apart and complements the lavender beautifully.
• Hot Water (1 cup): Freshly boiled water is essential for properly steeping the tea and extracting its full flavor. Ensure your water is at a rolling boil when you pour it over the tea bags to maximize the infusion.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): A touch of sweetness enhances the tea flavor and balances the subtle bitterness of the Earl Grey. Granulated sugar dissolves easily into hot tea, providing the perfect level of sweetness for soaking the hot cross buns. You can adjust the sugar slightly to your preference, but this amount is generally ideal to complement the other elements of the trifle without overpowering them.

For the Lavender-Infused Pastry Cream:

• Whole Milk (2 cups): The creamy base of our pastry cream. Whole milk is preferred for its richness and fat content, which contributes to a smoother and more luxurious texture. You can use 2% milk if you prefer a slightly lighter cream, but whole milk will yield the best results in terms of flavor and consistency.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adding heavy cream to the pastry cream further enriches the texture and provides a velvety smoothness. The higher fat content of heavy cream prevents the pastry cream from becoming too dense and ensures a light, airy consistency.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pastry cream and balances the richness of the milk and cream. The sugar also helps to stabilize the egg yolks, preventing them from curdling during cooking.
• Egg Yolks (4 large): The yolks are the thickening agent in pastry cream, providing richness, color, and structure. Use fresh, large egg yolks for the best results. Ensure you separate the yolks carefully, avoiding any traces of egg white, which can affect the texture of the pastry cream.
• Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Cornstarch is another essential thickening agent that helps to create a smooth and stable pastry cream. It prevents the cream from becoming too runny and ensures it sets properly in the trifle. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with a bit of sugar before adding it to the hot milk mixture to prevent lumps.
• Culinary Lavender Buds (1 tablespoon): The star of the show! Culinary lavender buds impart a delicate floral aroma and flavor that is both unique and sophisticated. It’s crucial to use culinary lavender, specifically intended for cooking, as other types of lavender may have a soapy or bitter taste. Ensure you are using dried lavender buds, not essential oil, for this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile of the pastry cream, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for its superior flavor compared to imitation vanilla.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Stirred in at the end, butter adds richness, shine, and a silky smooth texture to the pastry cream. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt level in the recipe.

For the Trifle Assembly:

• Hot Cross Buns (6-8, stale or day-old): Hot cross buns provide a delightful spiced and slightly sweet base for the trifle. Stale or day-old buns are ideal because they soak up the Earl Grey tea without becoming soggy. If using fresh buns, you can lightly toast them in the oven to dry them out slightly. The spices in hot cross buns, like cinnamon and nutmeg, complement the Earl Grey and lavender beautifully.
• Fresh Berries (2-3 cups mixed): A vibrant medley of fresh berries adds a burst of juicy sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the pastry cream and mascarpone. A mix of berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries is ideal, providing a variety of flavors and textures. Choose ripe, firm berries for the best flavor and visual appeal. Wash and gently pat them dry before using.
• Mascarpone Cheese (8 ounces): Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese that is incredibly rich, smooth, and slightly sweet. It provides a luxurious and stable base for the whipped topping. Ensure your mascarpone is cold for easy whipping.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, cold): Used to whip with the mascarpone, heavy cream adds lightness and volume to the topping. Cold heavy cream whips up best.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped mascarpone cream and helps to stabilize it. Powdered sugar dissolves easily and provides a smooth sweetness.
• Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a bright, citrusy note to the whipped mascarpone, complementing the Earl Grey and lavender and enhancing the overall freshness of the trifle. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, ensuring you only get the yellow part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith.

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Candied Lemon Peel: Provides a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of sweet citrusy flavor that complements the lavender and Earl Grey. You can buy candied lemon peel or make your own.
• Edible Flowers: Adds a touch of elegance and reinforces the floral theme of the trifle. Choose edible flowers like pansies, violas, or lavender blossoms. Ensure they are specifically labeled as edible and from a safe source, free from pesticides.

By carefully selecting and preparing each of these ingredients, you are setting the stage for a Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and a true testament to the art of layered desserts. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final outcome, so choose the best you can find for a truly exceptional trifle experience.

Instructions

Creating this Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is a delightful process, broken down into manageable steps. While it may seem intricate, each stage is quite straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions to assemble your own masterpiece.

Step 1: Prepare the Earl Grey Tea Soak

1. Steep the Tea: In a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, place the Earl Grey tea bags. Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over the tea bags. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
2. Infuse: Allow the tea to steep for at least 5-7 minutes, or even longer for a stronger Earl Grey flavor. This allows the tea to fully infuse and the sugar to dissolve completely.
3. Cool: Remove the tea bags and let the Earl Grey tea cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial because you don’t want to soak the hot cross buns in hot tea, which could make them overly soggy. Cooling also prevents the heat from affecting the other components of the trifle later.

Step 2: Make the Lavender-Infused Pastry Cream

1. Infuse Milk with Lavender: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and culinary lavender buds. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk just begins to simmer and small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not boil. This gentle heating process infuses the milk with the lavender aroma and flavor.
2. Steep Lavender: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and let the lavender steep in the milk for 20-30 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the lavender flavor will be. This steeping time is essential to extract the maximum floral essence from the lavender buds.
3. Strain Milk: After steeping, strain the lavender-infused milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the lavender buds. Discard the buds. This ensures a smooth pastry cream without any gritty texture.
4. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened. This step incorporates air and creates a lighter texture for the pastry cream base.
5. Whisk in Cornstarch: Whisk in the cornstarch until fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the pastry cream, so ensure it is evenly distributed in the yolk mixture.
6. Temper Egg Yolks: Gradually whisk a ladleful of the hot lavender-infused milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, gently raises the temperature of the egg yolks and prevents them from scrambling when added to the hot milk. Repeat with another ladleful of hot milk.
7. Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining lavender-infused milk.
8. Cook Pastry Cream: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the pastry cream thickens significantly and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and continue stirring to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. The pastry cream is ready when it has a pudding-like consistency and leaves a clear trail when you run your finger across the back of a spoon dipped in it.
9. Stir in Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the pastry cream is smooth and glossy. The butter adds richness and shine, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
10. Cool Pastry Cream: Pour the pastry cream into a clean bowl, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely chilled and set. Chilling is essential for the pastry cream to thicken properly and for easy assembly of the trifle.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Mascarpone Cream

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cold mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and lemon zest.
2. Whip to Soft Peaks: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as mascarpone can become grainy if overbeaten. You want a light and airy, yet stable whipped cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

1. Prepare Hot Cross Buns: Tear or cube the hot cross buns into bite-sized pieces.
2. Soak Buns: Dip the hot cross bun pieces into the cooled Earl Grey tea, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side until lightly moistened but not soggy. You want them to absorb the tea flavor without becoming mushy.
3. Layer Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, create the layers:
   • First Layer: Arrange a layer of tea-soaked hot cross buns at the bottom of the dish.
   • Second Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the lavender-infused pastry cream over the buns.
   • Third Layer: Scatter a layer of fresh berries over the pastry cream.
   • Fourth Layer: Dollop or pipe a layer of the whipped mascarpone cream over the berries.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (hot cross buns, pastry cream, berries, mascarpone cream) until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of whipped mascarpone cream on top. The number of layers will depend on the size of your trifle dish and the amount of ingredients.
5. Garnish: Decorate the top of the trifle with candied lemon peel and edible flowers, if desired. Arrange them attractively for a visually appealing finish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Chill Trifle: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the trifle to set properly. Chilling also enhances the texture and makes it easier to serve.
2. Serve Cold: Serve the Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle chilled. It’s best enjoyed within 24-48 hours of assembly for optimal freshness and texture.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create a stunning and delicious Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle that is sure to impress. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of layering and assembling this elegant dessert.

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings

Calories per serving (estimated): 450-550 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 8-10g
• Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-18g
• Cholesterol: 150-180mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Sugar: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-3g

Important Considerations:

• These are estimations and can change depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. For instance, using reduced-fat mascarpone or milk will alter the fat and calorie content.
• The sugar content can be adjusted slightly by reducing the sugar in the pastry cream or tea soak, but this will affect the overall flavor profile.
• Serving sizes can also impact the nutritional values. A larger serving will naturally contain more calories and nutrients.
• This trifle is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the pastry cream, mascarpone, and hot cross buns.

For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the exact ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe. However, this general estimate provides a good overview of the nutritional profile of a serving of Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle.

Preparation Time

The Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle, while rewarding, does require some time for preparation, mainly due to the pastry cream and chilling process. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated times involved:

Active Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes

• Making Pastry Cream: 30-40 minutes (including lavender infusion and cooking)
• Preparing Tea Soak: 5-10 minutes
• Whipping Mascarpone Cream: 10-15 minutes
• Assembling Trifle: 15-20 minutes
• Preparing Garnishes (optional): 5-10 minutes

Inactive Time (Chilling): Minimum 6 hours, ideally overnight

• Pastry Cream Chilling: Minimum 2-3 hours (preferably longer)
• Trifle Chilling: Minimum 4-6 hours (preferably overnight)

Total Time (Active + Inactive): Minimum 7 hours – Overnight (up to 24 hours chilling is ideal)

Timeline Breakdown:

• Day 1 (Morning/Afternoon):
  • Prepare the lavender-infused pastry cream. This is the most time-consuming part and benefits from a long chilling period to fully set.
  • While the pastry cream chills, you can prepare the Earl Grey tea soak and allow it to cool.
  • Prepare the whipped mascarpone cream and store it in the refrigerator.
  • You can also prepare the candied lemon peel if making it from scratch.
• Day 1 (Evening) or Day 2 (Morning):
  • Assemble the trifle. This is a relatively quick process once all components are prepared.
  • Garnish the trifle.
  • Chill the assembled trifle for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Day 2 (Afternoon/Evening):
  • Serve the chilled Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle.

Tips for Time Management:

• Make Ahead: The pastry cream and whipped mascarpone cream can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This breaks down the preparation into more manageable chunks.
• Utilize Chilling Time: While the pastry cream and trifle are chilling, you can focus on other tasks or relax. Chilling time is passive and doesn’t require active work.
• Simplify Garnishes: If short on time, you can skip the candied lemon peel and edible flowers and simply dust the top with a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simpler garnish.
• Use Pre-made Hot Cross Buns: Buying pre-made hot cross buns saves time compared to baking them from scratch.

While the total preparation time might seem lengthy, the active time is quite reasonable. The majority of the time is spent chilling, which is essential for the best flavor and texture. Planning ahead and making components in advance can make the process much smoother and less daunting, allowing you to enjoy the creation of this exquisite dessert.

How to Serve

Serving the Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is just as important as making it! Presentation and accompaniments can elevate the experience and make it even more memorable. Here are some ideas on how to best serve this delightful dessert:

• Chilled is Key: Always serve the trifle chilled straight from the refrigerator. This ensures the pastry cream and mascarpone are firm and the flavors are refreshing. Allowing it to sit at room temperature for too long can make it lose its texture and appeal.
• Presentation Matters:
  • Trifle Dish: A classic trifle dish showcases the beautiful layers. Choose a clear glass dish so the layers are visible.
  • Individual Glasses: For a more elegant and portion-controlled presentation, serve the trifle in individual glasses, bowls, or parfait cups. This is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. You can layer the ingredients in the same order as in a large trifle.
  • Spoons for Serving: Provide long-handled spoons or dessert spoons for serving, making it easy to scoop out portions without disturbing the layers too much.
• Garnishes to Enhance:
  • Fresh Berries: Add a few extra fresh berries on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and freshness.
  • Candied Lemon Peel: If you haven’t already garnished, add candied lemon peel for a touch of citrusy sweetness and visual interest.
  • Edible Flowers: Fresh edible flowers like pansies, violas, or lavender blossoms add a final flourish of elegance and reinforce the floral theme.
  • Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top creates a delicate snowy effect and adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest can brighten the flavors just before serving.
• Occasions for Serving:
  • Spring and Summer Gatherings: This trifle is perfect for spring and summer parties, picnics, garden parties, and barbecues. The light, fruity, and floral flavors are ideal for warmer weather.
  • Afternoon Tea: The Earl Grey and lavender notes make it a sophisticated choice for afternoon tea.
  • Holiday Desserts: While traditionally spring-themed with hot cross buns, it can be adapted for other holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, or even Christmas (using panettone or spiced gingerbread instead of hot cross buns for a winter twist).
  • Special Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and dinner parties are all excellent occasions to serve this impressive dessert.
  • Casual Desserts: It’s also wonderful for a special family dessert after a weekend meal, elevating an ordinary day.
• Pairing Suggestions:
  • Beverages:
    • Earl Grey Tea: Serving it with a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea enhances the tea flavor profile.
    • Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea, especially a lemon or berry-flavored iced tea, complements the trifle beautifully.
    • Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: The light and bubbly nature of sparkling wine or Prosecco pairs well with the creamy and fruity elements of the trifle.
    • Dessert Wine: A light dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti can also be a lovely pairing.
    • Coffee: A good cup of coffee, especially a lighter roast, can cut through the richness of the trifle.
  • Other Desserts (if serving a dessert buffet):
    • Fruit Salad: A simple fresh fruit salad can provide a lighter contrast to the richness of the trifle.
    • Lemon Sorbet or Ice Cream: Lemon or lavender sorbet or ice cream would complement the flavors and offer a different texture.
    • Shortbread Cookies: Serve alongside some delicate shortbread cookies for a textural contrast.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can ensure that your Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is not only delicious but also beautifully presented and perfectly enjoyed, making it a truly memorable dessert experience for you and your guests.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is a resounding success, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Over Soak the Hot Cross Buns: While you want the hot cross buns to absorb the Earl Grey tea flavor, be careful not to soak them for too long. Over-soaked buns will become mushy and disintegrate in the trifle, affecting the texture. Dip them quickly and lightly, just enough to moisten them. If using very fresh and soft buns, you may even need to just brush them lightly with the tea rather than dipping.
2. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste the pastry cream and whipped mascarpone cream before assembling the trifle. Adjust the sugar levels to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the pastry cream and whipped mascarpone. Remember that the berries and hot cross buns also contribute to the overall sweetness, so balance is key.
3. Use Culinary Grade Lavender Sparingly: Lavender has a potent flavor. Start with the recommended amount of culinary lavender buds (1 tablespoon) for the pastry cream. If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, you can slightly increase it next time, but be cautious not to add too much, as it can become overpowering and soapy. Culinary lavender is specifically meant for cooking and has a more pleasant flavor than ornamental lavender.
4. Chill Components Thoroughly: Ensure all components – pastry cream, Earl Grey tea soak, and whipped mascarpone cream – are thoroughly chilled before assembling the trifle. Cold components will make layering easier and help the trifle set properly. Chilling also enhances the flavors and textures of the dessert. Rushing the chilling process can result in a less stable and less flavorful trifle.
5. Assemble No More Than 24 Hours in Advance: While the trifle can be made ahead, it’s best to assemble it no more than 24 hours before serving. This ensures the berries remain fresh and the hot cross buns don’t become overly soggy. The flavors meld best after a few hours of chilling, but prolonged chilling beyond 24-48 hours can sometimes affect the texture of the berries and buns. If making further in advance, consider layering everything except the berries and adding them just a few hours before serving to maintain their freshness.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and presentation, making it a truly delightful and memorable dessert.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, the Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is best made ahead of time. You can prepare the pastry cream and whipped mascarpone cream up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the trifle at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the trifle to set. However, for the freshest berries, it’s best to add them no more than 24 hours before serving.

Q2: Can I use different types of berries?

A: Definitely! Feel free to use a mix of your favorite fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and even sliced cherries or peaches would work beautifully. A combination of berries provides a variety of flavors and textures. You can also use seasonal berries depending on what’s available.

Q3: I can’t find hot cross buns, what can I substitute?

A: If you can’t find hot cross buns, you can use other types of slightly sweet, spiced bread or cake. Panettone, brioche, or even slices of pound cake or sponge cake would work as substitutes. For a spiced element, you could lightly toast slices of cinnamon raisin bread. The key is to choose something that will soak up the Earl Grey tea nicely without becoming too soggy and that complements the overall flavor profile.

Q4: Can I make this trifle without lavender?

A: Yes, you can make a delicious Earl Grey and Berry Trifle even without lavender. Simply omit the lavender buds from the pastry cream recipe. You will still have a wonderful dessert with the depth of Earl Grey tea, creamy pastry cream, fresh berries, and whipped mascarpone. While the lavender adds a unique floral note, the base recipe is still fantastic without it. You might consider adding a touch more vanilla extract to the pastry cream to compensate for the missing floral element.

Q5: How long will the trifle last in the refrigerator?

A: The assembled Lavender-Earl Grey Trifle is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. After this time, the berries may start to soften and release moisture, and the hot cross buns might become a bit too soggy. While it will still be safe to eat for a few days beyond that if properly refrigerated, the texture and flavor will be at their peak within the first 48 hours. Ensure it is covered tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

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