Name: Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-492168H27M11S
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 45 mL water (to hydrate the gelatin); 8 g powdered gelatin (or 4 gold gelatin sheets); 15 g black tea leaves (combination of Ceylon OP and Assam tea); 360 mL full cream milk; 67 g sugar (white or brown sugar); Generous pinch of salt; 5 mL vanilla extract; 360 mL whipping cream (35% fat); 150 g brown sugar; 45 mL water; Pinch of salt; ½ cup boba pearls (quick cook, regular, or homemade)

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If you have ever dreamed of combining the silky creaminess of panna cotta with the fun, chewy delight of boba pearls, then you are in for a real treat. This Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe takes the beloved flavors of bubble tea and transforms them into an elegant, luscious dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshingly playful. Each spoonful boasts a smooth milk tea-infused custard crowned with caramelized brown sugar boba pearls that add a perfect contrast of texture and sweetness. Whether you’re serving this at a dinner party or just craving a specialty treat at home, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy bubble tea fans and dessert lovers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny stainless steel pot filled with a smooth, creamy light brown sauce speckled with small black pepper bits floating on the surface, sitting on a white marbled countertop. The pot’s handle extends forward with a black grip, showing slight reflections of light. The sauce looks thick and even in texture with a uniform color throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this dessert is a joy because each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple essentials come together to make your panna cotta creamy, aromatic, and irresistibly inviting.

Water (45 mL for gelatin hydration): Essential for blooming the gelatin to ensure a smooth, set panna cotta texture.
Powdered gelatin (8 g or 4 gold gelatin sheets): The key to giving your milk tea panna cotta that delicate, silky firmness.
Black tea leaves (15 g): Using Ceylon OP and Assam tea introduces rich, robust tea notes to the panna cotta base.
Full cream milk (360 mL): Adds creaminess and helps highlight the tea infusion beautifully.
Sugar (67 g, white or brown): Sweetens the panna cotta without overpowering the tea flavors.
Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla extract (5 mL): Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
Whipping cream (360 mL, 35% fat): For that luscious, rich mouthfeel that panna cotta is loved for.
Brown sugar (150 g): For crafting the irresistibly sweet and slightly smoky syrup that coats the boba pearls.
Water (45 mL for brown sugar syrup): Helps dissolve the brown sugar into a thick, sticky syrup.
Salt (pinch for syrup): Balances the sweetness of the brown sugar syrup.
Boba pearls (½ cup): Whether quick-cook, regular, or homemade, these pearls deliver chewy bite and fun texture.

How to Make Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by placing 45 mL of water in a small bowl, then sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over the surface. Use a toothpick or spoon to gently mix just enough to saturate all the gelatin granules. Let this mixture rest for at least 10 minutes—this blooming step is crucial as it allows the gelatin to swell and fully absorb the water, which ensures a smooth panna cotta texture that will set perfectly.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Tea

Pour the full cream milk into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, covering it with a lid to speed up heating. Just as the milk reaches a gentle simmer, turn the heat off and immediately add your black tea leaves. Stir lightly to distribute them, then cover again and let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow brewing infuses the milk with those rich, earthy black tea notes that form the heart of your Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe.

Step 3: Strain and Prepare Panna Cotta Base

Strain the tea-infused milk through a fine sieve into a measuring jug, gently pressing the tea leaves to extract as much flavor as possible without releasing bitterness. You should have about 1 ¼ cups of fragrant milk tea. Return this to the saucepan, then add sugar, the bloomed gelatin, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Heat gently over medium, stirring constantly until all sugar and gelatin have dissolved. Be very careful not to let the mixture boil—this ensures a silky texture in your panna cotta.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Pour

Take the saucepan off the heat and slowly stir in the whipping cream, folding it in for luscious richness. Transfer your mixture to a large jug for easy pouring. Now, prepare six individual serving dishes—if you plan to unmold your panna cotta, opt for metal or silicone molds with thin walls, and brush them lightly with fat to help release the dessert smoothly. Pour the milk tea panna cotta mixture evenly into each dish.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Allow the panna cotta to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover each dish tightly with plastic wrap and place them on a tray in your refrigerator. The panna cotta should be refrigerated overnight or for at least 6 hours until it is fully set, smooth, and wonderfully jiggly.

Step 6: Cook the Brown Sugar Boba Pearls

While your panna cotta chills, cook your boba pearls according to their package instructions or your homemade recipe. Keep in mind homemade pearls generally need longer cooking time, so start them first. Once cooked, rinse the pearls in cold water and drain thoroughly to keep them from sticking together.

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup and Coat the Boba

In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-high while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the syrup to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer until it thickens slightly into a rich syrup. Add the cooked boba pearls into the warm syrup and toss to coat evenly. Let this mixture cool until the pearls are just warm and sticky with syrup.

Step 8: Unmold and Assemble

If unmolding, prepare a bowl of warm water and briefly dip your panna cotta molds in it (ensuring no water seeps inside). Gently shake the molds over serving plates to release the panna cotta. If it resists, warm the molds a little longer. Spoon the brown sugar boba pearls atop each panna cotta and drizzle extra syrup for a gleaming, sweet finish. And voilà—your Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe

The image shows a clear glass cup sitting on a plain white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cup has three layers: the bottom layer is a smooth light beige creamy pudding filling most of the glass, the middle layer is a thin, bright orange jelly that covers part of the pudding, and the top layer is a cluster of shiny, round black tapioca pearls arranged on one side of the orange jelly. In the background, there is a blurred second glass with similar contents and a blue and white cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dessert’s visual and flavor appeal, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted black sesame seeds or a tiny sprig of mint for freshness. A small drizzle of extra brown sugar syrup adds a glossy finish that tempts at every angle. Even a few edible gold flakes can turn this humble panna cotta into a show-stopping plate.

Side Dishes

This panna cotta pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides such as fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or a small scoop of matcha or vanilla ice cream. These help balance the richness of the dessert while enhancing its tea-inspired theme. You could also serve it alongside delicate almond cookies or buttery shortbread to add an extra layer of texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party or want to impress, serve the panna cotta in clear glass jars or stemmed glasses to showcase the creamy tea layer and glossy boba pearls at the top. Layering the panna cotta with alternating layers of brown sugar syrup and pearls can create a stunning dessert parfait version. For a modern touch, use mini mason jars and add a tiny straw to evoke the bubble tea experience fully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra panna cotta in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will hold its flavor and texture beautifully for up to 3 days. Keep the boba pearls stored separately with syrup to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture and becoming overly soft.

Freezing

While panna cotta’s delicate texture is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it if necessary. Use silicone molds for best results and freeze uncovered until solid, then cover with airtight wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve, but note that the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Reheating

Reheating panna cotta is generally not recommended as it might affect its silky texture. However, if your boba pearls have cooled and hardened, gently warm them in their syrup either in the microwave or on the stove for a few seconds before serving to regain that perfect chewiness.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose tea leaves?

Absolutely! Using strong black tea bags such as Assam or Ceylon will work just fine for this recipe. Just ensure you steep them long enough to impart a rich flavor, similar to loose leaves.

What type of milk is best for panna cotta?

Full cream milk is ideal because it provides creaminess and body to the panna cotta. Using skim or low-fat milk might result in a less rich texture.

How long should I cook the boba pearls?

Cooking times vary depending on the type of boba pearls. Quick cook pearls take just a few minutes, while traditional or homemade pearls require 20–30 minutes. Always follow package instructions or your specific recipe for best results.

Can this panna cotta be made vegan?

Making this vegan is a bit tricky because gelatin is animal-based. However, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder and use coconut milk or another plant-based creamy milk for the base, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Is it necessary to unmold the panna cotta?

Not at all! Serving the panna cotta directly in the dish is perfectly fine and often easier. The decorative boba pearls on top look delightful either way, and you can always opt for unmolding when you want a refined presentation.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about creating a dessert that brings the joy of bubble tea into a creamy, elegant panna cotta form. This Bubble Milk Tea Panna Cotta with Brown Sugar Boba Pearls Recipe offers both the soul-soothing flavors of tea and the playful chewiness of boba in one unforgettable bite. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it for every special occasion and every craving because once you experience this delightful combination, there’s no turning back!