If you love the decadent creaminess of classic tiramisu but want to add a unique twist that feels both elegant and comforting, this Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Infused with the fragrant bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea, this dessert perfectly balances rich mascarpone layers with the delicate flavors of tea-soaked ladyfingers, offering a refreshing yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your guests or brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature texture and flavor. Using simple, high-quality components ensures the dessert remains luscious and aromatic without any fuss.
- 3 large eggs separated: Eggs provide structure and richness, with yolks adding creaminess and whites lightening the mix.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar divided: Sweetness to balance the tea’s slight bitterness and enhance the mascarpone.
- 1 cup heavy cream cold: Whipped to soft peaks for that dreamy, airy texture in the filling.
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese softened: The silky, creamy base of the tiramisu that holds it all together.
- 2 cups strong brewed Earl Grey tea cooled: The star ingredient that lends its distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey optional: Adds subtle floral sweetness to the tea soak if desired.
- 24 to 28 ladyfinger cookies savoiardi: Light and absorbent, the perfect vessel for soaking Earl Grey tea without collapsing.
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves finely ground or cocoa powder for dusting: The finishing touch that brings aroma and a touch of elegance to the top.
How to Make Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Prepare the Tea
Start by brewing your Earl Grey tea extra strong—this is going to infuse the dessert with that iconic bergamot essence. Once brewed, allow it to cool completely, then stir in honey if you want a hint of natural sweetness. This tea soak will soak into the ladyfingers and create the base flavor layer.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and half of the sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick. This step is key for developing a rich, creamy foundation that is silky and smooth when combined with mascarpone.
Step 3: Incorporate Mascarpone Cheese
Add the softened mascarpone cheese to the yolk mixture. Beat until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy—no lumps! This creates the luscious heart of the tiramisu’s texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream and Fold It In
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it while maintaining its rich consistency.
Step 5: Beat Egg Whites and Sweeten
With a clean bowl, beat the egg whites alongside the remaining sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. This airy addition will help lift the cream mixture to a fluffy yet stable filling.
Step 6: Fold Egg Whites Into Cream Mixture
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone and cream mixture in two additions. This gentle folding keeps the mixture light and airy without deflating the whipped egg whites.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled Earl Grey tea one at a time—don’t over-soak, or they’ll become soggy. Arrange a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish by spreading the remaining cream mixture on top.
Step 8: Chill and Dust
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture set beautifully. Before serving, dust with finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves or a classic sprinkling of cocoa powder for that final touch of elegance.
How to Serve Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting with ground Earl Grey tea leaves highlights the dessert’s distinctive flavor, while a light dusting of cocoa powder adds a rich contrast. You can also garnish with thin strips of candied orange peel or a few fresh berries to complement the tea’s citrus notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe with a light dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea to echo the flavors in the dish. A crisp fruit salad or a citrus sorbet on the side can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional dish, try layering this tiramisu in elegant glass cups or individual jars—perfect for dinner parties or gifting. Create individual servings topped with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent the tiramisu from absorbing any fridge odors and to maintain its delicate texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it can affect the texture of the mascarpone cream and ladyfingers, making it less smooth and soft after thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap tightly and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and should not be reheated. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other teas instead of Earl Grey for this tiramisu?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot notes are distinctive, you can experiment with other strong-flavored teas like chai or lapsang souchong. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift accordingly, so choose teas that complement the creamy mascarpone.
Is this recipe safe to eat since it uses raw eggs?
Using fresh, high-quality eggs from a trusted source minimizes risk. If you’re concerned, opt for pasteurized eggs or an egg-free tiramisu variation. The long chilling time also helps with safety and texture.
Can I make this Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe vegan?
To veganize this dessert, substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use aquafaba whipped in place of egg whites. Choose vegan ladyfingers or make your own for the best results.
What’s the best way to grind the Earl Grey tea leaves for dusting?
Use a clean spice grinder or mortar and pestle to finely grind the tea leaves. Be gentle to avoid overpowdering, which can affect texture and bitterness on top of the tiramisu.
Can I make this tiramisu in advance for a party?
Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the tiramisu a day before your event to let flavors marry and textures set. It’s stress-free on the day and tastes even better after resting!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe enough if you’re looking to delight your taste buds with something both familiar and exciting. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and the tea infusion adds a fresh complexity that’s surprisingly addictive. Next time you want to impress friends, celebrate a special occasion, or treat yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be savoring every spoonful before you know it!
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Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus at least 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sophisticated twist on classic tiramisu, this Earl Grey Tiramisu infuses the traditional Italian dessert with fragrant Earl Grey tea. Combining the creamy richness of mascarpone with the floral citrus notes of bergamot, this no-bake dessert is layered with tea-dipped ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of finely ground tea leaves or cocoa powder, perfect for an elegant treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cream Mixture
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
For the Tea and Assembly
- 2 cups strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
- 24 to 28 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely ground or cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Earl Grey Tea: Brew 2 cups of Earl Grey tea extra strong and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey to add a subtle sweetness. Set aside.
- Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 egg yolks and half of the sugar (3/8 cup) until the mixture is pale, thick, and creamy. Gently fold in the softened 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping the texture light and airy.
- Beat the Egg Whites: Using a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. Fold the egg whites delicately into the mascarpone and cream mixture in two additions, taking care to maintain the fluffy texture.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the cooled Earl Grey tea. Do not soak them; just a quick dip to absorb some liquid is perfect. Arrange a single layer of these dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
- Layer and Chill: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfinger layer. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the surface.
- Refrigerate: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves or cocoa powder for a beautiful and aromatic finish.
Notes
- For a more pronounced Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea longer or add a teaspoon of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves directly into the mascarpone cream mixture.
- This tiramisu is best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness and texture.
- Ensure eggs are fresh and handled properly since they are used raw in the recipe.
