Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a show-stopping dessert, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Earl Grey Tiramisu. This recipe puts a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat, infusing it with the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Every bite is a dreamy balance between pillowy mascarpone, lightly sweetened cream, and those unmistakable hints of bergamot. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy and perfect for making ahead—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always sparks conversation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of thoughtful ingredients can come together to create such a memorable dessert. Each component adds its own magic, from the rich mascarpone to the fragrant tea, creating the unmistakable flavor of Earl Grey Tiramisu.
- Water (1 1/2 cups): The base for steeping your Earl Grey, ensuring the tea infuses every layer.
- Earl Grey tea bags (4): The star of the show, giving those lovely floral and citrus notes.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for tea, 3/4 cup for custard): Adds sweetness to both the soaking liquid and the creamy custard.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): A touch of floral sweetness that complements the tea perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Large egg yolks (6): Essential for the rich, velvety custard base.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped to soft peaks for that signature tiramisu fluffiness.
- Mascarpone cheese (16 ounces, softened): The creamy heart of the dessert—accept no substitutes!
- Ladyfinger cookies (24, savoiardi): These soak up the tea mixture and create the iconic layers.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): A classic finish that beautifully contrasts the creamy filling.
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish): A vibrant touch that plays up the bergamot in the tea.
How to Make Earl Grey Tiramisu
Step 1: Brew the Earl Grey Tea
Start by bringing 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it’s bubbling, remove from heat and drop in those four Earl Grey tea bags. Let them steep for a full 10 minutes to coax out all that fragrant bergamot goodness. After steeping, fish out the tea bags and stir in 1/4 cup sugar, the honey, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything dissolves completely, then set this aside to cool—it’s crucial for the ladyfingers later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Custard
Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Add your six egg yolks and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk constantly (don’t stop!) for about 7–8 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a pale, dreamy yellow. This creates a luscious, stable base for the mascarpone. Take off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the half cup of heavy cream and whip it until soft peaks form. You want it to be fluffy but not too stiff—think clouds rather than mountains. This will make your Earl Grey Tiramisu irresistibly light.
Step 4: Make the Mascarpone Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and blend the mascarpone until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the cooled egg yolk mixture, followed by the whipped cream. Use a light hand here—the goal is to keep everything airy and well-blended for that signature tiramisu texture.
Step 5: Layer the Tiramisu
Now for the fun part! Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled Earl Grey tea mixture—you want them moistened but not soggy so they hold their shape. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a 9×9-inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture on top, smoothing it out. Repeat with another layer of tea-dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top to prep for chilling.
Step 6: Chill and Finish
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can resist! This time allows all the flavors to mingle and the tiramisu to set beautifully. Right before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder, and sprinkle over some fresh lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—your Earl Grey Tiramisu is ready to wow!
How to Serve Earl Grey Tiramisu
Garnishes
A flourish of cocoa powder is the classic finish, but don’t hesitate to add a little extra magic. Lemon zest adds a pop of color and a bright citrus aroma that enhances the Earl Grey notes. For a truly special touch, you can also scatter a few edible flowers or a dusting of finely chopped pistachios.
Side Dishes
Earl Grey Tiramisu is quite rich, so pair it with something light and refreshing. I love serving it alongside a simple fruit salad—think strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced kiwi. A small glass of chilled limoncello or a cup of black tea makes for a delightful pairing!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try portioning your Earl Grey Tiramisu into individual glasses or jars for a stylish, grab-and-go dessert. Mini trifle bowls are charming, too. You can even use a cookie cutter to stamp out rounds for a plated, modern presentation—just top with a dollop of whipped cream and a twist of lemon zest for instant wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The Earl Grey Tiramisu will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen as it sits.
Freezing
You can freeze Earl Grey Tiramisu, although the texture might become a bit denser once thawed. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil, or store individual slices in containers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—this dessert is best served chilled straight from the fridge. If it’s been frozen, allow it to thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it can ruin the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Earl Grey Tiramisu without eggs?
Absolutely! For an egg-free version, you can use a mixture of whipped cream and mascarpone, sweetened with a bit of sugar and flavored with the cooled Earl Grey tea. It will still be delicious, albeit slightly less rich than the custard-based original.
What’s the best way to get a strong Earl Grey flavor?
For a bolder tea taste, steep the tea bags longer or use loose leaf Earl Grey for extra potency. You can also add a splash of concentrated brewed tea directly to the mascarpone mixture for more depth.
Can I use store-bought ladyfingers?
Yes! Store-bought savoiardi are perfect and save plenty of time. Just remember to dip them quickly into the tea mixture so they don’t get soggy and lose their shape.
Is there an alcohol-free alternative to traditional tiramisu?
Definitely. Classic tiramisu often calls for a coffee liqueur, but this Earl Grey Tiramisu is already alcohol-free. If you want to add a grown-up twist, a splash of orange liqueur in the tea mixture is lovely but totally optional.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Simply double all the ingredients and assemble in a larger dish or make two smaller pans. Earl Grey Tiramisu is a real showstopper for gatherings and scales up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts elegant, comforting, and unforgettable, give Earl Grey Tiramisu a try. It’s one of those special treats that always brings a smile and just might become your new signature sweet. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Print
Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earl Grey Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, infused with the fragrant and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. This no-bake dessert layers soft ladyfinger cookies dipped in a fragrant Earl Grey infusion with a creamy mascarpone custard, creating a luscious treat perfect for tea lovers. It’s elegant, creamy, and effortlessly impressive for any occasion.
Ingredients
Tea Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Custard
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Assembly
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Earl Grey Tea Mixture: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep the Earl Grey tea bags for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until fully dissolved. Allow the tea mixture to cool completely before using.
- Make the Egg Yolk Custard: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk together the egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar continuously until the mixture thickens and turns pale, about 7–8 minutes. Remove the bowl from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will add lightness to the mascarpone mixture.
- Combine Mascarpone Mixture: In a large bowl, smooth the mascarpone cheese and carefully fold in the cooled egg yolk custard, followed by the whipped cream. Mix gently until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled Earl Grey tea mixture—do not soak them, just a quick dip to avoid sogginess. Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in a 9×9-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top layer.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and garnish with lemon zest if desired for a fresh top note.
Notes
- Steep Earl Grey tea bags longer or use loose leaf tea for a stronger tea flavor.
- For extra depth, infuse mascarpone cheese with a small amount of Earl Grey concentrate before mixing.
- Avoid over-soaking ladyfingers to maintain distinct layers and prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh eggs and high-quality mascarpone for the best flavor and texture.
- This dessert is best served chilled and is great for make-ahead occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
