Why You’ll Love Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe
This dessert takes everything you love about tiramisu and gives it a modern, tea-lover’s twist. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being overpowering, and completely no-bake—perfect for warm days or make-ahead dinner party desserts. The delicate flavor of Earl Grey blends seamlessly with creamy mascarpone, offering a sophisticated yet comforting treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Earl Grey tea concentrate:
water
loose leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags
granulated sugar
vanilla
pinch of salt
For the mascarpone whipped cream:
cold heavy cream
cold mascarpone
vanilla
egg yolks
granulated sugar
pinch of salt
Assembly:
ladyfingers
Directions
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Make the Earl Grey tea concentrate by simmering water with Earl Grey tea until strongly brewed. Strain the tea, then stir in sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let it cool to room temperature.
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In a large mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone and vanilla and continue to whip until smooth and creamy.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar and salt until pale, thick, and fluffy.
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Gently fold the mascarpone whipped cream into the egg yolk mixture until evenly combined.
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Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled Earl Grey concentrate and place a layer of soaked cookies at the bottom of your dish.
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Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
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Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the dessert to set.
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Serve chilled, straight from the fridge.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 5 minutes
Assembly time: 30 minutes
Chill time: At least 8 hours (preferably overnight)
Variations
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Add a touch of liqueur: A splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur in the tea concentrate adds extra depth.
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Citrus zest: Fold in lemon or orange zest into the cream mixture for a brighter flavor.
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Vegan version: Use coconut cream, plant-based mascarpone, and egg substitutes for a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.
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Chocolate Earl Grey: Add a layer of grated dark chocolate between the mascarpone and ladyfingers for a mocha-tea fusion.
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Single servings: Assemble in small glasses or jars for individual portions—perfect for parties or afternoon tea.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat. Serve it directly from the fridge. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.
FAQs
How long should I chill Earl Grey tiramisu before serving?
Chill the tiramisu for at least 8 hours to ensure the ladyfingers absorb the tea and the dessert sets properly.
Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making the night before. Just keep it chilled until serving.
What kind of Earl Grey tea is best for this recipe?
Use a high-quality Earl Grey with strong bergamot flavor for the best results—loose leaf is preferred but tea bags work too.
Do I need to bake anything for this recipe?
No baking required. It’s a completely no-bake dessert that sets in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought ladyfingers?
Yes, store-bought ladyfingers work great and save time in preparation.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can use cream cheese as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly tangier and firmer.
Are raw egg yolks safe to eat?
Use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk, or substitute with egg yolk alternatives if you prefer.
Can I make this tiramisu alcohol-free?
Absolutely. This recipe is alcohol-free by default and doesn’t require any liqueur.
How do I know if my cream is whipped enough?
The cream should hold soft to medium peaks and still be smooth—not too stiff, which can make the texture heavy.
Why use Earl Grey instead of coffee?
Earl Grey adds a floral, citrusy flavor that’s light and fragrant, making this version of tiramisu perfect for tea lovers and those avoiding caffeine.
Conclusion
Earl Grey Tiramisu is a refined and refreshing take on the traditional dessert, replacing the deep, bold notes of coffee with the subtle elegance of tea. It’s the perfect chilled treat for gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Light, creamy, and delicately flavored, it’s sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves a modern spin on a classic.
Earl Grey Tiramisu
A sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert, this Earl Grey Tiramisu layers Earl Grey tea-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone filling, infused with subtle floral and citrus notes from the tea. It’s a no-bake, make-ahead dessert perfect for tea lovers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dark rum or bourbon (optional)
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 pound (16 ounces) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 7 ounces (about 24) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: loose Earl Grey tea leaves or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes. Discard the tea bags and stir in ¼ cup sugar and rum (if using). Let cool completely.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ¾ cup sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and whisk constantly for 8–10 minutes until thickened and pale. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the cooled egg mixture and beat until combined.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in 2 parts until fully incorporated.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled tea mixture and line the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers and smooth the top. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set.
- Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Garnish with loose tea leaves or edible flowers if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the tea is completely cool before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea longer or use extra tea bags.
- This tiramisu can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Use high-quality mascarpone for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
