Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

This Earl Grey Tiramisu offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert by infusing it with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Creamy mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers soaked in a strong tea concentrate create a sophisticated treat perfect for tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces or 340 grams) water
• 3 Tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea (preferred) OR 9 Earl Grey tea bags
• ¼ cup (1.75 ounces or 50 grams) granulated sugar (for tea concentrate)
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla paste (preferred) OR extract (for tea concentrate)
• pinch of kosher salt (for tea concentrate)
• 1 ¼ cups (10 ounces or 284 grams) cold heavy cream
• 1 (8-ounce) container cold mascarpone
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla paste (preferred) OR extract (for whipped cream)
• 4 large pasteurized egg yolks
• ½ cup (3.5 ounces or 99 grams) granulated sugar (for mascarpone cream)
• pinch of kosher salt (for mascarpone cream)
• 26 ladyfingers (around 7.65 ounces or 217 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the Earl Grey tea concentrate. Bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over high heat. Add the Earl Grey tea and immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the sugar for the tea concentrate in a medium heatproof bowl.
2. Step 2: After 10 minutes, taste the concentrate. It should have a strong Earl Grey flavor, almost bitter. If needed, simmer for another 5 minutes. When ready, strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with sugar, pressing gently on the tea leaves or bags to extract flavor, then discard them.
3. Step 3: Whisk the hot tea concentrate to dissolve the sugar, then whisk in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the mascarpone whipped cream.
4. Step 4: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk the cold heavy cream on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the mascarpone and vanilla paste or extract all at once, scrape down the bowl, then whisk on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl.
5. Step 5: Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and pinch of salt in the stand mixer bowl (no need to clean) on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Fold half of the mascarpone whipped cream into the egg yolk mixture with a rubber spatula, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
7. Step 7: Assemble the tiramisu by dipping each ladyfinger briefly into the Earl Grey concentrate, then arranging a single layer in an 8-inch square pan (about 13 ladyfingers). You may need to slice or break some to fit.
8. Step 8: Spread half of the mascarpone whipped cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat dipping and layering the remaining ladyfingers and cream to make two more layers, finishing with cream on top.
9. Step 9: Loosely cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
10. Step 10: Serve chilled, scooping portions carefully. Enjoy your Earl Grey tiramisu!

Tips & Variations

• Use loose leaf Earl Grey tea if possible for richer flavor compared to tea bags.
• For a boozy version, add 1–2 tablespoons of bergamot-infused liqueur or a mild rum to the tea concentrate before soaking the ladyfingers.
• Ensure heavy cream and mascarpone are very cold for the best whipped cream texture.
• If concerned about raw egg yolks, use pasteurized eggs or substitute with a cooked custard base.

Storage

Store the Earl Grey tiramisu tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed chilled and fresh. If needed, re-chill any leftovers before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

Yes, regular black tea can be used, but the signature citrusy bergamot flavor of Earl Grey is key to this dessert’s unique taste.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

This recipe uses pasteurized egg yolks for safety. If you cannot find these, consider using a cooked custard or eggless cream alternative to ensure food safety.

Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

A sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert, this Earl Grey Tiramisu combines the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with rich mascarpone cream and delicate ladyfingers soaked in a strong tea concentrate. Perfect for tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts looking for a refined, comforting treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Earl Grey Tea Concentrate

• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces or 340 grams) water
• 3 Tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea (preferred) OR 9 Earl Grey tea bags
• ¼ cup (1.75 ounces or 50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla paste (preferred) OR extract
• pinch of kosher salt

Mascarpone Whipped Cream

• 1 ¼ cups (10 ounces or 284 grams) cold heavy cream
• 1 (8-ounce) container cold mascarpone
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla paste (preferred) OR extract
• 4 large pasteurized egg yolks
• ½ cup (3.5 ounces or 99 grams) granulated sugar
• pinch of kosher salt

Assembly

• 26 ladyfingers (around 7.65 ounces or 217 grams)

Instructions

1. Make the Earl Grey Tea Concentrate: Bring water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over high heat. Add Earl Grey tea and immediately reduce heat to medium-low to simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place sugar in a medium heatproof bowl. Taste the concentrate after 10 minutes; if not strong enough, simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve over the sugar, pressing on tea leaves to extract flavor. Whisk to dissolve sugar, then whisk in vanilla and salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whisk cold heavy cream on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off mixer and add mascarpone and vanilla all at once. Scrape down sides and whip on medium speed for about 30 seconds until combined. Transfer to a medium bowl.
3. Combine Egg Yolks and Sugar: In the same stand mixer bowl (no need to clean), beat egg yolks, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume, about 5 minutes. Gently fold half of the mascarpone whipped cream into the egg yolk mixture using a rubber spatula, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined to create a light and fluffy cream.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu: One at a time, dip each ladyfinger quickly in the Earl Grey concentrate to coat, then arrange a single layer in an 8-inch square pan (approximately 13 ladyfingers, slicing as needed to fit). Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the dipping for remaining ladyfingers and spread remaining cream on top to form final layers.
5. Chill the Dessert: Loosely cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
6. Serve and Store: Serve the tiramisu chilled as a refreshing, elegant dessert. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• For best flavor, use loose leaf Earl Grey tea for the concentrate rather than tea bags.
• Make sure the heavy cream and mascarpone are cold before whipping for best texture.
• Use pasteurized egg yolks to ensure safe consumption without additional cooking.
• Do not over-soak the ladyfingers to avoid sogginess; a quick dip is sufficient.
• If vanilla paste is unavailable, pure vanilla extract is an acceptable substitute.
• The tiramisu can be prepared a day ahead, improving depth of flavor.
• Keep the dessert refrigerated and consume within 3 days for freshness.

Keywords: Earl Grey tiramisu, tea-infused dessert, mascarpone tiramisu, no bake dessert, Italian dessert with tea