Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A unique fusion of Italian tradition and British tea culture
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Light, creamy texture with a refreshing tea flavor
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Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead desserts
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Elegant and visually stunning, especially with edible flowers
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Customizable with different teas and flavor enhancements
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Less heavy than classic tiramisu—no coffee needed
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Perfect for spring and summer events
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Balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower
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Ideal for tea lovers and dessert fans alike
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Can be served individually for an extra-special touch
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
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24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
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1 cup mascarpone cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (for flavor)
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Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Brew the Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature. Remove the tea bags or strain out any loose leaves.
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In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with the brewed Earl Grey tea and tea leaves until smooth.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping it airy and light.
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Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled Earl Grey tea—just a brief dip to avoid sogginess.
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Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish or individual serving cups.
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Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and spread it evenly.
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Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Before serving, garnish with edible flowers and a sprinkle of Earl Grey tea leaves if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
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Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated white chocolate on top for extra richness.
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Replace Earl Grey with chai or green tea for different flavor profiles.
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Use orange zest in the mascarpone mixture for a citrusy touch.
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Swap ladyfingers for sponge cake pieces for a different texture.
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Make individual servings in cups or small glasses for elegant presentation.
Storage/Reheating
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Fridge: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of mascarpone cream.
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Reheat: Not applicable—best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu the night before?
Yes, it’s actually better after chilling overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Do I have to use mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is traditional, but you could substitute with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream if needed.
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely. Just strain the tea thoroughly after brewing to remove any loose leaves.
What if I don’t have edible flowers?
You can skip them or replace them with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra tea leaves for decoration.
How long should I dip the ladyfingers?
Just a quick dip of about 1-2 seconds—too long and they’ll fall apart.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes, use coconut cream, plant-based mascarpone, and vegan ladyfingers for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I use other types of tea?
Yes, black teas like Darjeeling or even floral teas like lavender work beautifully.
Should I sweeten the brewed tea?
No need—the mascarpone mixture and ladyfingers provide enough sweetness.
How do I keep the tiramisu from becoming soggy?
Dip the ladyfingers briefly and assemble quickly to maintain a good structure.
Conclusion
Earl Grey Tiramisu is a beautiful and refreshing twist on a beloved classic. With its light mascarpone layers, aromatic tea flavor, and elegant presentation, it’s a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re preparing it for a sophisticated dinner party or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, this tiramisu is sure to impress. Whip it up, chill it well, and savor every luxurious bite!
Earl Grey Tiramisu
Experience a refreshing twist on a classic dessert with this Earl Grey Tiramisu! Light layers of mascarpone cream and tea-soaked ladyfingers deliver an elegant flavor of bergamot and black tea—perfect for spring parties, afternoon tea, or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian + British)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (for flavor)
Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Brew the Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature. Remove any tea bags or strain out loose leaves.
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In a bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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In another bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with brewed Earl Grey tea and additional tea leaves until smooth.
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Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping the texture light.
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Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled Earl Grey tea—just 1–2 seconds to avoid sogginess.
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Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a rectangular dish or individual cups.
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Spoon half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and spread evenly.
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Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Before serving, garnish with edible flowers and a sprinkle of Earl Grey tea leaves if desired.
Notes
Cocoa powder or grated white chocolate can be sprinkled on top for added richness.
Swap the tea: try chai, green tea, or lavender tea for different flavors.
For a citrus note, add orange zest to the mascarpone mixture.
Assemble in cups or glasses for elegant single servings.
Ladyfingers should be dipped briefly to prevent soggy layers.