This Earl Grey Tiramisu takes a beloved Italian classic and infuses it with the delicate, aromatic magic of Earl Grey tea for a dessert that is at once sophisticated and comfortingly familiar. Forget traditional coffee — here, floral bergamot undertones mingle with creamy mascarpone and honey-sweetened biscuit layers, creating a no-bake treat that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delightful to eat. If you’re a tea lover or a fan of creative desserts, this recipe is about to become a new favorite in your repertoire!

Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple but essential ingredients to make your Earl Grey Tiramisu shine. Each one is chosen to complement the tea’s subtle flavor and deliver that iconic tiramisu texture and decadence.

Strong brewed Earl Grey tea (1 cup, cooled): The star of the show — infuses every layer with distinctive floral and citrusy notes.
Honey or sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the slight bitterness of the tea; pick honey for depth of flavor.
Ladyfinger biscuits (16–18, savoiardi): The foundation that soaks up all that tea and cream goodness.
Heavy cream (1 1/4 cups): Whipped for airiness and lightness in the mascarpone layer.
Mascarpone cheese (8 oz): The creamy, rich backbone of any tiramisu, with a velvety mouthfeel.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Dissolves easily and sweetens the cream mixture without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and fragrance of the dessert.
Lemon zest (zest of 1, optional): Brings a bright, citrusy lift that echoes the bergamot in the Earl Grey.
Cocoa powder or finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves (for dusting): Adds a classic finish or an extra hit of tea aroma on top.

How to Make Earl Grey Tiramisu

Step 1: Brew and Sweeten the Tea

Start by brewing a strong cup of Earl Grey tea — you want it robust enough to shine through after chilling. While the tea is still warm, stir in your honey or sugar so it dissolves completely. Let this fragrant blend cool to room temperature; this ensures your ladyfingers don’t go soggy too quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; don’t overwhip, as you want pillowy lightness. In a second bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and, if using, lemon zest. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the whipped cream to create an airy, luscious filling.

Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into your cooled Earl Grey tea — just a brief dunk! You want the biscuits soaked on the outside but still a little firm inside. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×5-inch dish (or use individual glasses for a fancy twist).

Step 4: Assemble the Earl Grey Tiramisu

Spread half of your mascarpone-cream mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers. Add another layer of tea-dipped biscuits atop the cream, then finish with the remaining cream. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Cover your Earl Grey Tiramisu and chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set beautifully. Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder or a shower of crushed Earl Grey tea leaves for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Earl Grey Tiramisu

Garnishes

The right garnish will highlight both the elegance and flavor of your tiramisu. A generous dusting of cocoa powder is a classic, but for a truly unique finish, try sprinkling finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves or a bit of fresh lemon zest over each slice. For a pop of color, edible flowers like violets or pansies make a stunning and fragrant touch.

Side Dishes

While Earl Grey Tiramisu is a star all on its own, it plays well alongside complementary treats. Serve it with crisp almond biscotti, a citrusy fruit salad, or petite lemon shortbread for a lovely afternoon tea or after-dinner experience. Coffee or extra strong Earl Grey on the side is always a good move!

Creative Ways to Present

This dessert shines in all sizes. Layer it into individual glasses or mason jars for portable picnic treats or elegant party portions. For special occasions, try building a tiramisu trifle in a clear bowl, showcasing those beautiful tea-soaked layers. You can even use cookie cutters to cut set pieces into fun shapes before garnishing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Earl Grey Tiramisu, lucky you! Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay perfectly creamy and tempting for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so a little patience goes a long way.

Freezing

For longer storage, Earl Grey Tiramisu can be frozen. Cut into portions and wrap each one tightly, or freeze the entire dish (well wrapped). Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving; the creamy layers hold up surprisingly well, though the texture may soften slightly.

Reheating

No reheating needed here — this dessert is all about that cool, luscious texture! Serve straight from the fridge for optimal refreshment, especially in warmer weather. If frozen, allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before you dig in.

FAQs

Can I make Earl Grey Tiramisu without mascarpone?

While mascarpone is traditional for its silky texture, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese in a pinch. Soften it well and blend until very smooth for the closest consistency, but expect a tangier flavor in your final tiramisu.

What’s the best way to brew a strong Earl Grey for this recipe?

Steep 2-3 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf) in 1 cup of hot water for about five minutes, then strain. The result should be intensely fragrant and flavorful since some strength is lost as it chills and blends with the ladyfingers and cream.

Can I add alcohol to my Earl Grey Tiramisu?

Absolutely! A splash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, or a floral gin goes beautifully with the tea and cream. Add it to the tea mixture before dipping the ladyfingers for an extra layer of complexity.

How do I keep the ladyfingers from getting soggy?

The trick is to work quickly: dunk each biscuit for just a moment so it gets coated with tea but doesn’t break down. A cool tea mixture and a gentle touch mean distinct, satisfying layers every time.

Is there a vegan way to enjoy Earl Grey Tiramisu?

You sure can! Use coconut cream or whipped dairy-free cream for the filling, a vegan mascarpone (or blend of tofu and vegan cream cheese), plant-based ladyfingers, and agave syrup. The tea remains the same source of fabulous flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop, don’t wait another minute to give this Earl Grey Tiramisu a whirl! It’s a dessert that promises to surprise and delight, whether you’re sharing it at a party or savoring it all to yourself. Let the flavors of tea, honey, and lemon whisk you away — one creamy, cloud-like forkful at a time.

Earl Grey Tiramisu Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert with this Earl Grey Tiramisu recipe. The fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea infused into a creamy mascarpone mixture layered with ladyfinger biscuits create a unique and elegant dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Earl Grey Mixture:

1 cup strong brewed Earl Grey tea (cooled)
3 tablespoons honey or sugar

For the Tiramisu:

16–18 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Cocoa powder or finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves for dusting

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Instructions

Brew the Earl Grey Tea: Brew the Earl Grey tea and stir in the honey or sugar while still warm. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Mixture: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled tea, then layer them in a dish. Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and cream. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Final Touch: Dust with cocoa powder or crushed Earl Grey tea leaves before serving.