Earl Grey Tiramisu: A Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re a fan of both tea and tiramisu, you’re in for a treat! This Earl Grey Tiramisu combines the rich, creamy layers of classic tiramisu with the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea for an elegant and unexpected twist. With a perfectly balanced tea concentrate and a light mascarpone whipped cream, this dessert offers a refined flavor that’s both familiar and fresh.

Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or just a treat for yourself, this Earl Grey Tiramisu will elevate your dessert game and impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

Ingredients:

For the Earl Grey Tea Concentrate:

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

For the 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 or extract
• 4 large pasteurized egg yolks
• ½ cup (3.5 ounces or 99 grams) granulated sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt

For Assembly:

• 26 (around 7.65 ounces or 217 grams) ladyfingers

Directions:

1. Prepare the Earl Grey Tea Concentrate:

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add Earl Grey tea (loose leaf or tea bags) and reduce the heat to low, allowing the tea to simmer for about 10 minutes to create a strong concentrate.

Place the sugar in a heatproof bowl. Strain the tea over the sugar, pressing the tea to extract as much liquid as possible. Whisk in vanilla and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set the tea concentrate aside to cool.

2. Make the Mascarpone Whipped Cream:

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Add the cold mascarpone and vanilla and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

In the same mixer bowl (no need to clean it), beat the egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is fluffy and has doubled in volume.

Gently fold the mascarpone whipped cream into the egg mixture in two batches, ensuring everything is well combined but being careful not to deflate the mixture.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu:

Take each ladyfinger and dip it briefly into the cooled Earl Grey tea concentrate, ensuring they are moist but not soggy. Arrange about 13 dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in an 8-inch square pan.

Spread half of the mascarpone whipped cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream to create a second layer.

4. Chill the Tiramisu:

Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

5. Serve:

Once chilled, slice and serve your Earl Grey Tiramisu cold. The tiramisu will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it as a make-ahead dessert.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: At least 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: 320 kcal

Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Tiramisu:

• Sophisticated Flavor: The bold, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea paired with the creamy mascarpone give this tiramisu a unique, refined twist on the classic.
• Light and Creamy: The mascarpone whipped cream is light yet indulgent, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make Ahead: This tiramisu can be made the day before, making it a perfect dessert for entertaining guests or enjoying as a special treat without last-minute preparation.
• Elegant Presentation: With its delicate layers of ladyfingers and cream, this tiramisu is visually stunning and perfect for any occasion, from dinner parties to afternoon tea.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the tea concentrate to prevent them from becoming too soggy. You want them to hold their shape while absorbing the delicious flavors.
• Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, allow the tiramisu to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This gives the cream and tea layers time to set and fully develop their flavors.
• Use High-Quality Earl Grey: The tea is the star of this dessert, so opt for a high-quality Earl Grey for the best flavor.

Variations:

• Swap the Tea: Try using different teas like chai or lavender for a new flavor profile while keeping the same method for assembling the tiramisu.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a dusting of cocoa powder between the layers or on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Boozy Version: For an adult-friendly version, add a splash of liqueur like Amaretto or Grand Marnier to the Earl Grey concentrate.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Tea or Coffee: Serve your Earl Grey Tiramisu with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich espresso for a complementary pairing.
• As Part of Afternoon Tea: This dessert is ideal for an elegant afternoon tea spread alongside finger sandwiches and scones.
• After Dinner: End a dinner party on a high note by serving this refined tiramisu as a light yet satisfying dessert.

Final Thoughts:

This Earl Grey Tiramisu is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sophistication of Earl Grey tea with the creamy indulgence of classic tiramisu. It’s an elegant dessert that’s perfect for entertaining, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. With its soft layers and unique flavor, this tiramisu is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a new twist on a beloved dessert!

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