Earl Grey Tiramisu

Earl Grey tiramisu is a lighter take on the classic Italian dessert. Instead of the usual buzzy espresso, ladyfingers are soaked in citrusy, woodsy, floral Earl Grey tea. To complement, the cocoa powder topping is replaced by candied lemon peel and whole Earl Grey tea leaves. The new look is delightful, like a London fog latte transformed into tiramisu. You can still expect all the good stuff: the fluffy whipped cream and mascarpone filling, the delicate ladyfingers and the layer-by-layer build.

I love making this dessert when summer is just giving way to fall. Earl Grey’s citrus flavor comes from bergamot, which imparts flavors more herbal and woodsy than sour and bright. It’s unexpected but befitting for fall, and perfect when you’re ready to make fall desserts that aren’t packed with pumpkin and apples.

Ingredients for Earl Grey Tiramisu

• Egg yolks: Raw egg yolks are standard in the mascarpone mixture of classic tiramisu recipe, and in this Earl Grey version, too. If you have a compromised immune system, stick with our easy tiramisu recipe, which does not contain raw eggs.
• Sugar: The Earl Grey tiramisu is sweetened with granulated sugar. Avoid using light or dark brown sugar here as the flavors won’t match the tea.
• Mascarpone: Let the mascarpone come to room temperature so it whips easily. Some brands sell flavored mascarpone (including some that are espresso flavored), so double-check the packaging before buying it.
• Earl Grey tea: Buy an Earl Grey tea portioned into tea bags. You can also use loose-leaf tea; just make sure to have a tea steeper so you can remove the tea at the appropriate time. Some tea will be ground up and mixed into the whipped cream and mascarpone filling, and some will be steeped in hot water and used to brush the ladyfingers.
• Heavy whipping cream: We’ll combine heavy whipping cream with other ingredients to make sweetened and flavored whipped cream.
• Vanilla extract: If you were looking for an excuse to splurge on the best vanilla extract, this Earl Grey tiramisu is it. Vanilla bean paste would be even better.
• Ladyfingers: Ladyfingers are available at most grocery stores. There are spongy-textured ones and crispier ones. Either cookie works for this tiramisu.
• Candied lemon peel: The Earl Grey tiramisu can be decorated with chopped candied lemon peels for extra pops of citrusy sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Make the mascarpone mixture

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until they turn pale yellow in color, three to four minutes.

Add the softened mascarpone cheese and beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, two to three minutes.

Editor’s Tip: It’s important to beat the egg yolks and sugar for a long time or else your mixture will be gritty and sandy.

Step 2: Grind the tea leaves

In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the Earl Grey tea leaves from one tea bag into a fine powder.

Step 3: Whip up the Earl Grey cream

In a separate large bowl, beat together the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla extract and ground Earl Grey tea powder until medium peaks form, four to five minutes.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture just until they’re combined. Set it aside.

Step 4: Steep the tea bags

In a shallow bowl, combine the Earl Grey tea bags, sugar and hot water, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Let the tea bags steep for two minutes.

Step 5: Build the tiramisu

Place nine ladyfinger halves, round side up, in an 8-inch square baking dish in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, brush the Earl Grey tea mixture over the ladyfingers, soaking them well without oversaturating them.

Spread one-third of the mascarpone cream on top of the ladyfingers in an even layer.

Repeat this process twice with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Editor’s Tip: The ladyfingers will disintegrate if you oversaturate them with the tea mixture.

Step 6: Chill the tiramisu

Cover the Earl Grey tiramisu with storage wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight.

If desired, sprinkle the top with additional loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or candied lemon slices just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Add citrus elements: Earl Grey tea has citrus notes to begin with, so it only makes sense to add more lemon or orange flavors. Feel free to add citrus zest or juice, or include lemon or orange extract in the mascarpone mixture.
• Include a bit of booze: If you’re serving adults only, add a smidge of an orange liquor like Grand Marnier to the ladyfinger soaking liquid. A nice elderflower liqueur would also work well.

How to Store Earl Grey Tiramisu

Earl Grey tiramisu can be stored covered in the fridge for up to four days. If only a little bit is left over, transfer it to an airtight container to save fridge space.

Can you make Earl Grey tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Earl Grey tiramisu ahead of time, but only prep it one day in advance. It has to set up in the fridge for at least four hours and ideally overnight. I wouldn’t make it more than a day in advance, though, as the ladyfingers will get soggier and start to lose their integrity. Nonetheless, it’s still safe to eat up to four days after making it.

Earl Grey Tiramisu Tips

Can you make your own ladyfingers for Earl Grey tiramisu?

Yes, you could make your own ladyfingers from scratch for this Earl Grey tiramisu. It’s a great time to practice making them since it doesn’t matter if they come out straight or a little wonky—they’re covered with the mascarpone filling!

Can you make Earl Grey tiramisu in a different pan?

No, an 8-inch square baking pan is the best pan for this recipe. There aren’t enough ladyfingers for a bigger square pan, and circular cake pans would make configuring the ladyfingers difficult. However, if you’d like to double the recipe, use a 13×9-inch baking pan.

How do you serve Earl Grey tiramisu?

Serve Earl Grey tiramisu cold from the fridge. It’s perfect as-is—no whipped cream, dessert sauce or ice cream needed. If you’re looking for a drink pairing, though, the obvious choice would be an Earl Grey tea or a tea latte. However, a cold lemonade, Prosecco (or cheap champagne!), or a gin cocktail like a French 75 or Aviation made with a very floral gin would pair well here.