There’s something so comforting about the delicate citrusy aroma of Earl Grey tea.
When combined with the creamy richness of mascarpone and the soft bite of ladyfingers, it transforms into something magical.
This Earl Grey Tiramisu is my twist on the classic Italian dessert—lighter, more fragrant, and utterly charming for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe
A sophisticated twist on a beloved classic
Infused with real Earl Grey tea for depth and fragrance
Light, airy mascarpone filling that’s not too sweet
No baking required—just chill and enjoy
Perfect for tea parties, brunch, or a cozy treat for yourself
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Mascarpone – Rich, creamy, and the base of our silky filling
Eggs – Whipped to create an airy texture
Sugar – A touch of sweetness, perfectly balanced
Savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits) – Soft sponge cookies that soak up the tea beautifully
Loose leaf Earl Grey tea – Floral, citrusy, and elegant
Water – Freshly boiled for steeping the tea
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh, good-quality loose leaf Earl Grey for the most aromatic result
Make sure to beat egg whites to stiff peaks for a fluffy, stable mousse
Dip ladyfingers quickly—too long and they’ll fall apart
Let the tiramisu rest at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for flavor
Top with powdered Earl Grey or edible petals for an extra wow factor
How to Make Earl Grey Tiramisu
Step 1: Brew and Sweeten the Tea
Boil water, then stir in the Earl Grey tea and sugar.
Let the tea steep for 20 minutes, then strain out the leaves and discard them.
Set the sweetened tea aside to cool.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Separate the eggs, placing the whites and yolks in two different bowls.
Beat the egg whites with half the sugar until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Mixture
Beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the mascarpone and mix until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone cream using a spatula.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of mascarpone cream across the bottom of a small casserole or glass dish.
Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled tea on both sides, then lay them over the cream.
Continue until the first layer is complete.
Step 5: Add More Layers
Spread more mascarpone cream on top of the biscuit layer.
Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
Step 6: Chill and Garnish
Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Before serving, garnish with a dusting of powdered tea or dried cornflower petals for a beautiful finish.
What to Serve It With
A hot cup of Earl Grey (of course!)
Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries
A small glass of dessert wine or limoncello
A shortbread cookie for extra texture
Variations / Substitutions
No raw egg version: Use pasteurized eggs or fold whipped cream instead of egg whites
Coffee-free twist: Try lavender or chamomile tea for another aromatic option
Vegan option: Use coconut cream and egg replacer with vegan ladyfingers
Boozy version: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the tea
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days
Freezing not recommended – the texture may become watery
Best enjoyed within 24 hours for ideal texture and flavor
FAQs
Can I make this without raw eggs?
Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with whipped cream for a safer version.
Can I use bagged tea instead of loose leaf?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Use 2–3 bags for the same strength.
Is this dessert very sweet?
Not overly—the tea balances the sugar nicely, making it elegant and refined.
What if I don’t have ladyfingers?
You can use sponge cake or plain pound cake, sliced thinly.
Can I prepare this in individual cups?
Absolutely! It’s great for parties—just layer in small glass cups or jars.
How long does it need to chill?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for full flavor and set texture.
Can I add lemon zest to the cream?
Yes! A little lemon zest enhances the bergamot in the Earl Grey beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Earl Grey Tiramisu is everything I adore in a dessert—light, creamy, fragrant, and just a touch luxurious.
It’s a thoughtful way to impress guests or treat yourself to a moment of calm with something homemade. I hope you’ll fall in love with it just like I did.
