This Masala Chai Tiramisu is every tea lovers dream come true. It combines the creamy layers of a classic tiramisu with the warm, aromatic spices of Masala Chai. Made with a luscious mascarpone filling and infused with masala chai, it’s a sweet, comforting treat that’s easy to make.
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❤️Why you will love this recipe
- Twist on a classic: This recipe combines your classic tiramisu with a Masala Chai for a deliciously unique dessert.
- Easy to prepare: No baking is required, and the spteps are easy, making this the perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice blend to match your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor or a hint of nutmeg, it’s easy to adjust.
- Make-ahead dessert: Ideal for entertaining, as it needs time to chill.
- Perfect for tea lovers: The recipe uses freshly brewed or store-bought Masala Chai which makes this the perfect tea lover dessert.
If you love this recipe, you should also try my Speculoos Tiramisu. Another delicious tiramisu that is perfect for the Winter months.
🥣Equipment
Here are the tools you will need to make this chai tiramisu a success:
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few bowls in different sizes—one for beating the egg whites, another for mixing the mascarpone cream, and a shallow dish for soaking the ladyfingers. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for whipping egg whites as they provide a clean surface for stiff peaks.
- Hand or stand mixer: For whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and blending the mascarpone mixture until smooth.
- Casserol Dish: A cassreol dish works best to layer the tiramisu in.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: Needed to strain the masala chai and dust the spices on top of the tiramisu.
📝The Ingredients
For this recipe you will need your classic tiramisu ingredients plus some spices and tea to make it special:
- Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother mascarpone cream.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best for this recipe.
- Mascarpone: Use a good quality mascarpone. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to fold into the mixture. I do not recommend using cream cheese as an alternative as the texture and taste will be different.
- Masala Chai: Brew your own masala chai or buy a pre-made one at the store. Further down in the post I have instructions on how to brew your own at home.
- Ladyfingers: Use classic ladyfingers for this recipe. Alternatively you could use hard cookies like speculoos cookies.
- Masala Chai Spice Mix: A mix of ground green cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper to dusted on top of the tiramisu instead of cocoa powder. Alternatively the classic cocoa powder can be used.
👩🏻🍳How to make masala chai tiramisu
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Brew the chai: Make Masala Chai using a 7-spice blend or the from-scratch recipe, then let it cool. If you use pre-made masala chai you can skip this step.
- Whip the egg whites: Separate your eggs and whip your egg whites till stiff.
- Prepare the cream: Beat egg yolks with sugar, mix in mascarpone, 2 tablespoon masala chai, and fold in whipped egg whites until smooth.
- Assemble the layers: Dip ladyfingers into the cooled chai and layer them with the mascarpone cream in a casserole dish.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
- Dust with spices: Top with the Masala Chai spice mix for a flavorful finish.
💡How to Make Masala Chai
For this recipe, I like to use freshly brewed Masala Chai for the richest flavor. I like to use a 7-spice tea blend, cook it up with milk, and sweeten it with a little sugar. It’s quick, flavorful, and works beautifully in the Masala Chai Tiramisu.
If you don’t have a 7-spice tea blend on hand, here’s a simple from-scratch method you can try:
- Boil the milk: In a pot, bring milk (or a mix of milk and water) to a gentle boil.
- Add tea and spices: Stir in black tea (preferably loose leaf) and a mix of green cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black peppercorns.
- Sweeten: Add sugar to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
- Simmer and infuse: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Strain and serve: Strain the tea into a cup or teapot, discarding the tea leaves and spices.
This spiced tea is delicious on its own and works wonderfully in this dessert. Whether you use the 7-spice blend or make it from scratch, the flavors are sure to shine!
🍴Serving suggestions
This Masala Chai Tiramisu is already a standout dessert, but pairing it with the right sides or presentation can make it even more special. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- With a cup of chai: Pair it with a warm or iced Masala Chai for the ultimate tea lover’s treat.
- Individual servings: Assemble the tiramisu in small glasses or jars for a cute, mess-free presentation. Perfect for parties!
- Ice cream pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of cardamom or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
🥄Storage
Masala Chai Tiramisu stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture.
💭Frequently asked questions
How long does the tiramisu need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Definitely! A splash of cognac, rum, chai-spiced liqueur, or even whiskey in the chai or mascarpone mixture can add a boozy twist.
Yes! Add more of your favorite spices, like cardamom or cinnamon, or leave out any that you’re less fond of.
Of course, just use gluten-free ladyfingers.
Not at all. High-quality pre-made Masala Chai works perfectly, and it’s a time-saver.
More masala chai recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Masala Chai Tiramisu
Equipment
- 3 Mixing Bowls (1 for the egg whites, 1 for the cream, 1 shallow one for dipping)
- Hand or Stand Mixer
- Casserole Dish
- Fine Mesh Sieve
Ingredients
Tiramisu
- 4 Eggs
- 80 g Sugar
- 500 g Mascarpone (at room temperature)
- 300 ml Masala Chai (freshly brewed or store-bought; cooled)
- 2 tablespoon Masala Chai
- 2 packs Ladyfingers
- 1-2 tablespoon Masala Chai Spice Mix (Homemade or pre-made works; ground)
Masala Chai Spice Mix
- ¼ teaspoon Green Cardamom (only use the seeds)
- ¼ teaspoon Cloves
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
Masala Chai (Skip this step if using store-bought)
- Brew your Masala Chai first and let it cool. You can brew your tea by boiling a 7 spice tea blend in milk and add sugar. Or you do it completly from scratch boiling black tea and all the spices in milk and then add sugar. See detailed instructions for the tea in the post.
- Strain the chai and let it cool completely before using.
Tiramisu
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and whites in another.4 Eggs
- Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
- Beat the egg yolks with sugar until creamy and pale.80 g Sugar
- Mix the mascarpone into the yolks until smooth and creamy.500 g Mascarpone
- Add 2 tablespoon Masala Chai, cooled, to the mascarpone mixture and mix well.2 tablespoon Masala Chai
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
- Briefly dip ladyfingers into the cooled Masala Chai one by one and add them to the casserol dish. Make sure they’re soaked but not soggy.300 ml Masala Chai, 2 packs Ladyfingers
- Then add half the mascarpone cream on top and repeat the process. Finish the layers with the mascarpone cream layer on top.
- Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Just before serving the tiramisu, dust the top with the prepared Masala Chai spice mix using a fine-mesh sieve.1-2 tablespoon Masala Chai Spice Mix
Masala Chai Spice Mix (Skip this step if you use a pre-made mix)
- In a small bowl, combine green cardamom seeds, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Use whole spices and grind them or simply use already ground spices. Mix well.¼ teaspoon Green Cardamom, ¼ teaspoon Cloves, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Ginger, ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
Notes
- Make sure the chai is completely cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- For the richest flavors, let the tiramisu chill overnight.
- Adjust the Masala Chai spice mix to your taste preferences.
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Your Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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