Masala chai tea-ramisu is the International Tea Day dessert you have to make if you really love your tiramisu. This no-bake fusion dessert takes everything beloved about classic Italian tiramisu and swaps the coffee liqueur soak for a rich, spiced doodh patti chai, brewed strong with black tea leaves, green cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, and star anise. What you get is an aromatic, creamy layered dessert that is rich and indulgent.
Making this tiramisu recipe requires no raw eggs and no alcohol, making it a great option for family gatherings and celebrations alike. Ladyfinger biscuits are dipped in cooled masala chai, then layered with a chai-spiced whipped mascarpone cream, which is light yet rich, with stiff peaks that sandwich the dessert layers well. Then comes a dusting of homemade chai masala just before serving, which is the final garnish.
This tiramisu recipe is for the chai lovers who shrivel their nose at the coffee connoisseurs. As for chai masala powder, all you need is a few whole spices you use for masala chai and grind them to a fine powder to use in this dessert or your evening cuppa.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 cup Whole milk (For the Masala Chai)
¼ cup Heavy cream
½ inchFresh ginger (coarsely pounded)
1½ tbspLoose black tea
1 tspChai masala
2 tbspSugar
1 cupMascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
1½ cupsHeavy cream
½ cupGranulated sugar
1½ tspChai masala
20 fingersLadyfinger biscuits
8Green cardamom pods For the Chai Masala (Homemade)
Split cardamom pods and add the seeds and cloves into a grinder or mortar and pestle to make a fine powder. Mix the powder with anise powder, nutmeg, black pepper powder, and ground cinnamon. Your homemade chai masala is ready.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Brew the Masala Chai
Mix milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan, steaming on medium heat. Once you see bubbles forming at the edges, add the ginger, chai masala, black tea leaves, and sugar. Let the chai come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium and brew for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye; small quantities can burn quickly. Strain into a cup and let it cool completely. Strain once more if milk skin forms on top.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Make the Whipped Mascarpone
Freeze your metal mixing bowls and hand mixer blades for 15-20 minutes before you begin for the best whipped mascarpone. Add softened mascarpone, chai masala, and 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to a large bowl. Beat on medium for 30-45 seconds until a bit fluffy. Add the remaining heavy cream and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Assemble the Tea-ramisu
Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled masala chai for no more than 2-3 seconds. Arrange in a single layer at the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish or loaf pan, without packing too tightly. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and smooth it. Repeat with a second layer of chai-dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top and keep the edges neat.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate for at least 6 hours; overnight is best. The flavours deepen over time, and the texture sets well with time. Just before serving, dust generously with chai masala. Do not dust in advance, as the spices will absorb moisture and be ruined.
A: Yes, International Tea Day calls for a dessert made with chai-soaked biscuits like the beloved Italian tiramisu that swaps coffee for tea. You can use other tea blends, replacing masala chai.
A: It’s a twist on the classic tiramisu recipe where the usual ladyfinger biscuits are soaked in freshly brewed tea, giving a spiced flavour instead of traditional coffee.
A: Traditional tiramisu is non-veg because it contains eggs, mascarpone, and coffee-soaked biscuits; eggless vegetarian versions are also made.
A: Over-soaking biscuits, using wrong or low-quality ingredients, improper egg handling, and not chilling enough can ruin texture and flavour.