Floral Earl Grey Lavender Tiramisu for Afternoon Tea Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an even more pronounced floral aroma, you can lightly dust the top of the finished tiramisu with a mixture of finely ground culinary lavender and a pinch of confectioners' sugar. This adds an extra layer of visual appeal and fragrance.

If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, brew the soaking liquid with two tea bags instead of one, but ensure it cools completely before using it to dip the ladyfingers, as warm tea will make the cookies fall apart too quickly.

If the mascarpone cream seems too thick before assembly, add a tablespoon of cold heavy cream and fold it in gently by hand. This can loosen the mixture without compromising the structure.

Always use a gentle hand when folding the ingredients to keep the air bubbles intact, which is the secret to the cloud-like texture. If you find the dessert is not setting, it may be due to the humidity in the kitchen; ensure the refrigerator is set to a cold temperature, ideally below 40°F (4°C).

Variations

• Lemon Zest Twist: Add one teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture to brighten the bergamot notes and provide a refreshing citrus finish to the dessert.
• Almond Crunch: Sprinkle toasted, sliced almonds over the top before serving to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, cloud-like cream and sponge.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the mascarpone and cause the ladyfingers to become mushy upon thawing.

Store the tiramisu covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 48 hours for optimal texture and flavor. If you notice any liquid pooling at the bottom of the dish, it may indicate the ladyfingers were slightly over-soaked, but it will still be safe to consume within the recommended storage window.

This recipe is an excellent choice for making ahead, as it requires a minimum of five hours to set. You can assemble it the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight.

This allows the flavors to deepen and the ladyfingers to reach the perfect level of softness. Just ensure it is well-covered to keep the top layer of cream fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Serving ideas

Serve the tiramisu chilled directly from the refrigerator. For a clean presentation, use a large serving spoon to scoop portions, or if you prefer defined slices, allow it to sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before cutting. The contrast between the cold, creamy texture and the slightly more robust ladyfingers makes it an ideal end to a sophisticated meal.

Pair this dessert with a cup of the same Earl Grey tea used in the recipe to highlight the bergamot notes. You can garnish each serving with a small fresh lavender sprig or a light dusting of cocoa powder if you want to add a traditional tiramisu touch.

Avoid serving with overly sweet accompaniments, as the honey in the cream provides a sufficient and well-rounded sweetness that stands on its own.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Floral Earl Grey Lavender Tiramisu for Afternoon Tea

Prep 20 minCook 5 minRest 5 hTotal 5 h 25 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 4 Earl Grey tea bags
• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender buds
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 500 g mascarpone cheese
• 110 g honey
• 24 ladyfingers
• 1 cup strong brewed Earl Grey tea
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags and dried culinary lavender. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes, then strain out the solids. Chill the infused cream in the refrigerator until completely cold before whipping.
2. In a large chilled bowl, combine the cold infused cream, mascarpone cheese, and honey. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until thick, smooth, and billowy peaks form. Do not over-whip, as the mascarpone can turn grainy if worked for too long.
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strong brewed Earl Grey tea mixed with vanilla, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a glass dish. Spread a portion of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers, finishing with piped waves of the remaining cream. Chill for at least 5 hours.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: This recipe includes raw eggs. Use pasteurized eggs if serving to pregnant women, young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

6.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

120 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.