Ingredients
Chai Tea Soak
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 tbsp chai masala
- 2 inch knob fresh ginger (smashed)
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
Mascarpone Mixture
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (cold from the refrigerator)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
Assembly
- 28 hard ladyfingers
Chai Spice Topping
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 3/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Chai Tea Soak: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of chai masala along with the smashed ginger. Simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Sweeten and Cool Chai Tea: Stir in 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar into the chai tea, then strain to remove solids. Let the sweetened chai cool to room temperature before using.
- Cook Egg Yolk Mixture: Place a large heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s bottom does not touch the water. Add 5 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk constantly until sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens to a pale, foamy consistency (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, beat 16 ounces of cold mascarpone cheese with a hand mixer on low speed for about 15-30 seconds until smooth but not grainy.
- Whip Heavy Cream: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream to the mascarpone on low speed, then increase to medium-high and whip until firm peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Cream and Egg Mixture: Gently fold half of the cooled egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone cream until smooth, then fold in the remaining half until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled chai tea soak, coating all sides but not soaking too long. Arrange a single even layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Add Cream Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat by dipping and layering the remaining ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing the surface.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 8 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set fully.
- Prepare Chai Spice Topping: Mix together cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl. Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with this chai spice blend for an aromatic finishing touch.
Notes
- Use cold mascarpone and chilled heavy cream for best whipping results.
- Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long to avoid them becoming soggy.
- For a non-alcoholic dessert, ensure your ladyfingers are free from alcohol.
- This tiramisu improves in flavor if left to chill overnight.
- Handle the egg yolk mixture carefully to avoid scrambling by whisking gently over simmering water.
- Adjust chai masala spice level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian