Karak Chai Tiramisu

Creamy and rich this eggless tiramisu is for those chai/tea lovers. It is a simple no bake dessert that comes together easily and tastes delicious – not to mention it feeds a crowd very comfortably.

I had made this recipe for my live cooking demonstration for Taste Of Abu Dhabi 2024 and it was such a success! The recipe is so simple to whip up and also doesn’t need any fancy ingredients, I would recommend making the chai ahead of time so it can get really tasty and strong but you can make this dessert the night before and finish it with a dusting of cocoa powder, grating of milk chocolate and serve it the next day.

There are a few elements to this recipe, the chai aka the masala tea which is tea powder brewed with spices in milk and saffron, the mascarpone cream which is so creamy velvet smooth rich and delicious, the lady finger biscuits which I have used store bought. The tiramisu is layered with a dusting of cocoa powder and a grating of milk chocolate. I love serving it with cold chai poured over the top to keep it very juicy, soft and moist. Having said all this, let us get to making the recipe.

What is tiramisu?

Tiramisu is an Italian no bake dessert with a coffee flavor profile. It is made with a mascarpone custard cream that is layered with lady fingers sponge cookie biscuits that are soaked in espresso coffee, topped with cocoa powder. The dessert is often made ahead and stored in the fridge to set before spooning into bowls and serving.

What is chai? What is masala chai?

“Masala Chai” translates to Spiced Tea. It is an Indian drink that is served all across the country, in street stalls, restaurants, cafes, hotels etc. it has become one of the most iconic drinks to make and enjoy as part of the culture in India. There are many ways to make it, with an array of spices, saffron, jaggery etc. I have a masala chai recipe that is my go to, I would suggest check out the post for more information.

What is the difference between masala chai and regular chai?

Chai is basically brewed tea, masala chai is basically spiced brewed tea.

What is karak chai? What is the difference between karak chai and masala chai?

The difference between Masala Chai and Karak Chai differ mainly in the blend of spices being used and the preparation. Karak uses fewer spices, most often than not just cardamom and/or saffron, while Masala Chai uses a broader variety like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger etc. But I have made this recipe as a combination between both masala and karak chai.

What is karak chai tiramisu?

Think tiramisu but instead of coffee we use karak. This is a recipe that combines all the delicious flavors of karak chai but in a tiramisu dessert. We have lady finger sponge biscuits soaked in karak chai, layered with mascarpone custard cream, topped with cocoa powder and grated milk chocolate.

What ingredients do you need to make karak chai tiramisu?

To make the karak chai we need milk, water, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, sugar, lemon grass. For the mascarpone cream we need mascarpone cheese, icing sugar, whipping cream, vanilla, almond extract. We need lady finger sponge cookies/savoyardi biscuits to make layer the dessert. The tiramisu is finished with cocoa powder and grated milk chocolate.

What equipment do you need to make karak chai tiramisu?

To make the mascarpone cream we need a large mixing bowl, electric beater and rubber spatula. For the tiramisu we need a shallow bowl to soak the lady fingers before layering in an 8×8 in square tin.

Serving karak chai tiramisu?

The best way to serve this tiramisu is with the leftover karak chai to keep it very saucy and juicy. I like topping it with more cocoa powder and a grating of milk chocolate.

Storing and making karak chai tiramisu ahead?

Make this dessert the night before and let it set in the fridge. Serve it the next day and it will be perfect for slicing. You can store the leftovers in the same dish by wrapping it in cling wrap and placing in the fridge for up to 5 days. You cannot freeze the tiramisu as it will not defrost well and become grainy.

Looking for more chai recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this karak chai tiramisu, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest & instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.