Description
This Cranberry Chai Tiramisu offers a delightful no-bake twist on the classic Italian dessert. Infused with warming chai spices and tart cranberry flavors, it’s a creamy, elegant treat perfect for festive occasions or anytime you want a flavorful, easy-to-prepare dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Soak
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1½ cups cranberry juice
- 1 tsp chai spice mix (or blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove)
Cream Layer
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce or compote (smooth style works best)
Instructions
- Infuse Cranberry Juice: Warm the cranberry juice with the chai spice mix in a saucepan over low heat, allowing the spices to release their flavors. After about 5 minutes, remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy without deflating the volume.
- Assemble Layers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the chai-infused cranberry juice to soak them lightly, ensuring they don’t become soggy. In serving glasses or a dish, layer the soaked ladyfingers, followed by a generous layer of the mascarpone cream, then a layer of cranberry sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with cream on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set. Before serving, swirl extra cranberry sauce on top for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a smooth cranberry sauce or compote to avoid a chunky texture in the layering.
- Chai spice mix can be adjusted to taste for more or less warmth.
- Be sure not to soak ladyfingers too long to keep them from becoming overly soft.
- This dessert improves in flavor after chilling overnight, so prepare in advance if possible.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with a lighter whipping cream or mix half mascarpone with Greek yogurt.
