Did you know tiramisu already has almost all the components of a drink? Coffee, cream, cocoa, sugar, and even a touch of alcohol are in the traditional recipe. So if it works as a dessert, it definitely works as a drink. And this tiramisu chai latte is the spiced and tea version of it!
This chai tiramisu latte takes the best of both worlds: a spiced iced chai latte base topped with fluffy tiramisu cream and a dusting of cocoa. It’s super easy to make at home and makes for such a treat!
Here’s how to make this chai tiramisu latte at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great way to use leftover tiramisu ingredients. If you’ve got mascarpone, cream, or cocoa powder hanging around, this drink is a fun way to put them to good use.
- It’s a fancy twist on chai. Instead of your usual iced chai latte, make this modern upgrade with scrumptious tiramisu cream topping.
- It’s chai tiramisu in drink form. Chai tiramisu is already a yummy dessert, but it’s also fun to make it into a drink!
What is a Chai Tiramisu Latte?
This tiramisu latte is an iced chai latte with a sweet mascarpone cold foam cream top, dusted with cocoa powder. It’s basically the drink version of a chai tiramisu, and so good. Perfect for when you’re craving dessert and a drink at the same time.
And if you happen to have leftover tiramisu ingredients, this latte is the perfect way to use them up in a fresh, creative way.
Does Chai Work in Tiramisu?
Absolutely! It kind of reminds me of tres leches, from the spices to the milky flavor. And that’s what makes this recipe so special. Chai introduces warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves that pair perfectly with something creamy like mascarpone or milk.
Instead of overpowering the dessert flavors, the spices actually enhance them so you get a creamy and spiced flavor in every sip. It’s so addictive!
Marscarpone Cheese Substitute
Mascarpone is what gives tiramisu its signature rich and velvety texture. It’s thicker than regular whipped cream but looser than cream cheese, which makes it smooth but still flexible. However, it’s not always easy to find at every grocery store.
If that’s the case, you can swap it out with a mix of heavy cream and cream cheese. Since cream cheese has less fat than mascarpone, you’ll need to balance it with heavy cream for the closest match in texture.
Mascarpone itself is an Italian cheese made by curdling cream with a bit of acid. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and milky, perfect for tiramisu or any dessert that calls for a creamy base.
Another substitute is clotted cream, though it will give the drink a slightly different flavor and consistency.
Tiramisu Chai Latte Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tiramisu Cream
- 1 tbsp marscapone cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla paste or extract (optional)
- A dusting of cocoa powder (or ground cinnamon)
- Chai Latte
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup chai concentrate
- 1 cup ice
How to Make Chai Tiramisu Latte
- Add mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, milk, and sugar to a cup or bowl, then whip for 5 – 10 seconds with a handheld frother until soft and fluffy but still pourable.
- Brew chai concentrate or buy it from your favorite brand.
- Add ice, vanilla paste or extract (optional), milk, and chai concentrate to a glass, then top with the mascarpone cream. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Mix and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chai Tiramisu Latte
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Take the mascarpone cheese out of the fridge, scoop a tablespoon, and let it sit on the counter for 5 – 10 minutes. Let it come up to room temperature so that it is softer and easier to blend into your heavy cream!
- Chill your chai. If you make homemade chai, make the tea ahead of time and let it cool in the fridge. Cold tea blends better with milk and keeps the ice from melting too quickly.
- Omit the Milk: If the milk and cream make the drink too creamy, you can omit the milk and use plain iced chai as the base. That way, you’ll have a more balanced chai tiramisu drink.
- Froth gently. Don’t overwhip your mascarpone cream topping. You want it thick but still pourable so it can float on your chai.
Variations & Substitutions
- Mascarpone substitute: If you can’t find mascarpone, use a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream. Cream cheese adds tang, while heavy cream balances the fat content for that smooth texture.
- Different teas: Swap chai with matcha, Earl Grey, or black tea for a twist. Each tea pairs great with the tiramisu cream.
- Alcohol-inspired twist: Traditional tiramisu sometimes includes marsala wine or other liqueur. Try adding a splash of rum extract or amaretto syrup to your cream for a similar vibe (without the booze).
- Hot version: Instead of iced, make it hot. Brew or heat your chai, heat the milk, then top with the mascarpone cream for a warm treat. You’ll want to beat the marsacphone cream to make whipped cream so it stays thicker longer.
- Make it vegan: You don’t have to miss out on this drink if you’re dairy-free! Instead of mascarpone, you can make a creamy topping with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream (from a can). Then, use your favorite non-dairy milk for the chai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chai tiramisu latte?
It’s an iced chai latte topped with a sweet mascarpone (or mascarpone-style) cold foam and a dusting of cocoa powder. Think of it as a drinkable version of chai-spiced tiramisu.
Does chai go well with tiramisu?
Yes! The spiced tea flavor goes really well with the creamy parts of tiramisu. It’s like a more dessert-forward chai or spiced milk tea, with some extra creaminess from the cold foam.
Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
Absolutely. Brew your chai strong, then top with the whipped mascarpone cream while the drink is hot. It will melt a little faster into the drink, making it rich and yummy.
Does this drink have caffeine?
Yes. Since it’s made with chai tea, it does contain caffeine, though the amount will vary depending on whether you use chai concentrate, tea bags, or loose-leaf chai. On average, it has less caffeine than coffee but more than brewed green tea.
Do I need special equipment to make the cream topping?
Not at all! A handheld frother, electric whisk, or even just a jar with a lid for shaking will work. The goal is to whip air into the cream so it gets light and fluffy.
Tiramisu Chai Latte
Ingredients
Tiramisu Cream
- 1 tbsp marscapone cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla paste or extract optional
- A dusting cocoa powder
Chai Latte
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup chai concentrate
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Add mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, milk, and sugar to a cup or bowl, then whip for 5 – 10 seconds with a handheld frother until soft and fluffy but still pourable.
- Brew chai concentrate or buy it from your favorite brand.
- Add ice, vanilla paste or extract (optional), milk, and chai concentrate to a glass, then top with the mascarpone cream. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Mix and enjoy!
Notes
Other Dessert-Inspired Drinks You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of turning classic desserts into drinks, you’ll love trying these next:
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