Ever dreamed of sipping a dessert-inspired latte that perfectly balances indulgence with sophistication? Let me introduce you to the Tiramisu Latte, a recipe that has gone viral on social media from a local coffee shop here in Portland.
Our innovative twist on how to make a tiramisu latte from the classic Italian dessert brings together rich black tea, creamy mascarpone, and perfectly frothed milk for a café-quality experience right in your kitchen. Yup — black tea is the secret ingredient in our tiramisu latte!
Why make a tiramisu latte...er, tiramisu tea latte?
Unlike traditional coffee-based tiramisu drinks, this version uses aromatic black tea as its base, creating a smoother, more balanced flavor profile that lets the creamy mascarpone shine through. The result? A luxurious ritual that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Tea Tiramisu Latte Recipe
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 ½ tsp black tea (We used our limited-edition Tiramisu tea but also our Hazelnut Coffee Cake tea would work well, too.)
- 2-3 tbsp Mascarpone cheese
- 2-3 heavy cream
- 1 tbsp milk (any type)
- ½ — 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
Directions:
- Warm your preferred milk in a small saucepan on low heat, making sure it does not boil.
- Steep 1 ½ tsp Tiramisu Black Tea in ½ cup of boiling water (212F) for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea leaves. Add the brewed tea to the warm milk mixture.
- Place the mascarpone cheese in a microwave-safe jar or container and microwave for 5 seconds (just until it's softened — don't burn it!).
- Add heavy cream, 1 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp vanilla syrup to the softened cheese.
- Froth the mascarpone mixture with a milk frother until smooth, ultra-creamy soft peaks form. Set aside.
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Assemble the latte:
- Pour the tiramisu tea latte base into a large mug.
- Top with cold foam: Dollop the mascarpone cold foam on top of the latte.
- Dust with cocoa powder and enjoy warm or iced.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pour
- Ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature for the smoothest cold foam.
- Don't overbeat the cold foam; stop when you achieve soft peaks.
- Layer your drink thoughtfully: tea base first, then gently spoon the cold foam on top.
- Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look (optional).
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste by varying the amount of vanilla syrup. For an iced version — which we prefer, to be honest — simply let your tea cool completely and pour over ice before adding the cold foam.
Whether you're looking to elevate your morning routine or impress weekend brunch guests, this Tiramisu Latte recipe delivers a café-worthy experience that's surprisingly simple to create at home. It's the perfect balance of comfort and luxury, bringing a touch of Italian-inspired elegance to your daily tea ritual.
So why wait? Transform your next tea break into a moment of pure indulgence with this viral-worthy Tiramisu Latte. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.