1. What is Karak Chai made of?

Karak chai is made by simmering strong black tea with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, then sweetening with condensed milk. It’s richer and more concentrated than traditional Indian chai, making it perfect for desserts like Karak Chai Tiramisu .

2. Does Karak Chai Tiramisu contain alcohol?

No, this Karak Chai Tiramisu is completely alcohol-free. Instead of using rum or liqueur, it gets its depth from spiced chai and a hint of vanilla extract.

3. What’s the difference between chai and Karak?

Chai is a general term for spiced tea, often made with milk and various spices. Karak chai is a stronger, creamier version that uses fewer spices (usually cardamom and saffron) and is simmered longer with sweetened condensed milk.

4. What’s the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake?

Traditional tiramisu is a layered, no-bake dessert made with soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. Tiramisu cake is often a baked sponge cake inspired by the same flavors but with a fluffier structure. Karak Chai Tiramisu stays true to the original no-bake format—just with bold chai flavors.

Karak Chai Tiramisu Recipe: 5-Star Fusion Delight

Description

A rich, no-bake fusion dessert combining creamy Italian tiramisu with bold, spiced karak chai. This alcohol-free version is comforting, aromatic, and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Karak Chai:

2 cups water
2 black tea bags (Assam recommended)
4–6 cardamom pods, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
2 saffron strands (optional)
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Tiramisu:

16–18 ladyfinger biscuits
1 cup mascarpone cheese
2 egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

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Instructions

Simmer tea bags, cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron in 2 cups of water for 10–15 minutes. Stir in condensed milk and vanilla. Let cool.
Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
Beat cream to soft peaks, fold in mascarpone, then combine with egg mixture.
Dip each ladyfinger in cooled chai and layer them in a dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top. Repeat layers.
Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight. Dust with cocoa before serving.

Notes

Use pasteurized eggs or whipped cream cheese for an egg-free version.

Add crushed pistachios or saffron for garnish.

Vegan? Use coconut cream and dairy-free mascarpone alternatives.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (chai simmer)
Category: Cakes & Cheesecakes
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Middle Eastern)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 115mg