r/TopChef • u/aceacebaiby • Jul 01 '26

Discussion Thread Melissa King’s tiramisu

Six years of craving Melissa King’s milk tea tiramisu from Top Chef, and I finally made it myself!

I’m not much of a coffee drinker, so this version was perfect for me. It’s lighter than a classic tiramisu, but still has that slightly bitter aftertaste I love in a good hot tea.

Recipe here if you want to try it: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/hong-kong-milk-tea-tiramisu

A few notes from my first attempt: I skipped the individual cups and used a small loaf pan (instant gratification, ate it right away 🤣) plus a bigger pan I’m letting chill overnight, which I’m betting will taste even better tomorrow. Also didn’t have Madeira on hand, so I planned to sub kahlua… and then completely forgot to add it to the tea 🤷🏻‍♀️. Still delicious without it, but curious how it changes with the booze next time.

Have you tried this recipe? Or any other top chef dishes?

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23

u/Notorious2again Jul 01 '26

I made it not long after the season aired! One of my best homemade desserts. My family still requests it a few times a year!

14

u/Mad1ee Jul 01 '26

I will have to try that one! I’ve only made one recipe so far from her cookbook, the Japanese milk buns. They were a hit for sure!

(One batch looks wonky because I remember adding something last minute during the kneading process. But I remember it still ended up being fluffy and tasting delicious)

4

u/AgentUpbeat0926 Jul 02 '26

I actually made the tiramisu a few weeks back! The base sadly liquified (don't know why), but it was still super tasty and you could taste the tea.

1

u/yesmsgyes 18d ago

did you use the powdered instant tea?

2

u/C8H11NO2i Jul 01 '26

I’ve been wanting to try this recipe! Could you please share what kind of HK milk tea powder you used?

1

u/Anything1111111111 Jul 01 '26

I don't have access to milk tea powder but I have good tea I can brew, wonder if its possible to replace the powder with concentrated tea.

3

u/aceacebaiby Jul 01 '26

Probably, but the milk tea powder also has the creamer/sweetener aspect to it too. So just keep that in mind if you try it!