A monumental dessert measuring 1,445 feet was dedicated to the King and Queen at Chelsea Town Hall in London
Category: Arts & Culture
In a remarkable culinary feat, one hundred Italian chefs gathered at Chelsea Town Hall in London over the weekend to create the world's longest tiramisu, measuring an impressive 440.6 meters (1,445 feet). This new record, confirmed by judges from Guinness World Records, surpasses the previous record of 273.5 meters (897 feet) set by a team from Milan.
The event took place on April 22 and 23, 2026, and was executed under strict Guinness World Records guidelines, which required the dessert to be made and assembled live on site. The chefs used a staggering 50,000 ladyfinger biscuits and more than 3,000 eggs to whip up this monumental dessert, drawing a crowd eager to witness the ambitious challenge.
Mirko Ricci, the mastermind behind the London record attempt, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the tiramisu is "the most incredible dessert that Italy has exported." Ricci, who originally held the record in 2017, had lost it to another Italian team in 2019. He emphasized that the decision to hold the record attempt in the UK was a gesture of gratitude to the country, and he dedicated the giant pudding to the King and the Royal Family. The dessert was adorned with a golden crown and featured the words "Grazie your majesty" along with the King’s personal monogram.
Chef Carmelo Carnevale, who played a key role in the preparation, noted that for the tiramisu to qualify for the record, it had to meet specific dimensions: at least 8 centimeters (3.15 inches) high and 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) wide. He remarked on the elements that make a good tiramisu, saying, "A very good coffee, a nice and firm cream, and also a lot of passion" are the keys to success.
The tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, is traditionally made with a mixture of egg yolks, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits. Its origins are believed to trace back to the 1960s, with some records indicating it was invented at Le Beccherie restaurant in Treviso, near Venice, in 1969. The name "tiramisu" translates to "cheer me up" in English, a fitting title for a dessert that has brought joy to many.
The record-breaking attempt showcased the culinary skills of the participating chefs and highlighted the cultural significance of tiramisu as a symbol of Italian cuisine. The event attracted a large audience, who were treated to a live demonstration of the dessert's assembly, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for food.
As the giant tiramisu was completed, cheers erupted from the crowd, marking a celebratory moment in the history of culinary records. The achievement was not merely about breaking a record; it was a tribute to Italian gastronomy and a way to unite people through a shared love of food.
With the record officially verified, the focus now shifts to the recognition of this achievement within the culinary world. The chefs involved in the attempt have expressed their hope that this event will inspire future culinary challenges and encourage others to explore the art of Italian cooking.
In addition to the record-breaking aspect, the event served a philanthropic purpose, as ticket sales and proceeds from the tiramisu will be donated to the Esharelife foundation, supporting food banks in London. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase slices of the massive dessert, with a 250-gram slice priced at £10 (approximately $13) and a 2-kilogram tray available for £45 (around $60).