Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

Wrap yourself in the comforting embrace of this Matcha Tiramisu, where the vibrant earthiness of matcha powder meets the luxuriously creamy mascarpone filling. This delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert brings a refreshing green tea flavor that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. Each layer of tender ladyfinger cookies soaked in fragrant green tea syrup, combined with the smooth, fluffy mascarpone cream, makes for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and beautiful green hue that define this Matcha Tiramisu.

• Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds airy lightness to the mascarpone mixture.
• Mascarpone cheese: The creamy backbone of the dessert providing that signature smooth richness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream mixture just enough to balance the matcha’s natural bitterness.
• Matcha powder: Delivers the vibrant green color and earthy flavor with a subtle bitterness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the creaminess.
• Brewed green tea: Used to soak ladyfingers, infusing them with delicate tea aroma.
• Honey: Sweetens the tea soak naturally, complementing the matcha perfectly.
• Hot water: Helps dissolve the honey for an even flavor distribution.
• Ladyfinger cookies: The sponge base that absorbs the tea soak while holding structure in layers.
• Cocoa powder: A final dusting that adds a hint of chocolate bitterness and classic tiramisu look.
• White chocolate shavings (optional): For an elegant, creamy garnish that enhances the dessert’s richness.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture

Start by whisking the heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form — this airy texture is crucial for that light mouthfeel. Then, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious cream. The gentle folding prevents deflating the cream, keeping the dessert wonderfully fluffy.

Step 2: Make the Tea Soak

In a separate bowl, combine the brewed green tea, honey, and hot water. Stir well until the honey dissolves completely. This mixture is what gives the ladyfingers their fragrant, subtly sweet tea flavor, elevating the traditional coffee-soaked tiramisu to an exciting new level.

Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers

Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the green tea mixture, ensuring they soak just enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy. This balance is key — too wet and the texture turns mushy; too dry and it lacks that tender juiciness that ties the layers together.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers neatly at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the matcha mascarpone cream evenly over them. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and cream until your dish is beautifully layered. This build-up creates the multilayered texture and flavors that make Matcha Tiramisu so irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder for a hint of classic tiramisu bitterness, then sprinkle white chocolate shavings if you like an added touch of creamy sweetness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and for the dessert to firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Matcha Tiramisu

Garnishes

The cocoa powder dusting is traditional and provides a beautiful contrast to the green cream. Enhance the presentation and add extra creaminess with white chocolate shavings. A few fresh mint leaves also work wonderfully, offering a fresh pop of color and aroma that complements the earthiness of the matcha.

Side Dishes

Serve your Matcha Tiramisu alongside light, refreshing sides like a crisp citrus salad or fresh berries. These will brighten the palate and balance the dessert’s creamy richness perfectly. A hot cup of green tea is also a natural companion, amplifying the dessert’s signature flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling individual servings in clear glass cups to showcase the gorgeous layered look of the ladyfingers and matcha cream. You can sprinkle some extra matcha powder or crushed pistachios on top for a textural twist. For a festive occasion, serve it in a trifle bowl with extra white chocolate curls scattered throughout for some added elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once prepared, cover your Matcha Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This tiramisu freezes well! Wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Simply bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes if it’s been chilled too long for easier slicing and enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use instant matcha powder for this recipe?

Yes, instant or culinary-grade matcha powder both work well. Just be sure to sift it before mixing to avoid clumps and maintain that smooth cream texture.

Is this dessert suitable for someone who doesn’t like coffee?

Absolutely! Since this recipe uses green tea instead of coffee, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a coffee-free tiramisu variation.

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?

You can in a pinch, but mascarpone has a milder and creamier profile that’s key to authentic tiramisu texture. If using cream cheese, try to find a softened, mild variety and consider adding a bit more cream for lightness.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers?

Just a quick dip, about 1 to 2 seconds per side, is enough. They need to be soaked enough to absorb flavor but not so long that they fall apart.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegan cream cheese substitutes for mascarpone, and choose vegan ladyfingers or bake your own. The matcha and tea syrup part stays the same and still delivers that magic flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Tiramisu is a total showstopper that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy decadence of tiramisu and the fresh, vibrant notes of matcha. It’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorite desserts to whip up again and again — it’s that good!