Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Matcha Tiramisu—a dessert that elevates the classic Italian favorite with the deeply aromatic notes of Japanese matcha. Its clever fusion layers together pillowy mascarpone cream and green tea–soaked ladyfingers, then finishes with a dusting of cocoa and white chocolate. Each bite is an irresistible harmony of bold, creamy, and subtly sweet flavors. It’s the kind of treat that draws you in for seconds, and makes you want to share the recipe with every dessert lover you know!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a complicated shopping list to achieve Matcha Tiramisu bliss. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—creamy, crisp, sweet, or vibrant green. Here’s why every one is essential for the perfect bite.

• Heavy cream 🥛: Whipped to soft peaks, this gives the dessert a luxuriously airy texture.
• Mascarpone cheese 🧀: This soft, slightly sweet cheese creates that signature tiramisu silkiness.
• Granulated sugar 🍚: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the earthiness of matcha.
• Matcha powder 🍵: Go for ceremonial grade if possible—its vibrant green color and flavor make the dessert shine.
• Vanilla extract 🌿: Lends subtle warmth and depth to the cream mixture.
• Brewed green tea 🍵: Gives the ladyfingers extra green tea flavor without overpowering sweetness.
• Honey 🍯: Naturally sweetens the dipping liquid and softens any bitterness in the matcha.
• Hot water 💧: Helps dissolve the honey into the brewed tea for an even soak.
• Ladyfinger cookies 🍪: Their delicate, spongy texture soaks up the green tea without getting too soggy.
• Cocoa powder 🍫: Sifted over the top for a dramatic, bittersweet finish.
• White chocolate shavings (optional) 🍫: Sprinkle these on for a sweet, creamy contrast and a beautiful look.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by whisking the heavy cream in a big, chilled bowl. Use a hand mixer for ease, beating just until soft peaks form—you’re looking for a thick but cloud-like texture. This creates the structure for your luscious Matcha Tiramisu layers.

Step 2: Make the Matcha Mascarpone Mixture

Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract into the whipped cream. Go slow, using a spatula, until you have a unified, smooth, pale-green cream. The matcha should be evenly incorporated so every bite pops with flavor and color.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Tea Syrup

In a small bowl, stir together the brewed green tea, honey, and hot water until the honey completely dissolves. This fragrant mixture will moisten the ladyfingers without making them fall apart. The freshness of green tea adds a whole new dimension to your Matcha Tiramisu.

Step 4: Soak the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the green tea syrup—just a second or two on each side is enough. You want them soaked but not soggy, as they’ll continue to soften as the Matcha Tiramisu chills. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.

Step 5: Layer and Repeat

Spread half of the creamy matcha mascarpone mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Use a spatula to swirl and smooth it level. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then the rest of your fluffy cream. These contrasting layers will look stunning once sliced.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

Lightly dust the top of your assembled Matcha Tiramisu with cocoa powder, and scatter with white chocolate shavings if you’d like an extra hint of sweetness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight—so the flavors deepen and the dessert sets to sliceable perfection!

How to Serve Matcha Tiramisu

Garnishes

The best way to finish this elegant dessert is with a generous dusting of cocoa powder right before serving. For a wow factor, sprinkle on white chocolate shavings—they add a creamy note and a pretty visual contrast to the matcha-green top.

Side Dishes

A fresh fruit salad with strawberries or raspberries pairs beautifully with Matcha Tiramisu, providing a bright pop to balance the rich cream. If you’re after a warm beverage, a cup of jasmine tea or a delicate espresso will cut through the sweetness and round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Matcha Tiramisu into individual glasses or mason jars for a modern, portable twist—perfect for picnics or dinner parties. You can also use cookie cutters to create mini rounds for an elegant dessert platter, or even pipe the cream into cannoli shells for a unique mash-up treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Matcha Tiramisu in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and in fact, the flavors become even more harmonious as they meld together overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Matcha Tiramisu. Slice portions or keep it whole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator several hours or overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—Matcha Tiramisu is meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature. Just let it sit out for five to ten minutes after chilling or thawing to soften slightly before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

You can substitute cream cheese in a pinch, but the texture and flavor will be a little tangier and denser than traditional mascarpone. If possible, stick with mascarpone for that classic, silky mouthfeel that defines great Matcha Tiramisu.

What type of matcha is best for Matcha Tiramisu?

Ceremonial grade matcha is ideal for its vibrant color and gentle bitterness, but you can use high-quality culinary grade matcha for good results. Avoid matcha blends with added sugar or flavorings—they can muddle the taste and color.

Can this dessert be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free ladyfinger cookies at specialty stores or online. Since the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, a simple swap will give you a delicious gluten-free Matcha Tiramisu.

How can I make the matcha flavor stronger?

If you’re a real matcha enthusiast, add an extra half to one tablespoon of matcha powder to the mascarpone cream. Just make sure to taste as you go, since matcha can be quite bold and even a little bitter if overused!

Is it possible to prepare Matcha Tiramisu ahead?

Yes, and it’s actually better when made ahead! Assemble the dessert up to a day in advance—this lets all the flavors meld and gives you perfectly soft ladyfingers. Just garnish right before serving for the freshest look.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing the joy of Matcha Tiramisu. If you love both matcha and creamy, dreamy desserts, this is the recipe to try. Invite friends, make a batch (or two!), and let this green-tinted treat bring a little extra delight to your dessert table!