Dreamy Matcha Tiramisu Recipe: A Heavenly Twist on Classic Dessert

Creamy Italian desserts take an unexpected twist with this matcha tiramisu that combines traditional techniques and Japanese green tea magic.

Elegant layers promise a delightful culinary adventure for curious palates.

Sweet mascarpone cheese meets vibrant matcha powder in a delicate dance of flavors.

Delicate ladyfingers soak up rich green tea essence, creating an irresistible fusion of cultures.

Soft textures and complex notes will surprise you at first bite.

Subtle bitterness from matcha balances the creamy richness perfectly.

Discover a dessert that breaks all the classic rules and invites you to explore new taste horizons.

What Makes Matcha Tiramisu Special

• Craft an Extraordinary Fusion: Blend traditional Italian tiramisu with Japanese matcha for a unique, globally-inspired dessert that surprises and delights taste buds with its innovative flavor profile.
• Master Impressive Technique: Create a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally crafted, using simple layering methods and elegant finishing touches that make you feel like a gourmet pastry chef.
• Transform Classic Dessert: Reinvent the traditional tiramisu by introducing matcha's earthy green tea notes, offering a refreshing twist that elevates the classic recipe with sophisticated and unexpected flavors.
• Perfect for Special Moments: Ideal for elegant dinner parties, afternoon tea gatherings, or sophisticated celebrations where you want to impress guests with a visually stunning and deliciously complex dessert.

Matcha Tiramisu Ingredient Essentials

• Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and luxurious base for the tiramisu filling.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy texture that adds airiness to the dessert.
• Egg Yolks: Serve as a rich, silky foundation for the custard base.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the egg yolk custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, warm aromatic flavor to the cream mixture.
• Brewed Green Tea, Water: Serves as the liquid base for soaking the ladyfingers with a delicate green tea essence.
• Matcha Powder: Delivers a distinct green tea flavor and beautiful green color to the dessert.
• Coffee Liqueur: Enhances the depth of flavor and adds a sophisticated touch to the tiramisu.

• Ladyfingers: Light, delicate sponge cookies that create the classic tiramisu layered structure.
• White Chocolate Shavings: Provides a decorative and complementary garnish.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a fresh visual and flavor accent.

How to Assemble Matcha Tiramisu Right

Step 1: Whip Egg Yolk Custard

Grab a heatproof bowl and vigorously whisk egg yolks with sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy dream. The goal is a smooth, silky base that will become the heart of your tiramisu.

Step 2: Create Gentle Heat Custard

Position the bowl over a pot of softly simmering water. Continuously whisk the mixture for 3-4 minutes, watching it become a light, airy custard with a slightly thickened consistency. Keep stirring to prevent any unwanted scrambling.

Step 3: Cool Custard Completely

Remove the bowl from heat and let the custard cool down entirely. This resting period allows the custard to set and develop a rich, velvety texture that will make your dessert extraordinary.

Step 4: Prepare Mascarpone Base

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold mascarpone cheese until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. Eliminate any stubborn lumps to ensure a perfect, silky texture.

Step 5: Whip Cream to Perfection

Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form. This light, fluffy cream will add incredible lightness to your dessert.

Step 6: Combine Cream and Mascarpone

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Create a luxurious, airy filling that will melt in your mouth.

Step 7: Mix Matcha Soaking Liquid

• Brewed green tea
• Matcha powder
• Coffee liqueur
• Water

Whisk until the matcha dissolves completely, creating a uniform, flavorful soaking liquid.

Step 8: Soak Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the matcha liquid. The key is to moisten them without creating a soggy mess – a delicate balance of flavor and texture.

Step 9: Create First Layer

Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish. Create an even, compact base that will support the luscious layers to come.

Step 10: Spread First Mascarpone Layer

Generously spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Ensure a smooth, even coating that promises creamy decadence.

Step 11: Build Additional Layers

Repeat the layering process with remaining soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture. Create delicate, alternating layers that will make each bite a symphony of flavors.

Step 12: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows flavors to mingle and develop a perfect texture.

Step 13: Dust with Matcha

Before serving, generously dust the top with matcha powder. This creates an elegant green finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Step 14: Add Final Touches

Garnish with white chocolate shavings and optional fresh mint leaves. These final additions elevate the presentation to restaurant-quality sophistication.

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the tiramisu and serve chilled. Watch as the beautiful layers and rich, creamy texture reveal themselves – a true culinary masterpiece.

Recipe Tips for Better Matcha Tiramisu

• Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers quickly in matcha liquid, allowing minimal absorption to maintain their delicate structure and prevent a mushy texture.
• Control Matcha Intensity: Adjust matcha powder quantity to balance flavor – less for subtle notes, more for bold green tea essence.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, mascarpone, and cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Whisk with Precision: Continuously whisk egg yolk mixture over water bath to avoid scrambling and create a silky, smooth custard base.
• Chill for Best Results: Allow tiramisu to rest in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop rich flavors and achieve ideal creamy consistency.

Creative Twists on Matcha Tiramisu

• Green Tea Fusion: Replace coffee liqueur with yuzu juice for a citrusy Japanese-inspired flavor profile that brightens the creamy dessert.
• Chocolate Matcha Magic: Mix cocoa powder into the mascarpone cream and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers for a rich, decadent version.
• Nutty Green Dream: Incorporate ground pistachio into the cream mixture and garnish with crushed pistachios for added texture and nutty complexity.
• Seasonal Berry Boost: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between matcha-soaked ladyfingers to introduce a fruity, vibrant element to the classic recipe.

Pairing Matcha Tiramisu Like a Pro

• Pair with Complementary Green Tea: Select a high-quality sencha or gyokuro green tea to enhance the matcha notes and cleanse the palate between bites, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Elevate with Japanese Whisky: Choose a smooth, delicate Japanese whisky like Hakushu or Yamazaki, which will complement the dessert's creamy texture and subtle matcha undertones with its refined, slightly smoky profile.
• Match with Citrus Sorbet: Serve a light, refreshing yuzu or sudachi sorbet as a palate cleanser, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, creamy tiramisu and cutting through its decadent layers.

How to Store Matcha Tiramisu for Later

• Store the matcha tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delicate flavors.
• Wrap the tiramisu tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring no moisture or freezer odors penetrate the dessert.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container to prevent condensation and protect the matcha powder dusting.
• Slice the tiramisu into single servings and store in separate sealed containers for easy grab-and-go dessert options throughout the week.

Common Matcha Tiramisu Questions Answered

• What is the key difference between traditional tiramisu and matcha tiramisu?

The key difference is the use of green tea (matcha) instead of traditional coffee, which gives the dessert a unique, slightly earthy flavor and vibrant green color.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee liqueur with additional green tea or water to maintain the moisture of the ladyfingers and keep the recipe non-alcoholic.

• Is matcha tiramisu healthy?

While not a health food, matcha offers antioxidants and provides a lighter, less intense alternative to traditional tiramisu, with potential metabolic benefits from green tea.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This recipe requires moderate baking skills, with careful attention to whisking egg yolks and creating smooth custard and cream layers, making it achievable for intermediate home bakers.

Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky matcha tiramisu dances between Italian tradition and Japanese elegance, blending creamy mascarpone with delicate green tea notes. Smooth layers of ladyfingers and rich matcha cream promise a sophisticated dessert that delights sophisticated palates.

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Ingredients

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Tiramisu Base:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 450 g mascarpone cheese
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Matcha Soaking Liquid:

• 240 ml strong brewed green tea
• 30 g matcha powder
• 60 ml coffee liqueur
• 30 ml water

Layering and Garnish:

• 24 ladyfinger cookies
• 15 g matcha powder (for dusting)
• 30 g white chocolate shavings
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl until pale and creamy, creating a smooth, silky base for the tiramisu.
2. Place the bowl over a gentle simmering water bath, continuously whisking for 3-4 minutes to create a light, airy custard that’s slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let the custard cool completely, allowing it to set and develop a rich, velvety texture.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, gently fold mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Whip heavy cream and vanilla extract to soft peaks, creating a light, fluffy texture that will enhance the dessert’s overall lightness.
6. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a luxurious, airy filling.
7. Combine brewed green tea, matcha powder, coffee liqueur, and water in a shallow dish, whisking until the matcha is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform.
8. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the matcha liquid, ensuring they’re moistened but not saturated to prevent a soggy texture.
9. Layer the soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish, creating an even, compact base for the tiramisu.
10. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, creating a smooth, even layer.
11. Repeat the layering process with remaining soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture, building delicate, alternating layers.
12. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
13. Before serving, generously dust the top with matcha powder, creating an elegant green finish.
14. Garnish with white chocolate shavings and optional fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation.
15. Slice and serve chilled, revealing the beautiful layers and rich, creamy texture of this matcha-infused dessert.

Notes

• Ensure egg yolks are whisked at room temperature for smoother, more even custard texture.
• Gently fold ingredients to maintain the light, airy consistency crucial for a perfect tiramisu.
• Use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha for intense, authentic green tea flavor and vibrant color.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting ladyfingers with almond flour or gluten-free sponge cake.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 164 mg