There’s something magical about that first spoonful of creamy sweetness layered with earthy green tea. This matcha tiramisu transforms the beloved Italian classic into something wonderfully unexpected. It’s become my go-to dessert when I want to surprise dinner guests.
Think traditional tiramisu, but swapped with vibrant matcha powder and delicate ladyfingers soaked in green tea. You’ll need just mascarpone, eggs, sugar, and good-quality matcha for that dreamy texture we all crave. It’s surprisingly simple and comes together in your fridge overnight. Full details in the blog!
I discovered this twist during my travels through Tokyo, watching a pastry chef layer each spoonful with such care. After testing countless versions in my own kitchen, I found the secret to balancing that bitter matcha with just enough sweetness. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
PrintMatcha Tiramisu Recipe: Irresistibly Simple and Delicious
This matcha tiramisu offers a delightful twist on classic desserts with its creamy mascarpone and vibrant green tea flavor. Enjoy the soft ladyfingers soaked in rich matcha soak in this green tea tiramisu. It is perfect for a refreshing and elegant treat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 225 g mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 350 g whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder sifted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 120 g hot water
- 24–30 ladyfingers
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
Instructions
- Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
- In a mixing bowl that fits over the pot without touching the water, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
- Remove the pot from heat once boiling and place the bowl on top, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and mixture lightens in color.
- Take the bowl off the pot and blend in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine whipping cream, matcha powder, and vanilla extract, then whip with an electric mixer to medium peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until uniform.
- In a shallow dish, mix matcha powder, sugar, and hot water, whisking until slightly frothy.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers in the matcha soak just long enough to coat both sides without soaking through, then place a layer in a serving dish.
- Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and smooth evenly.
- Repeat with another soaked ladyfinger layer, then mascarpone cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Just before serving, dust the top with matcha powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 935kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 67g
- Saturated Fat: 39g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g + 12g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 447mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This matcha tiramisu captures everything I adore about desserts that tell a story. It strikes the perfect balance between familiar comfort and exciting discoverylike finding an old family photo in a new frame.
- No baking required: Just whipping, folding, and patience while it chills
- Make-ahead magic: Actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge
- Impressive but approachable: Your guests will think you’re a pastry chef, but it’s surprisingly forgiving
- Unique twist on tradition: The earthy matcha adds depth that both coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts will adore
Ingredient Breakdown and Shopping Tips
The beauty of this green tea tiramisu lies in its simple ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating those dreamy, silky layers.
The matcha powder is your star playerused three ways here: in the mascarpone cream, the ladyfinger soak, and as a final dusting. I always sift it to avoid any bitter clumps. Pro tip: Buy from an Asian grocery store or online for the best quality and price.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Shopping Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mascarpone cheese | Creates the signature creamy base | Bring to room temp 30 mins before using |
| Matcha powder | Provides earthy, complex flavor | Look for vibrant green color, avoid dull or brown tones |
| Ladyfingers | Absorb matcha soak perfectly | Found in the cookie aisle or Italian foods section |
| Whipping cream | Lightens the mascarpone mixture | 35% fat content works best for stable peaks |
Step-by-Step Assembly Magic
The key to perfect matcha tiramisu is treating each layer with care. I like to think of it as building a delicious architectural masterpiece in your fridge.
Start with the mascarpone cream: That double boiler step might seem fussy, but it creates the silkiest base by gently cooking the egg yolks. When you whip the cream with matcha powder, stop at medium peaksyou want it fluffy but still flowing when you fold it in.
- The ladyfinger dip: This is where many people go wrong. A quick dip on both sides is all you needliterally one second per side
- Layer like you mean it: Spread that mascarpone cream generously and smooth it with love
- Chill time is crucial: Four hours minimum, but overnight is when the magic really happens
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
Even the most experienced home cooks run into little bumps with tiramisu. Here are the solutions I’ve learned through trial and plenty of delicious errors.
- Lumpy matcha cream? Your matcha powder wasn’t sifted, or the mascarpone was too cold. Next time, sift that matcha and let mascarpone come to room temperature.
- Soggy ladyfingers? You soaked them too long. They should feel barely damp, not saturated.
- Cream too runny? Under-whipped cream or mascarpone that was too warm. Chill everything and try again.
- Grainy texture? The egg yolk mixture got too hot. Keep that double boiler gentle and whisk constantly.
Serving and Storage Guide
This dessert is practically begging to be the star of your dinner party. I love serving it in individual glasses so everyone gets those beautiful green layers, but a large dish works beautifully too.
Right before serving, dust the top with that final sprinkle of matcha powder. It’s like putting the perfect bow on a presentsuddenly everything looks professional and intentional.
| Timeline | Storage Method | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Covered in refrigerator | Peak texture and flavor |
| Day 3-4 | Tightly wrapped | Still delicious, slightly softer |
| Before serving | Add matcha powder dusting | Fresh appearance and aroma |
Note: This doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and mascarpone, but honestly, it never lasts long enough in my house to worry about long-term storage.
Expert Says
Incorporating matcha into tiramisu not only brings a vibrant color but also adds unique depth of flavor. Matcha enriches the dessert’s indulgent experience by balancing its creamy texture with a gentle caffeine boost and antioxidants. Enjoy this delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions!
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The Long Road to Matcha Tiramisu
After countless attempts, my matcha tiramisu finally reached the perfection I craved. I learned to balance the earthy matcha with creamy mascarpone, each trial unveiling more about flavors and patience. The aroma of steeping tea still reminds me of cozy afternoons spent tinkering until I crafted something truly special for my family.
FAQs ( Matcha Tiramisu )
What is matcha tiramisu?
This dessert combines the traditional Italian tiramisu with matcha, a finely ground green tea powder. It’s layered with creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, offering a unique twist with its earthy flavors and vibrant green color.
How do I store matcha tiramisu?
Store this dish in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days, but the flavors improve as it sits, so it’s often best enjoyed the next day after preparation.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee for brewed coffee in this recipe. Just dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water to create a strong coffee flavor that will soak the ladyfingers adequately.
Is matcha tiramisu healthy?
This dish can be a more health-conscious dessert compared to traditional tiramisu. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, and when portioned correctly, it allows for a satisfying sweet treat without feeling overly indulgent.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone?
While you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. For a closer match to traditional tiramisu, stick with mascarpone if possible, while keeping Greek yogurt as a viable substitute.
This matcha tiramisu comes together beautifully with just a little patience and love. You’ll savor how the earthy green tea flavors meld with the creamy mascarpone overnight, creating something that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. The silky texture and gentle matcha dust on top make every spoonful feel special.
Try swapping the ladyfingers for homemade shortbread cookies next timeit’s a trick I learned from experimenting in Julia’s old recipe notebook. For deeper flavor, let it chill for two full days if you can resist. Store covered for up to four days, though honestly, mine disappears much faster than that around here.
I’d love to see your beautiful green layers! Share a photo and tell medid this remind you of any special desserts from your own family traditions? There’s something magical about how food connects us across cultures and generations. Save this one for someone who deserves a little sweetness in their day.
