Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

There’s something so delightfully fresh and creamy about this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe that makes it stand out from your classic dessert lineup. I love this because it blends the earthy bitterness of matcha with the smooth, rich mascarpone, creating a treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

A square clear glass cup shows a layered dessert with three visible layers: a bottom layer of light green creamy mousse, a middle layer of light brown soft cake, and a top layer of pale green mousse covered with a thick dusting of fine dark green powder. A golden spoon is inserted into the dessert, lifting a small piece of the top mousse and cake. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green powder around the cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique Flavor Fusion: The balance of matcha’s earthiness with creamy mascarpone is surprisingly harmonious.
  • No Coffee Needed: Unlike traditional tiramisu, this version skips espresso, perfect if you want a softer pick-me-up.
  • Impressively Simple: You’ll find the steps straightforward, even if you haven’t made tiramisu before.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Pop it in the fridge overnight and it develops even better flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Combining high-quality matcha powder with creamy mascarpone really makes this dessert sing. I always recommend using fresh matcha for the best color and flavor — it’s what brings this tiramisu to life.

Flat lay of fresh whole brown eggs with smooth shells, a small mound of bright green matcha powder, a soft block of creamy mascarpone cheese, a dollop of thick white whipping cream, two small white ceramic bowls each containing granulated sugar and hot water, and a neat row of crisp ladyfingers, all arranged on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Egg yolks: Fresh eggs give the custard a silky texture and richness.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and the soak to balance matcha’s natural bitterness.
  • Mascarpone cheese: The star of every tiramisu, it adds that creamy, velvety smoothness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Whipping cream: Whipped to medium peaks, it lightens up the mascarpone mixture — don’t overwhip or you’ll lose that fluffiness!
  • Matcha powder: I sift mine to avoid clumps, ensuring a smooth cream and soak.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the matcha.
  • Hot water: Used to dissolve sugar and matcha for soaking the ladyfingers perfectly.
  • Ladyfingers: The classic tiramisu base — dip them lightly to keep their structure but infuse subtle matcha flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to take it your own way — whether you’re adjusting sweetness, swapping ingredients, or thinking about dietary needs.

  • Vegan Matcha Tiramisu: I’ve tried replacing mascarpone with a cashew cream blend and swapping egg yolks for aquafaba – it’s a bit different but still delightful.
  • Matcha & White Chocolate: Adding melted white chocolate to the cream gives a luscious, sweeter touch that my family goes crazy for.
  • Alternative Soaks: Instead of hot water soak, some matcha lovers use sweetened condensed milk tea for extra indulgence.
  • Nutty Crunch: Toasted pistachios sprinkled between layers add a delightful texture contrast I love.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

The image shows a square-shaped matcha dessert in a clear container placed on a round wooden plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: a top layer of green matcha powder, a thick middle layer of pale green creamy mousse, and a bottom layer of matcha-soaked sponge cake. A woman's hand holds a gold spoon with a scoop of the creamy mousse and sponge. Nearby, two ladyfinger biscuits rest on the plate, and in the background, there is a clear glass with more biscuits and a green cup with a checkered pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisking the Egg Yolk Custard Just Right

This is where the magic begins! You’ll gently whisk egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler until the mixture lightens and thickens slightly—about 5 minutes. I always remind myself to keep whisking constantly; it prevents scrambling and helps that silky texture. The pale, creamy color is your signal that it’s ready.

Step 2: Folding in Mascarpone & Whipped Matcha Cream

Add the mascarpone right after removing the custard from heat to keep it smooth—no lumps here! Then, whip your cream with matcha and vanilla until it forms medium peaks. The trick is not to overwhip; you want it to hold shape but still be soft enough to fold gently into mascarpone. Fold carefully using a spatula until the mixture is completely uniform.

Step 3: Preparing the Matcha Soak and Ladyfingers Layer

I discovered that dipping ladyfingers only very briefly is essential—you want just a light coat so they absorb flavor but don’t turn to mush. When you dip, hold each ladyfinger in the soak for just about one second per side and let excess drip off. Use a shallow dish for easy access, and build a neat bottom layer in your serving dish.

Step 4: Layering and Chilling to Perfection

After laying down your first soaked ladyfinger layer, dollop a generous helping of matcha mascarpone cream and spread evenly. Repeat with a second soaked ladyfinger layer and cream. Cover the whole thing and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight—this step is crucial. I’ve learned that patience makes all the difference for flavor melding and texture smoothing.

Step 5: Finishing Touch and Serving

Right before serving, dust the tiramisu with a final sprinkle of sifted matcha powder. It adds a gorgeous green pop and a little extra flavor kick. Sometimes I like to add a few white chocolate shavings or fresh berries if I want a fancy presentation.

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Pro Tips for Making Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

  • Sift Your Matcha: Clump-free matcha powder creates smoother cream and soak without gritty bites.
  • Gentle Folding: When combining whipped cream and mascarpone, fold slowly to keep it light and airy.
  • Brief Ladyfinger Dip: I always dip ladyfingers quickly—this keeps the right texture without sogginess.
  • Chill Overnight: Trust me, the flavor and texture develop best with enough resting time in the fridge.

How to Serve Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

matcha tiramisu - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a final dusting of matcha powder because it looks beautiful and enhances the flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a tiny drizzle of white chocolate or a couple of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color – it makes the dessert feel extra special without overcomplicating.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light green tea or a crisp sparkling water to cleanse your palate. For a meal, I like to serve it after something light, like grilled fish or a fresh salad, so the tiramisu feels like a refreshing finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve layered individual servings in small glasses — it looks elegant and lets each guest enjoy their own portion. You can also use clear trifle bowls to show off the pretty green layers or try adding edible gold leaf for a luxe touch on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Matcha tiramisu keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days — just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells. I like to let it sit out a few minutes before serving so it’s not too cold and firm.

Freezing

Freezing tiramisu can sometimes compromise texture, but I’ve successfully frozen mine wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a little stir to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

I don’t recommend microwaving tiramisu, but if you prefer it slightly less chilled, I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the cream without melting it.

FAQs

  1. Can I use instant matcha powder for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use instant matcha powder, but I recommend using ceremonial grade matcha if possible for a richer, more vibrant flavor and smoother texture in the cream and soak.

  2. Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe?

    The egg yolks are gently cooked over a double boiler until thick and pale, which reduces any risk from raw eggs while creating a smooth custard base.

  3. How can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

    Try substituting mascarpone with blended soaked cashews or a vegan cream cheese, and use coconut cream whipped to medium peaks. Egg yolks can be replaced with aquafaba for a lighter version.

  4. Why do I need to chill the tiramisu for several hours?

    Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set properly, resulting in that classic, luscious tiramisu texture — skipping this step means your dessert could be too runny or lacking depth.

  5. Can I prepare Matcha Tiramisu Recipe in advance for a party?

    Absolutely! It’s perfect for making ahead since it tastes even better after resting overnight. Just assemble it a day before and keep it refrigerated until serving time.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Tiramisu Recipe quickly became one of my go-to desserts because it feels special without being intimidating. It’s a refreshing twist that never fails to impress friends or family, and the comforting combo of matcha and mascarpone is simply irresistible. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become one of those recipes you reach for whether it’s a casual night in or a festive celebration.

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Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Japanese-Italian fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicate and refreshing twist on classic tiramisu, this Matcha Tiramisu features layers of lightly soaked ladyfingers infused with vibrant matcha flavor and a rich mascarpone cream. Perfect as an elegant dessert that boasts the earthy taste of green tea, balanced with creamy sweetness and a smooth texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Matcha Mascarpone Cream

  • 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

Matcha Soak

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 120 g hot water
  • 2 teaspoons matcha powder
  • 2430 ladyfingers

Topping

  • 2 teaspoons matcha powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Matcha Mascarpone Cream: Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. In a large mixing bowl that fits over the pot without touching the water, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until combined.
  2. Double Boiler Cooking: Once the water boils, turn off the heat and place the bowl over the pot to create a double boiler. Whisk the egg yolk mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns pale, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Mascarpone Cheese: Remove the bowl from the heat immediately and add the softened mascarpone cheese. Whisk until smooth and silky. Set aside.
  4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, combine whipping cream, matcha powder, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip until medium peaks form—the cream should hold its shape but remain slightly fluid.
  5. Fold Cream into Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture with a spatula until fully incorporated and no streaks remain. Set aside.
  6. Prepare Matcha Soak: In a shallow bowl, whisk together matcha powder, granulated sugar, and hot water using a matcha whisk, milk frother, or regular whisk until slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.
  7. Soak Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the matcha soak just enough to coat both sides. Allow excess liquid to drip off and avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess. Arrange a flat, even layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
  8. Add Cream Layer: Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked ladyfingers using a spatula.
  9. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with another layer of mascarpone cream.
  10. Chill: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, which allows the cream to firm up and the ladyfingers to soften properly.
  11. Top with Matcha: Just before serving, sprinkle the top evenly with matcha powder for garnish and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature mascarpone for easier mixing and a smoother cream texture.
  • Whip cream to medium peaks, not stiff peaks, to maintain lightness and creaminess.
  • Do not soak ladyfingers too long to avoid a mushy dessert; a quick dip is sufficient.
  • For best flavor and texture, allow the tiramisu to chill overnight.
  • If you don’t have a matcha whisk, a regular small whisk or milk frother works well to dissolve matcha powder evenly.
  • Adjust the sweetness by slightly reducing or increasing sugar in the soak or cream according to taste.

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