Introduction

If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years of developing recipes, it’s that the classics are meant to be played with. While I will always have a soft spot for a traditional coffee-soaked ladyfinger, there is something undeniably sophisticated about a Matcha Tiramisu. This dessert takes the airy, creamy soul of the Italian original and infuses it with the earthy, vibrant, and slightly bittersweet notes of high-quality Japanese green tea.

It is a stunning “showstopper” dessert that looks like it came straight out of a high-end bistro, yet it requires absolutely no oven time. Whether you are a matcha fanatic or just someone looking for a refreshing change of pace from chocolate and coffee, this recipe is designed to impress. Much like my easy coconut macaroons, it focuses on high-quality ingredients and simple techniques to achieve a professional result.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this Matcha Tiramisu stand out is the balance. Traditional tiramisu can sometimes feel heavy on the sugar and caffeine, but the matcha version offers a cleaner finish.

• No-Bake Ease: You don’t have to touch the stove or oven.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for dinner parties.
• Textural Harmony: The contrast between the soft, matcha-soaked biscuits and the velvet-smooth mascarpone cream is pure bliss.
• Vibrant Color: That natural emerald green is absolutely gorgeous on a dessert table.

If you enjoy desserts that don’t require baking, you’ll find this as satisfying to assemble as my No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Matcha Mascarpone Cream

• 250g Mascarpone Cheese: Ensure this is at room temperature for a smooth fold.
• 200ml Heavy Cream: Cold from the fridge to ensure it whips properly.
• 3 tbsp Powdered Sugar: Adjusted to your preference for sweetness.
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a floral depth that complements the tea.
• 2 tsp Matcha Powder: Use a high-quality powder for the best color.

For the Soaking Liquid

• 1 cup Hot Water: Not boiling, but hot enough to dissolve the powder.
• 2 tbsp Matcha Powder: This provides the “hit” of green tea flavor.
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar: To balance the natural bitterness of the matcha.

For Assembly

• 200g Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): The crisp, dry variety works best.
• Extra Matcha Powder: For that final, beautiful dusting.
• Optional: White chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance.

Swaps and Notes

• The Matcha: I highly recommend using Ceremonial Grade Matcha. It has a more vibrant green color and a smoother taste compared to Culinary Grade, which can sometimes be a bit “grassy” or dull in color.
• The Sugar: If you prefer a keto-friendly version, you can swap the sugar for a powdered erythritol blend.
• Ladyfinger Alternatives: If you can’t find ladyfingers, thin slices of sponge cake or even pound cake can work, though they may absorb the liquid faster.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Matcha Soak

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of matcha powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 cup of hot water. It’s important to whisk thoroughly to remove any clumps. Let this mixture cool to room temperature. If you dip the ladyfingers while the liquid is hot, they will turn to mush instantly.

2. Whip the Cream

In a large chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter!

3. Incorporate the Mascarpone

In a separate bowl, gently stir the mascarpone to loosen it up. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone along with the vanilla and 2 teaspoons of matcha powder. Use a spatula and a gentle “under-and-over” motion to keep the air in the mixture. This ensures a light, mousse-like texture.

4. The Dipping Process

This is the most critical step. Take a ladyfinger and dip it into the cooled matcha liquid for no more than 1-2 seconds per side. It should be moistened but still have a firm core.

5. Layering

Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of an 8×8 inch dish or individual ramekins. Spread half of your green mascarpone cream over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.

6. The Big Chill

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This allows the ladyfingers to soften to a cake-like consistency and the flavors to meld.

7. Final Flourish

Just before serving, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust a generous layer of matcha powder over the top. Add white chocolate shavings if you want that extra bit of decadence.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Over-Soak: I cannot stress this enough. A soggy ladyfinger ruins the structural integrity of the dessert.
• Sift Your Matcha: Always sift the powder through a fine strainer before mixing it into the cream or using it as a garnish to avoid bitter clumps.
• Cold Equipment: Chilling your bowl and whisk before whipping the cream will help you achieve better volume.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Matcha Tiramisu is quite rich, so it pairs beautifully with light, acidic flavors. I love serving it alongside a glass of refreshing blueberry lemonade to cleanse the palate.

If you’re hosting a brunch, this fits perfectly on a spread next to a savory 3-ingredient egg wrap. For a more traditional dessert spread, pair it with some chocolate chip cookie bites for those who might want a more familiar sweet option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 18g

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Keep the tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the matcha powder on top may absorb moisture and turn dark green; you can simply dust a fresh layer before serving leftovers.
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dessert, as the mascarpone and cream can separate and become grainy upon thawing.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this fusion treat, you have to try these other fan favorites from the site:

• No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – Another effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Easy 3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons – The perfect gluten-free pairing for tea time.

Final Thoughts

Matcha Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect way to end a meal on a note that is both sweet and sophisticated. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you add the white chocolate shavings, or perhaps a splash of sake to the soaking liquid?

Drop a comment below and let me know! Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media for more daily recipe inspiration.