Matcha Tiramisu is a creative fusion dessert that combines Japanese and Italian culinary traditions. This modern twist on classic tiramisu replaces traditional espresso with a vibrant matcha syrup, while preserving the signature layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese filling. The dessert offers a unique flavor profile, featuring the earthy notes of green tea complemented by the rich, smooth cream. Popular in trendy restaurants and cafes in Japan, Matcha Tiramisu has become a sophisticated and Instagram-worthy treat, especially fashionably served in wooden sake cups.
What is Matcha Tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies and a light, creamy mascarpone cheese mixture, typically dusted with cocoa powder. Its name means “pick me up” in Italian, referring to the energizing combination of coffee and sugar. The dessert has become popular worldwide for its rich, indulgent flavor.
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder originating from Japan. Unlike regular green tea, matcha consists of tea leaves that are stone-ground into a vibrant green powder. It has a distinctive, slightly bitter flavor and is rich in antioxidants. Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now popular in beverages, desserts, and culinary preparations worldwide.
Matcha Tiramisu combines Japanese and Italian culinary elements by replacing bitter espresso with another bitter ingredient, matcha. Matcha pairs exceptionally well with dairy products and is often used in desserts featuring milk and cream, such as Matcha Latte or Matcha Chocolate. The creamy Tiramisu filling is no exception—the bitter-sweet matcha syrup nicely complements the rich mascarpone, creating this harmonious and innovative dessert that bridges two distinct culinary traditions.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Matcha is a special kind of green tea powder. It cannot be replaced with regular green tea leaves if you want to achieve the same flavor intensity. Matcha can be found in Japanese markets or many online stores today.
- It is easy to find lady fingers at local stores, but they can be replaced with other types of baked goods if you wish. Sponge cakes and pound cakes would work well.
- We used small wooden sake cups (2.5″ x 2.5″ or 6 cm x 6 cm inside) as serving dishes for the Matcha Tiramisu, but you can also use other containers like individual-sized ramekins.
How to store Matcha Tiramisu?
Wrap the Matcha Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. It will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer.
More Matcha recipes
Matcha Tiramisu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lady fingers
- Matcha powder (for garnish)
Matcha Syrup
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Matcha powder
- 1/3 cup water (boiling)
Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 6 Tbsp powder sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make Matcha syrup. Combine sugar and Matcha powder with a whisk. Pour boiling water over the mixture and whisk until the sugar and Matcha are dissolved. Let it cool.
- Make cream filling. Combine all the ingredients for the filling in a large bowl, and whisk with an electric mixer at low speed until the mixture is smooth. Increase the speed to the medium-high and whisk until medium peaks. Put the filling in a piping bag..
- Cut the ladyfingers in half and soak them in the syrup for 10 minutes. Pipe the filling into the bottom of a wooden sake cup, place two pieces of ladyfinger on top, and then pipe more filling to reach the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula to make it flat, and sprinkle Matcha powder over the top using a mesh strainer. Repeat to make three more cups. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
