Matcha Tiramisu Recipe – Amazing Green Tea Dessert Twist

When I first discovered tiramisu as a teenager, I was captivated by the layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cloud-like mascarpone cream. Years later, while sipping a frothy bowl of matcha in a small Kyoto café, the idea struck me: what if I combined the two? That’s how my love affair with matcha tiramisu began. This dessert isn’t just a playful twist on the Italian classic—it’s a way to merge two traditions into something both comforting and refreshing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a matcha tiramisu recipe that’s light, earthy, and perfect for green tea lovers. We’ll also explore why matcha works so well in desserts, answer common questions, and share a foolproof recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

A fusion of Italy and Japan

Tiramisu is known worldwide for its creamy mascarpone layers and a touch of coffee bitterness. But when you swap espresso for matcha, the whole dessert transforms. Instead of coffee’s deep, roasted flavor, you get matcha’s earthy sweetness and a hint of natural bitterness that balances beautifully with cream. The result? A dessert that feels both sophisticated and playful. For me, making a matcha tiramisu recipe feels like traveling between Rome and Kyoto without leaving the kitchen.

What makes matcha tiramisu special

At its core, a matcha tiramisu recipe is made with mascarpone cream, whipped cream, matcha powder, and ladyfingers dipped in a matcha soak. The layers are chilled until the cookies soften, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Matcha brings antioxidants and a natural green hue, making it as beautiful as it is tasty. If you’ve ever wondered what matcha tiramisu is made of, the answer is simple: it’s the classic tiramisu you love, with matcha stepping in as the star flavor.

When I tested different versions for the blog, I found that high-quality matcha powder really makes a difference. Culinary-grade works fine, but ceremonial-grade gives the cream a vibrant green and a smoother finish. If you’re a fan of drinks like my iced lavender matcha latte or refreshing matcha lemonade, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly matcha can slip into desserts too. This tiramisu is proof that a little green tea magic can elevate even the most classic recipes.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu

Gathering your ingredients

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Making matcha tiramisu sounds fancy, but the ingredients are pretty straightforward. You’ll need mascarpone cheese, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and ladyfingers—the same basics you’d use for a traditional tiramisu. The only difference is the matcha, which takes center stage here. It’s important to choose a good-quality powder so your dessert tastes smooth, not bitter. I usually keep both culinary-grade and ceremonial-grade matcha in my pantry: one for baking and one for special drinks. If you’ve tried my iced matcha latte recipe, you know how much flavor matcha can bring to even the simplest recipes.

For the soak, you’ll whisk matcha powder with a bit of sugar and hot water until it’s frothy. This mixture is what gives the ladyfingers their green color and subtle earthy flavor. Don’t let them sit too long in the liquid, though—a quick dip is all they need.

Layering it all together

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Once your cream mixture is ready and the ladyfingers are dipped, the fun begins. Start with a layer of matcha-soaked cookies, followed by a generous scoop of cream. Smooth it out, then repeat until your dish is full. I love seeing the green layers peek through the glass—it feels like a little sneak preview of the final dessert. After layering, cover the tiramisu and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours, though overnight is even better. The rest time allows the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to blend beautifully.

If you’re already a fan of drinks like the Starbucks matcha latte recipe, you’ll be thrilled to see how those same flavors shine in a creamy, spoonable dessert. The best part? No baking required, just patience while the fridge does its work.

Why Matcha Works So Well in Desserts

The flavor balance of matcha

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One of the reasons matcha shines in desserts is its unique balance of flavors. It’s earthy, slightly sweet, and has just a touch of bitterness. That combination pairs beautifully with creamy bases like mascarpone or whipped cream. Instead of overwhelming a dessert, matcha brings depth and balance. When I first tested this tiramisu, I realized the green tea flavor cut through the richness in a way coffee usually does in the classic version. That’s why matcha feels right at home in sweets—it’s grounding without being heavy.

If you’ve ever tried my strawberry matcha latte, you already know how well matcha plays with fruity or creamy flavors. The same magic happens here: the creaminess of mascarpone softens matcha’s earthy notes, leaving a dessert that tastes light but still indulgent.

Health benefits with a sweet twist

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Of course, the flavor is just one reason people love using matcha in baking and desserts. Another is its health benefits. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, which makes you feel a little better about enjoying an extra spoonful of tiramisu. It also contains natural caffeine, giving desserts a gentle pick-me-up without the jitters that coffee can bring.

I also love the way matcha makes desserts look. Its bright green color is eye-catching and instantly makes any treat feel special. Even something as simple as a cake becomes a conversation piece when it’s tinted naturally with matcha. If you’re curious about exploring more, my matcha gateau recipe is another great example of how matcha can turn a simple dessert into something memorable.

So whether it’s for flavor, color, or a little health boost, it’s easy to see why matcha keeps showing up in kitchens around the world.

Creative Matcha Desserts & Tiramisu Variations

Other matcha desserts to try

If you’ve fallen in love with matcha tiramisu, you’ll be happy to know it’s just the beginning. Matcha is incredibly versatile and can transform all kinds of desserts. Think fluffy cakes, creamy puddings, or even cookies with a hint of green tea. Each one brings out a different side of matcha, from delicate sweetness to bold earthy notes.

For instance, a matcha cake recipe is a great place to start if you want something baked that still feels light. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, but pretty enough to serve at a celebration. On the other end of the spectrum, you can make something whimsical and cloud-like, such as my matcha cloud, which is all about soft textures and dreamy green layers. Both recipes prove that matcha can be cozy and fun at the same time.

Playing with tiramisu variations

And if you’re ready to take matcha tiramisu itself in new directions, there are plenty of ways to get creative. You can add fresh berries between the layers for a pop of sweetness and color, or sprinkle in crushed cookies for extra crunch. Some people even swap the mascarpone for cream cheese or add a splash of liqueur for a grown-up twist.

I love making mini versions of this dessert in individual cups—they’re perfect for parties and portion control (because let’s be honest, it’s way too easy to go back for seconds). However you play with it, the base recipe gives you endless room to experiment. That’s the beauty of matcha desserts: they’re classic enough to feel familiar, yet flexible enough to make entirely your own.

FAQs About Matcha Tiramisu

Conclusion

Matcha tiramisu is more than just a twist on the Italian classic—it’s proof that two food traditions can meet and create something even better together. With its creamy layers, earthy flavor, and striking green color, this dessert feels comforting and refreshing at the same time.

Whether you stick to the classic version or explore fun variations, the key is good-quality matcha and patience while the fridge works its magic. Once you taste that first spoonful, you’ll see why matcha keeps finding its way into kitchens and bakeries everywhere. If you’re already a fan of matcha drinks and cakes, this tiramisu is the perfect next step.

I’d love to see how your version turns out—share your matcha tiramisu photos with me on Facebook or pin your favorite baking inspiration over on Pinterest. Let’s bake, share, and keep spreading the love for matcha one dessert at a time.

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