Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

Get ready to impress your tastebuds and your friends with this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe, a Japanese-inspired twist on the classic Italian dessert. Imagine layers of airy matcha sponge, lush mascarpone cream, and a gently bittersweet matcha syrup coming together in a symphony of flavors—every bite is a cloud of earthy green tea and silky richness. It’s the ultimate treat for matcha lovers and a stunning showstopper for any dinner party or cozy afternoon, all while being surprisingly approachable to make at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightful Matcha Tiramisu Recipe is built from simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a special role in delivering the dessert’s distinctive taste, texture, and vibrant green pop of color. Choose fresh and high-quality basics to ensure your tiramisu turns out beautifully every time!

• Eggs: Four large eggs create the light, meringue-like structure for the sponge and ensure the cake is moist and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds necessary sweetness to both the sponge and syrup, balancing matcha’s naturally earthy tones.
• Cake Flour: Sifted cake flour keeps the sponge particularly tender and delicate—key for absorbing syrup without getting mushy.
• Matcha (green tea powder): Choose a culinary-grade matcha for that gorgeous green color and vibrant flavor that stars in both the sponge and syrup.
• Baking Powder: Just a touch to help the sponge rise beautifully.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming the palate.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Room-temperature mascarpone ensures an ultra-creamy filling that’s both rich and light on the tongue.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for airiness—the key to that classic tiramisu cloud-like texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Dissolves instantly for a smooth, almost velvet-sweetness in the cream filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle layer of warmth that perfectly harmonizes with matcha’s earthiness.
• Hot Water: Dissolves matcha and sugar quickly, infusing the syrup with plenty of flavor.
• Extra Matcha Powder (for dusting): Freshly dusted over the top, it intensifies aroma and gives the dessert its signature look.
• Whipped Cream or Coffee Cream (optional): For rosettes or playful dollops that add extra fun and flavor to your masterpiece.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Make the Matcha Sponge Cake

Let’s start with the airy base! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and line a 9×13-inch pan so your cake pops out easily. Beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until they’re thick and pale—think pale yellow ribbons running off the whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk those egg whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form (the secret to a cloud-like sponge). Sift your flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the yolks. Now, lightly fold in the egg whites, keeping your movements soft to keep the batter nice and puffy. Pour it into your pan, bake for just 12–15 minutes, and let cool before slicing into two equal layers. This green sponge is not only gorgeous but it soaks up every drop of matcha syrup like a dream.

Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Syrup

While your sponge cools, make a quick matcha syrup by dissolving matcha powder and sugar in hot water. This isn’t just a soak—it’s a flavor infusion that transforms plain cake into a delicate green tea experience. Let it cool to room temperature before you use it, so your cake doesn’t get soggy or too soft.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

Onto the heart of the Matcha Tiramisu Recipe: the luscious cream! Whip your heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. In another bowl, blend mascarpone with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture—a little at a time—until you have a dreamy, billowy filling that’s firm yet oh-so-light. This is the layer everyone will remember!

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu

Now for the fun part! Place the first sponge cake layer at the bottom of your dish. Brush it generously with the cooled matcha syrup so it’s moist but not drenched. Spread half your mascarpone cream evenly over the top—it’s okay if you want to sneak a taste. Layer the second sponge, repeat with syrup and the rest of the cream. Smooth everything out with a spatula for that show-stopping finish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors marry and the dessert set to the perfect sliceable texture.

Step 5: Decorate

When you’re ready to serve, use a fine mesh sieve to dust the top with a generous layer of matcha powder. Add swirls of whipped cream or coffee-flavored cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. The final flourish is a visual cue to the matcha treat hidden underneath, and makes every spoonful a little celebration!

How to Serve Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Matcha Tiramisu Recipe simply irresistible, dust a generous layer of matcha powder right before serving. Don’t be shy with the optional whipped or coffee cream rosettes—just a few on top adds elegance and an extra pop of flavor. For a café-style edge, sprinkle tiny white chocolate curls or a few edible flowers to accent the lovely green.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides light to let the distinctive matcha flavors shine! A small bowl of fresh strawberries or a fruit salad makes a vibrant, refreshing partner. Or, for a more traditional Japanese-Italian fusion, enjoy a demitasse of green tea or a shot of espresso alongside—a perfect flavor counterpoint that cuts through the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling your Matcha Tiramisu Recipe in clear glasses or jars for eye-catching individual portions, or use a loaf pan for neat, square slices at your next gathering. For extra wow factor, layer it parfait-style with mini sponge pieces and cream, or serve in teacups for an elegant afternoon tea treat. Little details, like a decorative swirl in the dusted matcha, make each serving feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Matcha Tiramisu Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and the cake becomes even more moist with time, though the matcha dusting may darken—just give it a fresh sprinkle before serving to keep it vibrant!

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled tiramisu (minus the final layer of matcha powder) for up to one month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add a new layer of matcha powder just before serving to revive its brilliant color and aroma.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this chilled delight! In fact, you want to serve Matcha Tiramisu Recipe cold. If it’s been frozen, just make sure it’s fully thawed and slightly chilled before digging in for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ladyfingers instead of making the sponge?

Absolutely! If you want to save a little time, classic ladyfingers will work beautifully in this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe. Just dip them briefly in the matcha syrup and proceed with the layering—they’ll soak up all the green tea flavor!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the cake flour for a gluten-free baking mix made for cakes, and check the matcha is gluten-free. The texture remains light and the flavor just as dreamy, so everyone can enjoy a slice.

How strong should the matcha be?

If you love a bold, grassy matcha punch, feel free to use ceremonial grade matcha or add an extra half-teaspoon to both the sponge and syrup. For a subtler, sweeter vibe, stick to the amounts in the recipe and use a culinary-grade powder.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the sugar slightly in the syrup and cream filling to taste, or let the natural earthy edge of matcha take center stage. Just don’t cut it too much, as the sweet-cream balance is what makes this dessert sing.

Can I make the Matcha Tiramisu Recipe in advance?

Yes, and it’s actually better that way! Assemble the tiramisu the night before, and let it rest in the fridge for at least several hours. This gives every layer time to mingle and absorb flavors for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unforgettable treat that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, this Matcha Tiramisu Recipe will earn a top spot in your repertoire. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature dessert—gather the ingredients and give it a try, because this is one fusion you’ll want to make (and share) again and again!

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