If you’re looking to impress with a unique and elegant dessert, this Matcha Tiramisu is your perfect pick. Imagine serving up a dish that beautifully combines the earthy notes of matcha, the bright zing of lemon, and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate.
It’s a dessert that’s sure to wow your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of desserts, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
What is Matcha Tiramisu made of?
Matcha Tiramisu is a fusion dessert that combines traditional Italian tiramisu with Japanese matcha green tea powder. The key components include:
- Ladyfingers or Sponge Cake: These form the base layers of the tiramisu, soaked in matcha-infused syrup.
- Matcha Lemon Syrup: Made with matcha powder, lemon juice, sugar, and water, this syrup adds a refreshing and earthy flavor to the dessert.
- Mascarpone Layer: A creamy layer made from mascarpone cheese, white chocolate, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.
- Matcha Powder: Sifted over the top as a finishing touch, giving the dessert its vibrant green color and distinctive matcha flavor.
Why You Will Love This Matcha Tiramisu Recipe
This Matcha Tiramisu is not just your average tiramisu—it’s a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert that’s sure to impress! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of earthy matcha, zesty lemon, and sweet white chocolate creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant green matcha dusting on top makes this dessert a showstopper, perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something beautiful.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its fancy appearance, this tiramisu is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- No-Bake: Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven. Ideal for warm days or when you’re short on time.
No Eggs: This recipe skips the eggs, making it simpler and safer to prepare, especially for those with dietary restrictions or concerns about raw eggs.
Tips Before You Start
To make sure your Matcha Tiramisu turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Sift the Matcha: Always sift the matcha powder before mixing it into the lemon syrup or dusting it on top to avoid any clumps.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: A quick dip in the matcha lemon syrup is all that’s needed. Over-soaking will make them too soggy and may cause the layers to collapse.
- Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, let your tiramisu chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Matcha Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Matcha Lemon Syrup Soak:
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons matcha powder adjust based on your preference
For the White Chocolate Mascarpone Layer:
- 8 oz white chocolate finely chopped
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Tiramisu Assembly:
- 1 pack ladyfingers or 1 sponge cake cut into fingers
- 2-3 tbsp matcha powder sifted (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Prepare the Matcha Lemon Syrup Soak:
- In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat, then sift in the matcha powder. Whisk vigorously until the matcha is fully dissolved and the syrup is smooth.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Make the White Chocolate Mascarpone Layer:
- Melt the chopped white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Slowly fold in the melted white chocolate until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Dip each ladyfinger (or sponge cake piece) quickly into the cooled matcha lemon syrup, ensuring they are moist but not soggy.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish (a 9×9 inch dish works well).
- Spread half of the white chocolate mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Finish with Matcha:
- Sift the matcha powder generously over the top layer of mascarpone, creating a vibrant green topping.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Before serving, dust with a little extra matcha powder for an extra pop of color.
Nutrition
Matcha Tiramisu Serving Suggestions
This Matcha Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- Serve with Green Tea: Enhance the matcha flavor by serving this tiramisu with a hot cup of green tea or a matcha latte.
- Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing each slice with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries.
- Light and Crispy: Complement the creaminess of the tiramisu with a side of crispy almond biscotti or a delicate almond tuile for added texture.
Storage Suggestions
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), here’s how to store your Matcha Tiramisu:
- Refrigerator: Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve with a bit of time, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Freezing: Although not recommended due to the mascarpone’s delicate texture, you can freeze the tiramisu for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and note that the texture may be slightly altered.
Matcha Tiramisu FAQs
Can I use regular mascarpone instead of the white chocolate version?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet tiramisu, feel free to skip the white chocolate and just use the mascarpone as is. The tiramisu will still be creamy and delicious.
What if I don’t have matcha powder?
You can substitute matcha with cocoa powder for a more traditional tiramisu. However, this will change the flavor profile completely, so it’s best to use matcha for the intended taste.
Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought lemon juice can work too.
