Matcha Tea Tiramisu: Easy and Delicious

Matcha tea tiramisu brings a surprising yet harmonious blend of East meets West to your dessert table. This creamy, indulgent treat swaps out the usual coffee for the earthy richness of ceremonial-grade matcha, creating a refreshing, subtly sweet version of the beloved Italian favorite.

In this article, I’ll walk you through every layer of flavor, texture, and preparation—perfect whether you’re new to matcha or a longtime fan. We’ll explore how to substitute tea in tiramisu, common matcha mistakes, baking applications, and even calorie insights.

Matcha isn’t just about color—it’s rich in antioxidants like EGCG, which have been linked to health benefits ranging from heart health to brain function, according to Healthline’s matcha guide.

How to Make the Perfect Matcha Tea Tiramisu?

Ingredients:

Choosing the right ingredients is everything when it comes to flavor balance in a matcha tea tiramisu. Matcha is delicate—it needs the right partners to shine without being bitter or grassy. Here’s what I swear by:

• High-quality matcha: Ceremonial-grade or vibrant culinary-grade matcha (not dull or brownish). You’ll taste the difference.
• Ladyfingers (savoiardi): Store-bought or homemade work fine, but choose ones that soak well without falling apart.
• Mascarpone cheese: Silky and mildly tangy, it binds the creaminess without overpowering.
• Egg yolks & sugar: For the zabaglione, the Italian custard base adds a rich texture.
• Heavy cream: Whipped and folded into the mascarpone to create that dreamy lightness.
• Vanilla extract & a pinch of salt: Enhances flavor without drawing attention to itself.

For the matcha syrup, dissolve 1 tbsp matcha in 1 cup hot water, then sweeten with 1–2 tsp sugar. Whisk vigorously or use a matcha frother to eliminate clumps. If you’re already enjoying Japanese desserts like mochi-based sweets or green tea ice cream, you’ll notice the flavor parallels.

Instruction:

1. Make zabaglione: Beat egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler until thick and pale. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the cream: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into the mascarpone. Combine with the cooled zabaglione.
3. Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each in the sweetened matcha syrup. Don’t soak.
4. Layer & chill: In a dish, alternate matcha-dipped ladyfingers and cream mixture. Finish with cream on top.
5. Dust with matcha: Right before serving, sift matcha powder generously on top.

Chill your tiramisu for at least 6 hours, but overnight gives the best texture. I’ve even taken this to potlucks alongside cinnamon roll cheesecake—and matcha still wins.

Common Mistakes & Creative Variations

One of the most common questions I get is, “What should I avoid when baking with matcha?” Here’s the truth: matcha tea doesn’t play well with excessive heat or acidity. Overheating it destroys its flavor and color. That’s why in this tiramisu, we use it as a soak or finishing dust, not in a baked custard.

Traditional tiramisu relies on a delicate balance of textures and stabilized cream bases like zabaglione, as broken down beautifully in Serious Eats’ science of tiramisu article

Avoid mixing matcha with citrus-heavy liquids or highly acidic ingredients (like lemon juice or vinegar) unless you’re going for a sour tang. Also, don’t blend matcha directly into fat-heavy mixtures without sifting first—it clumps easily. Use a mesh sieve or matcha whisk to keep it smooth.

For those who already bake with matcha (like in my brown butter banana bread or eggless cookies), you know it needs a light hand. Too much, and the flavor turns bitter and chalky.

Fun twists on the classic matcha tiramisu

Looking to jazz things up? Try these easy variations:

• Strawberry matcha tiramisu: Add sliced macerated strawberries between layers.
• Coconut matcha tiramisu: Swap half the cream for whipped coconut cream and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped coconut cream, and ladyfingers made without eggs.
• Individual servings: Assemble in clear glasses or jars for party-perfect presentation.

If you’re wondering what you can safely combine with matcha, it helps to understand its unique properties and interactions, which WebMD explains in detail.

Want to lower sugar? Skip dusting the top and use monk fruit sweetener in the zabaglione. Want more richness? Add a splash of white chocolate liqueur to the matcha syrup (trust me—it’s divine).

Every twist keeps the matcha flavor front and center. For even more indulgence, try serving it alongside my cheesecake cookies or chocolate ganache cake to wow your guests.

How many calories are in matcha tiramisu?

Let’s get real—tiramisu isn’t diet food, but matcha tea tiramisu is surprisingly moderate compared to traditional versions. On average, a square (about 1/8 of a pan) contains 250–300 calories, depending on how much sugar and cream you use. That’s about 50–100 calories less than the coffee-based version, thanks to matcha’s naturally bold flavor, which means you can use less sugar while still tasting rich.

Here’s a basic calorie breakdown per serving:

Ingredient	Calories (est.)
Mascarpone (1/4 cup)	120
Heavy cream (1/4 cup)	100
Ladyfingers (2 pieces)	60
Matcha syrup & dusting	20

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FAQs: Matcha Tea Tiramisu

1- Can I use tea instead of coffee for tiramisu?

Absolutely. Tea—especially matcha—is a fantastic substitute for coffee in tiramisu. Matcha offers a rich, earthy depth that mimics the complexity of espresso without the bitterness. It’s also great for those avoiding caffeine or looking for something lighter.

2- What can you not mix with matcha tea?

Avoid overly acidic or citrus ingredients, which can clash with matcha’s delicate flavor. Also, steer clear of excessive heat and unsifted dry mixes—matcha burns easily and clumps without proper whisking. For best results, dissolve matcha in warm (not boiling) water.

3- Can I use matcha tea for baking?

Yes! Matcha is commonly used in baking, everything from cookies and breads to cakes and frosting. Use culinary-grade matcha and avoid over-baking to preserve both color and flavor. See our matcha strawberry shortcake for inspiration.

4- How many calories are in matcha tea tiramisu?

A serving (about 1/8 of a standard pan) contains roughly 250–300 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size. Using light cream or sugar alternatives can reduce this number even further.