Enjoy the fusion of two cultures with matcha tiramisu! This dessert joins the classic Italian classic with the tasty, earthy flavors of matcha

What is matcha tiramisu?

Matcha tiramisu is a dessert that combines the traditional Italian tiramisu with the addition of matcha powder, which is a finely ground green tea powder.

Typically, it involves layering ladyfinger cookies soaked in espresso or a coffee liqueur with a creamy mixture made from mascarpone cheese, sugar, and whipped cream. In matcha tiramisu, matcha powder is added to the creamy mixture, giving it a distinctive green color and a subtle, earthy flavor. The dessert is then chilled to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Ingredients

Matcha Powder: This is the star ingredient that gives matcha tiramisu its distinctive green color and earthy flavor. It adds a unique taste profile and visual appeal to the dessert.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the dessert, balancing the bitter notes of the matcha powder and enhancing the overall flavor.

Rum: Rum is often used to soak the ladyfinger cookies in traditional tiramisu recipes. It adds a subtle boozy flavor to the dessert and helps moisten the cookies.
Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone cheese is a creamy and rich cheese that forms the base of the filling in tiramisu. It adds a luxurious texture and a subtle tangy flavor to the dessert.

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is whipped and folded into the mascarpone cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy texture. It adds richness and helps create the creamy consistency of the filling.
Ladyfingers: Ladyfinger cookies serve as the base or "sponge" of the dessert. They are soaked in a liquid (such as rum or a matcha-infused liquid) to soften them and add moisture. The ladyfingers provide structure to the dessert and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

What kind of matcha powder should I use?

When considering which matcha powder to use for your matcha tiramisu recipe, it's crucial to prioritize quality to ensure the best flavor and appearance. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting your matcha powder:

Grade: Matcha powder comes in various grades, with ceremonial grade being the highest quality and culinary grade being suitable for cooking and baking purposes. For matcha tiramisu, culinary grade matcha powder is generally sufficient and more budget-friendly.
Color: Opt for matcha powder with a vibrant green hue, as this indicates freshness and superior quality. Avoid powders that appear dull or brownish, as they may be stale or of lower quality.

Origin: Matcha powder sourced from Japan, particularly from regions like Uji or Nishio, is renowned for its exceptional flavor and quality. Look for products labeled as "Japanese matcha" to ensure authenticity.
Texture: High-quality matcha powder should have a fine, smooth texture without any clumps or grittiness. It should easily dissolve when mixed with liquid, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in your tiramisu.

By considering these factors and experimenting with different brands, you can find the perfect matcha powder to elevate this matcha tiramisu recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it last?

The shelf life of matcha tiramisu can vary depending on factors such as how it's stored and the freshness of its ingredients. Typically, if stored properly in the refrigerator, matcha tiramisu can last for about 2 to 3 days.

After a few days, the texture may start to change, and the flavors may diminish.

Can you freeze matcha tiramisu?

Yes, you can! If you want to freeze it consider freezing individual portions in airtight containers. This makes it easier to defrost when you are ready to eat them. When stored like this they will last up to 1 month.

However, keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture of the dessert slightly.

Where can I find matcha powder?

You can find matcha powder at your local Asian grocery in the tea aisle. Matcha is now so common that you can find it in the aisles at your local grocery store too! Check the international aisles and the tea and coffee aisles, it's usually found in a small tin or sealed bag.

If you can't find it in stores you can also order it online, there are so many options to choose from!

Can I replace the rum with something else?

Yes, you definitely can. If you want a different kind of flavor you can use other kinds of alcohol like amaretto or frangelico for a slightly nutty flavor.

If you don't like alcohol you can leave it out all together and use a splash of vanilla extract instead.

Why did my mascarpone cream curdle?

When making matcha tiramisu, mascarpone cream can curdle due to several factors specific to the recipe:

Acidity of Matcha: Matcha powder can be slightly acidic, and when combined with the mascarpone cream, it may cause curdling. To prevent this, ensure that you mix the matcha powder into the cream gently and gradually to allow for proper incorporation.
Temperature: If the mascarpone cheese or other ingredients are too cold or too warm, it can cause the cream to curdle. It's essential to let the mascarpone cheese come to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients.
Overmixing: Vigorous mixing or overmixing the mascarpone cream can lead to curdling. It's crucial to mix the ingredients gently and only until they are just combined to prevent curdling.

If the mascarpone cream does curdle, you can try salvaging it by gently warming it over low heat while stirring constantly until smooth, or by blending it with an immersion blender to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Let's Get Cooking

If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.

Follow me on facebook, pinterest, youtube and tiktok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!

Matcha Tiramisu

What is matcha tiramisu?

Ingredients

What kind of matcha powder should I use?