Matcha Tiramisu: A No-Bake Green Tea Dream That’s Worth Every Chill

Why I Love This Matcha Tiramisu Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about making matcha tiramisu. It feels like a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day. Maybe it’s the ritual of whisking the matcha powder into a smooth, vivid green soak, or the way the mascarpone cream turns silky and light with just a few gentle folds. This dessert has become my go-to when I want to make something beautiful without the pressure of baking.

What really sets this matcha tiramisu apart is how it captures the delicate bitterness of green tea while still delivering the sweetness and richness people expect from tiramisu. I’ve made this for quiet nights in, for dinner parties, and even for birthdays—and every time, people are surprised by how well the matcha flavor plays with the cream and ladyfingers. It’s different, but never too bold. It’s subtle, elegant, and somehow nostalgic.

I especially love that it’s a no-bake dessert. When I was working full-time as a teacher, recipes like this were my lifeline—something I could prep at night and pull out the next day, chilled to perfection. The flavor deepens as it rests, so a chill overnight isn’t just recommended, it’s essential. And the color? That bold matcha green sprinkled on top just makes it pop. It’s a showstopper on any table.

This recipe also leaves room to experiment. I’ve tried making it with different types of matcha, adjusting the sweetness, and even swapping the marsala for a splash of sake once (surprisingly good!). If you’re someone who enjoys creativity in the kitchen, matcha tiramisu gives you the space to play.

And if you’re already a fan of no-fuss desserts like these Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries, you’ll love how this matcha tiramisu delivers that same “wow” moment with minimal effort.

Coming up: I’ll walk you through every step of the process—from prepping the matcha soak to assembling those dreamy layers.

How to Make Matcha Tiramisu (Step-by-Step)

Making matcha tiramisu at home is simpler than it looks. With just a bit of planning and patience (mostly while it chills overnight), you’ll have a beautifully layered no-bake dessert that rivals anything from a café. Here’s how to bring this green tea dream to life.

Step 1: Cook the Egg Mixture

In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of marsala wine, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Use an electric mixer if possible, keeping the mixture moving to avoid scrambling the eggs. Cook until the mixture reaches 160ºF (71ºC), which ensures it’s safe to eat.

Once done, place the bowl in an ice bath to cool for 1 minute. This step helps preserve the texture for your matcha mascarpone cream.

Step 2: Make the Cream Layer

In a separate bowl, gently soften 8 oz of mascarpone cheese. Fold in the cooled egg mixture until smooth. Separately, whip 1 1/2 cups of chilled heavy cream with the remaining sugar until medium peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-egg mixture to form your rich, airy matcha mascarpone cream.

This step is where your matcha tiramisu earns its signature light texture—so go slow and don’t overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Matcha Soak

Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons of matcha powder into 1/2 cup of warm water (about 175ºF/80ºC) until fully dissolved. This matcha soak gives the ladyfingers their distinctive green tea flavor.

Pour it into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture—just a second per side. They should be soaked, not soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Arrange 12 soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half of the matcha mascarpone cream on top, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining 12 ladyfingers and top with the rest of the cream.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap (press it gently against the surface) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—though it’s best if you let it chill overnight.

Step 5: Dust and Serve

Just before serving, dust the top generously with more matcha powder using a fine sieve. This finishing touch adds bold color and that classic green tea aroma.

For a variation on plating and presentation, check out the creative visuals in our Circle Galaxy Cookies—a reminder that simple tweaks can elevate your dessert table.

How to Serve Matcha Tiramisu

When it’s time to serve matcha tiramisu, make sure it’s been thoroughly chilled—at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. Chilling allows the layers to set just right and gives the green tea flavor time to deepen and blend into the creamy filling and soaked ladyfingers.

For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then dried before cutting. This helps glide through the soft matcha mascarpone cream without dragging. A small spatula makes lifting each piece easy without disturbing the layers.

To finish, dust the surface with matcha powder using a fine sieve. This final touch intensifies the earthy green tea flavor and gives your dessert that signature pop of color. If you’re serving guests, consider adding a garnish—maybe a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a few raspberries for contrast.

This no-bake dessert pairs well with hot tea or iced green tea for a cohesive flavor experience. You can also plate matcha tiramisu next to simple sweets like Strawberry Sugar Cookies for a beautiful spread of color and texture.

Make sure to slice and serve matcha tiramisu straight from the fridge. It’s best cold and creamy, and it holds its shape beautifully when chilled.

Variations of Matcha Tiramisu

One of the best things about matcha tiramisu is how flexible the recipe can be. While the classic version calls for mascarpone and ladyfingers, there are plenty of ways to adjust this easy matcha tiramisu recipe to suit your taste, diet, or creativity.

Make it alcohol-free: The marsala wine adds a subtle kick, but it’s completely optional. You can leave it out or substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract for added depth without the booze.

Dairy-free version: Swap the mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream alternative, and use a plant-based whipped topping instead of heavy cream. Just make sure all ingredients are chilled before mixing, especially if you’re making the cream layer by hand.

Gluten-free option: Many gluten-free ladyfingers are now available at specialty stores or online. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold their shape after a quick dip in the matcha soak.

Stronger matcha flavor: Prefer a bolder green tea punch? Add an extra half teaspoon of matcha powder to your soak or sprinkle a little more between layers. Just be sure to use culinary-grade or ceremonial matcha for the best taste and color.

Creative layering: Try assembling your matcha tiramisu in individual glass jars or dessert cups for a fun twist. It’s a great way to show off those vibrant green layers and ideal for parties or gifting. You can see a similar presentation approach in our Carrot Cake Bars—clean layers, easy portions, and a little flair.

Whether you’re sticking with the traditional version or trying something new, the beauty of matcha tiramisu is that it always delivers big flavor with very little effort.

How to Store Matcha Tiramisu

Matcha tiramisu stores beautifully, which is part of what makes it such a reliable make-ahead dessert. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but for best results, let it chill overnight. The extra time allows the green tea flavor to deepen and the layers to fully set.

If you’re storing leftovers, keep the matcha tiramisu in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure the container is sealed well to prevent the cream from absorbing any fridge odors. The texture remains smooth, and the matcha powder dusting on top keeps its bright color if added just before serving.

Avoid freezing matcha tiramisu. While technically possible, the texture of the mascarpone cream and soaked ladyfingers can turn icy and grainy once thawed. This no-bake dessert is best enjoyed fresh from the fridge while the layers are cool, soft, and spoon-ready.

If you’re planning ahead for a party, you can prepare the cream and soak a day in advance, then assemble it the morning of your event. For other chilled desserts that prep well ahead of time, try our Dubai Chocolate Strawberries—they also benefit from time in the fridge and look elegant when plated.

With just a bit of care, your matcha tiramisu will stay as delicious on day three as it was on day one—maybe even better.

Conclusion

Matcha tiramisu is one of those rare desserts that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. With its creamy matcha mascarpone layers, lightly soaked ladyfingers, and that unmistakable green tea flavor, this no-bake dessert is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for any season, any occasion, and especially for those moments when you want to wow without the work.

Whether you chill it overnight for a dinner party or prep it ahead for a relaxed weekend treat, matcha tiramisu always delivers. And once you’ve tried it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dessert.

If you’re ready to keep the no-bake magic going, check out our Quick and Easy Desserts collection for more crowd-pleasing recipes you can make with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today—I hope this matcha tiramisu recipe finds a spot in your favorites folder.