Matcha Strawberry Tiramisu: A Fresh Fusion of Earthy Green and Sweet Berries
There’s a quiet magic when the vibrant earthiness of matcha tea meets the bright, juicy burst of strawberries in a creamy, layered dessert.
This tiramisu marries Japanese finesse with Italian tradition, starting with fluffy mascarpone blended with whipped cream and the distinct grassy bitterness of fine matcha powder.
Fresh strawberries sliced thinly provide bursts of sweet freshness, nestled between layers of ladyfingers gently soaked in matcha-infused milk.
The gentle green layers and ruby red fruits create a dessert both elegant and inviting, perfect for a light yet indulgent treat.
The process begins by whipping heavy cream to billowy peaks, folding it with mascarpone and sifted matcha powder for a smooth green cream.
Ladyfingers are quickly dipped in a warm matcha milk mixture, providing subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Layer after layer builds in a clear glass dish or individual cups, crowned by fresh strawberry slices and a final dusting of matcha powder to finish.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Yield | Diet | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 0 minutes | 4+ hours | 6–8 servings | Vegetarian, gluten-free option | Fusion dessert |
Ingredients for Different Servings
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6–8 Servings | Alternatives | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladyfinger biscuits | 8 pcs | 16 pcs | 24 pcs | Vegan sponge fingers | Base and layers |
| Mascarpone cheese | 100 g | 200 g | 300 g | Cream cheese + 1 tbsp cream | Creamy filling |
| Heavy cream | ⅓ cup | ⅔ cup | 1 cup | Chilled coconut cream | Whipped into filling |
| Matcha powder | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | Genmaicha (brown rice tea powder) | Flavor and color in cream |
| Milk (for soaking) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¾ cup | Almond or oat milk | Soak ladyfingers |
| Strawberries (fresh, sliced) | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups | Raspberries or blueberries | Fresh fruit layer |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | Agave syrup | Sweetener for cream |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Almond extract | Flavor enhancer |
Cooking Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls for cream and mascarpone blend (alternatively large glass jars)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk (or sturdy whisk for effort)
- Spatula for folding ingredients gently
- Shallow dish or bowl (for soaking ladyfingers)
- Glass trifle dish, individual jars, or parfait glasses (for layering)
How to Make Matcha Strawberry Tiramisu
Let’s begin the careful crafting of this layered delight, understanding each process step-by-step to preserve flavor and texture.
Step 1: Chill your mixing bowls and whisk
Keeping tools cold helps the cream whip to fluffy peaks. Chill them in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Whip the heavy cream
Pour the cream into your chilled bowl. Begin whisking slowly, then add honey and vanilla as it thickens.
Whisk until soft peaks form.
Step 3: Prepare mascarpone-matcha cream
In another bowl, sift matcha powder to avoid lumps. Blend mascarpone until smooth, then gently fold in the matcha powder.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until light and uniform.
Step 4: Soak the ladyfingers
Warm the milk slightly (do not boil). Dip ladyfingers quickly into the milk—just a second on each side—so they absorb flavor but don’t become soggy.
Step 5: Begin layering
In your serving dish or jars, place a layer of soaked ladyfingers. Spread a generous layer of matcha mascarpone cream over them.
Step 6: Add strawberry slices
Scatter a layer of fresh sliced strawberries over the cream to add freshness and vibrant flavor.
Step 7: Repeat layers
Repeat the layers—ladyfingers, cream, strawberries—until you reach the top, ending with cream.
Step 8: Chill and set
Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to marry and the dessert to set properly.
Step 9: Final garnish
Before serving, dust lightly with sifted matcha powder or decorate with whole strawberries for a bright, inviting finish.
Serving Options
- This tiramisu shines in several presentations.
- For intimate gatherings, individual glass jars or parfait glasses offer beautiful layered views and easy servings.
- For sharing, a large glass trifle dish brings elegance and encourages communal spoons.
- During warmer months or outdoor meals, consider turning it into bars—firmer, handheld slices perfect for picnics or casual parties.
- Each option brings out the dessert’s delicate colors and flavors in unique ways, letting you match the occasion.
Variations to Try
Exploring variations breathes new life into this classic fusion, adjusting to preferences or ingredients on hand.
Here are ideas to inspire your kitchen creativity:
Creamy Coconut Matcha Strawberry
Replace heavy cream with whipped coconut cream and use coconut milk to soak the ladyfingers.
This vegan-friendly tweak offers a tropical twist.
Nutty Matcha Crunch
Add toasted sliced almonds or pistachios between layers for crunch and subtle nutty aroma.
Pistachios also complement matcha’s flavor beautifully.
Berry Medley
Swap strawberries for a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a tangy berry burst.
Citrus Brightness
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the mascarpone cream to enhance freshness and balance matcha’s earthiness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Boost
For a richer cream, fold in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk with the mascarpone.
How to Convert Matcha Strawberry Tiramisu into Bars
To craft this delicate tiramisu into firm bars, you need to adjust textures and layering:
- Select a Pan: Use an 8×8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Create a Base Layer: Crush 1½ cups of plain or matcha-flavored cookies or biscuits. Mix with 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil and press evenly into the pan. Chill for 20 minutes to set firmly.
- Prepare Matcha Mascarpone Cream with Gelatin: Bloom 1½ teaspoons gelatin powder in 3 tablespoons cold water for 5 minutes. Warm gently until dissolved and cool slightly. Blend this into the mascarpone-matcha cream mixture to help it set firmer.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers quickly in milk as usual.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the crust evenly. Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by half the matcha cream. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, then repeat the ladyfingers and cream layers.
- Top Layer and Chill: Smooth the final cream layer, dust with matcha powder, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the set tiramisu from the pan using parchment overhang. Using a warm, sharp knife (dipped in hot water and wiped dry), cut into squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Bars are easier to serve outdoors or at gatherings, keeping the fresh flavors and beautiful layers in hand-held portions.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy ladyfingers | Over-soaking in milk | Dip quickly, about 1 second each side |
| Grainy cream | Improper folding or lumps in matcha powder | Sift matcha well and fold gently |
| Cream too runny | Under-whipped cream or warm mascarpone | Chill ingredients and whip cream firmly |
Storing Tips
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep bars tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Avoid freezing as it can affect texture and flavor balance.
For best taste and texture, serve chilled.
Matcha Strawberry Tiramisu
Ingredients
- Ladyfinger biscuits – 24 pcs (or vegan sponge fingers)
- Mascarpone cheese – 300 g (or cream cheese + 1 tbsp cream)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or coconut cream)
- Matcha powder – 3 tbsp (or genmaicha)
- Milk – ¾ cup (or almond/oat milk)
- Strawberries – 1½ cups, sliced (or mixed berries)
- Honey or maple syrup – 3 tbsp (or agave)
- Vanilla extract – 1½ tsp (or almond extract)
Instructions
Step-1 Chill bowls; whip cream with honey and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Step-2 Blend mascarpone and sifted matcha powder; fold whipped cream in gently.
Step-3 Dip ladyfingers quickly in milk; layer in dish.
Step-4 Spread matcha cream, add sliced strawberries.
Step-5 Repeat layers, end with cream.
Step-6 Dust matcha powder and chill 4+ hours.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients
- Sift matcha powder for smoothness
- Dip ladyfingers briefly
- Add gelatin for bar version
Let’s Celebrate Fresh Layers and Earthy Flavors
Matcha strawberry tiramisu offers a delicate dance of flavors—soft, creamy, sweet, and slightly bitter.
Try making it your way, experimenting with layers, fruits, and textures. Share your thoughts and creations to inspire others in the community.
