If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts with a green tea twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe. It’s a delightful plant-based take on the classic Italian treat that perfectly balances the earthy, grassy notes of matcha with a luscious, velvety vegan cream filling. Every bite is a refreshing harmony of flavors and textures, from the delicate, matcha-soaked ladyfingers to the smooth mascarpone-style cream, making it an impressive yet approachable dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe are thoughtfully simple but play vital roles in delivering that authentic tiramisu experience with a twist. Each component brings its own magic, whether it’s the spongy texture of the ladyfingers, the creamy richness of the vegan dairy alternatives, or the vibrant punch of ceremonial grade matcha powder that gives this dessert its signature color and flavor.
- 26 vegan ladyfingers: These create the perfect cookie base, absorbing the matcha soak beautifully without falling apart.
- 600 g vegan cream cheese (chilled): The creamy foundation for your mascarpone layer, providing richness and body.
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (chilled): Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to balance the sweetness.
- 240 g coconut cream (chilled): Gives the tiramisu that luscious, smooth texture and a subtle tropical nuance.
- 120 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream mixture gently without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 ½ teaspoons matcha (ceremonial grade): Integral for flavoring the mascarpone cream with a fresh, green tea kick.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the dessert’s overall warmth and depth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons matcha (ceremonial grade): Used to prepare the invigorating matcha soak that saturates the ladyfingers.
- 60 ml hot water: Helps dissolve the matcha powder for a smooth soak.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the matcha soak, balancing its natural bitterness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the soak with an aromatic note.
- 120 ml non-dairy milk: Adds creaminess and thins the matcha soak to just the right consistency.
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade): Reserved for dusting on top, giving a beautiful finish and extra flavor punch.
How to Make Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ahead
Start by preparing your vegan ladyfingers up to three days before assembling the dessert, or at least an hour prior to allow them to cool completely. This step ensures they have the ideal texture to absorb the matcha soak without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mascarpone Cream
In a large bowl, whisk the chilled vegan cream cheese with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, gently fold in the vegan Greek-style yogurt and coconut cream, creating a beautifully rich and silky base that’s reminiscent of traditional mascarpone. Then, whisk together the powdered sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of matcha powder to break up any lumps, and mix this sweet green tea blend along with vanilla extract into your cream cheese mixture. This vibrant cream will be the heart of your tiramisu.
Step 3: Matcha Soak
For the soak, whisk the matcha powder into hot water (ideally around 80°C/176°F) using a traditional matcha whisk or an electric frother to achieve a smooth consistency without clumps. If you don’t have a matcha whisk, simply sift the powder through a fine-mesh sieve before whisking with a regular whisk. Then, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until dissolved. Finish by whisking in the non-dairy milk to create a creamy, slightly sweet matcha soak that will infuse the ladyfingers with amazing flavor.
Step 4: Assembly
Begin your tiramisu by spreading 4 tablespoons of the mascarpone cream evenly across the bottom of your serving dish. Quickly dip half of the ladyfingers into the matcha soak, making sure they’re well-coated but not soggy, and arrange them side by side on top of the cream layer. Spread half of the remaining mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers using an offset spatula. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish by smoothing the remaining mascarpone cream evenly on top. Chill the entire tiramisu in your fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the flavors to marry and the dessert to set beautifully. Just before serving, dust the top generously with the reserved matcha powder for a stunning, authentic finish.
How to Serve Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe, consider adding a delicate sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few fresh mint leaves. These additions provide not only a pop of contrasting texture but also enhance the fresh, green flavors of the matcha with subtle brightness.
Side Dishes
This tiramisu pairs wonderfully with a light cup of jasmine tea or a refreshing matcha latte, complementing the dessert’s flavors without overwhelming the palate. A simple fresh fruit salad with citrus notes can also offer a bright and pleasant balance to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this tiramisu in individual glass jars or elegant parfait glasses to showcase its beautiful layered effect. You can also top each portion with edible flowers or a delicate dusting of edible gold leaf for an extra special touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover tiramisu in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, but note that the texture of the ladyfingers may soften slightly upon freezing.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is a chilled dessert, it’s not typically reheated. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge so you can savor the creamy texture and refreshing matcha flavor at its best.
FAQs
Can I use regular matcha powder instead of ceremonial grade?
While you can use regular culinary matcha for this recipe, ceremonial grade matcha gives the best flavor and vibrant color, making your Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe taste truly outstanding.
What can I substitute for vegan cream cheese?
If vegan cream cheese is hard to find, try using a thick cashew cream or blended silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tangy richness for your mascarpone layer.
How do I make vegan ladyfingers from scratch?
There are many recipes online for vegan ladyfingers using aquafaba as an egg substitute. Making them a few days in advance ensures they dry out enough to soak up the matcha flavor perfectly.
Can I make this tiramisu nut-free?
Yes! Just ensure all your vegan cream cheese, yogurt, and milk alternatives are nut-free. Coconut cream is naturally nut-free and adds excellent texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the coconut cream and yogurt before mixing?
Chilling helps these ingredients blend into a smooth, creamy mascarpone mixture and keeps the texture stable. Using them cold ensures your Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe holds together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s a perfect dessert to share with friends or to treat yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try this creamy, refreshing matcha delight, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Vegan Matcha Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Matcha Tiramisu is a refreshing plant-based twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of vegan ladyfingers soaked in a vibrant matcha mixture, and a creamy mascarpone-style filling made with vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan yogurt. Perfectly chilled and dusted with ceremonial-grade matcha, this dessert is an elegant, dairy-free treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegan Ladyfingers
- 26 vegan ladyfingers (prepared ahead of time)
Mascarpone Cream
- 600 g vegan cream cheese, chilled
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt, chilled
- 240 g coconut cream, chilled
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons matcha powder (ceremonial grade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Matcha Soak
- 1½ teaspoons matcha powder (ceremonial grade)
- 60 ml hot water (about 80°C/176°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml non-dairy milk
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade)
Instructions
- Prep ahead: Prepare the vegan ladyfingers up to 3 days in advance or at least an hour before assembling the tiramisu to ensure they have completely cooled.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the chilled vegan cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Blend in the vegan Greek-style yogurt and chilled coconut cream to create a silky mixture.
- Add Matcha and Sugar: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk the powdered sugar together with 1½ teaspoons matcha powder to remove lumps, then combine this mixture with the cream cheese blend along with 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Matcha Soak: Using a matcha whisk or electric frother, whisk 1½ teaspoons matcha powder into 60 ml hot water (ideally 80°C/176°F) until smooth. If a matcha whisk is unavailable, sift matcha before mixing. Next, whisk in granulated sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved, then add 120 ml non-dairy milk and combine thoroughly.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Spread 4 tablespoons of the mascarpone cream evenly on the bottom of your serving dish. Quickly dip half of the vegan ladyfingers individually into the matcha soak—do not soak too long to prevent sogginess—and arrange them in a single layer over the cream.
- Add Cream Layers and Ladyfingers: Spread half of the remaining mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers evenly using an offset spatula. Repeat the dipping and layering process with the remaining ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Chill and Set: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
- Garnish before Serving: Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu generously with the remaining 1 tablespoon of matcha powder for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Ensure all dairy-free ingredients like cream cheese, yogurt, and coconut cream are well chilled for optimal creaminess.
- Don’t soak the ladyfingers too long in the matcha mixture to avoid sogginess.
- You can prepare the vegan ladyfingers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to save time on assembly day.
- For an extra rich texture, use full-fat coconut cream.
