This Hojicha Tiramisu is a spin on the Italian classic dessert. It features bold, roasted green tea-soaked lady fingers layered with whipped cream cheese and hojicha powder.
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Have you had a tea tiramisu?
If you haven't, you've really got to try it.
I've got a version of Matcha Tiramisu in individual cups, but this Hojicha Tiramisu is a new favourite.
For those times you can't decide between tea or coffee, hojicha is an excellent choice.
If you like strong, bold tea flavours, this is the tiramisu for you.
Why you'll love this recipe
It's a simple and easy dessert to make.
All you have to do is layer the hojicha-soaked ladyfinger biscuits and alternate with the cream.
You don't have to do any baking... which is great for a summertime dessert!
What is hojicha?
Hojicha is a roasted green tea that is reddish brown in colour.
It has a slight smoky flavour that is reminiscent of coffee, but without the caffeine.
I love the tea and use it in my Hojicha Milk Jam, and Hojicha Matcha Affogato.
What is tiramisu?
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert traditionally consisting of mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and coffee.
It is rich, creamy, and flavourful.
Here, I've swapped the coffee out for hojicha. In addition, I've used cream cheese.
There are 2 main components to Hojicha Tiramisu:
- hojicha-soaked ladyfinger biscuits
- cream cheese/whipped cream
Ladyfinger biscuits
Ladyfinger biscuits are dry confections that are part-cookie and part-cake.
You can use store-bought ladyfingers, or if you're up to the challenge you can definitely make your own.
For simplicity and ease, I used store-bought ladyfingers in this recipe.
The ladyfingers are soaked in hojicha tea, similar to how the biscuits are soaked in coffee (in a traditional tiramisu).
Cream filling
The cream filling is traditionally made with whipped eggs and sugar, along with mascarpone.
However, I don't like the thought of consuming raw eggs, so I've made this version egg-free.
This cream filling is made with softened cream cheese, and is lightened up with whipped cream.
Therefore, the overall dessert isn't too heavy.
How to make it
First, use a concentrated hojicha tea to infuse the ladyfingers.
Next, make a light and airy, egg-free cream cheese and whipped cream layer.
And lastly, finish it off with a generous dusting of hojicha powder in between the layers.
Chill the tiramisu for a few hours in the fridge, and then slice and serve.
How to store
Store the Hojicha Tiramisu in a container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Other hojicha recipes you may like
If you love hojicha tea, try these recipes:
Matcha Hojicha Coconut Ice Cream Bars
Let me know if you try out this bold and delicious spin on tiramisu. Tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer and leave me a comment/rating below!
Hojicha Tiramisu
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 200 g cream cheese softened at room temperature
- ¼ C granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ C heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered icing sugar
- 1 C hot boiled water
- 4 tablespoon hojicha powder + additional for dusting
- 18 ladyfingers
Instructions
Make the cream filling:
- Add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar to a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Beat until the cream cheese is light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and continue beating until combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream.
- Whisk until bubbles start to form. Add in the powdered icing sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks.
- Take about ⅓rd of the whipped cream and fold it into the whipped cream cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining whipped cream until it is all incorporated.
Make the hojicha tea:
- Sift 4 tablespoon of hojicha powder into 1 C hot boiled water. Stir until the powder is fully dissolved. Let the tea cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
- Pour the tea into a tall mason jar (I used a 1 C jar).
Assemble:
- Take a ladyfinger biscuit and dip it into the hojicha tea, ensuring all sides are coated. Be careful not to soak the biscuit for too long or it will disintegrate.
- Place the soaked ladyfinger onto the bottom of a container (I used a 6" by 4" container). Repeat until you have a completed layer on the bottom.
- Divide the cream into 3 portions.
- Layer one portion of cream over top of the ladyfingers. Use an offset spatula to smooth out the cream.
- Dust with hojicha powder.
- Repeat and layer with additional soaked ladyfingers and cream.
- Dust the top layer with hojicha powder.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Christie
This hojicha tiramisu looks so amazing! I still have yet to try hojicha but you're making me want to immediately!
Michelle
Thanks Christie! You definitely have to try hojicha -- it's so warm and toasty!
Andrea
I've never heard of Hojicha but it sounds fabulous! The Tiramisu sounds amazing too!
Michelle
That cream filling though! I love this twist on tiramisu
Michelle
Thank you Michelle! 🙂
Gabby
This is absolutely divine! I love the flavour the Hojicha brings to it - a great twist on the traditional tiramisu. Will definitely be making it again.
Michelle
Glad you enjoyed it, Gabby! 🙂
Kushigalu
Love tIramisu but bever tried something like this. Great flavors. Thanks for sharing.
Lily
This is the first time I have ever heard of hojicha, and oh my gosh it looks phenomenal in a tiramisu. I'm a huge fan of tiramisu, so looking forward to trying this variation of it.
Emily
Hi Michelle. Amazing recipe but I have a question can I leave the tiramisu overnight? And eat it the next day?
Michelle
Hi Emily, yes you can store any leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. 🙂 Thanks for trying the recipe!
Arale
Are we supposed to use icing sugar or granulated sugar?
Michelle
Two types of sugar are used in this recipe; both powdered icing sugar and granulated sugar.
Joey
Hi Michelle, could we use mascarpone instead of cream cheese? 🙂
Michelle
Hi Joey, of course you can use mascarpone instead of cream cheese.
VT
Hi Michelle,
Just want to confirm…did you mean 4 teaspoon or 4 tablespoon of hojicha powder per cup. Seems a lot if it’s 4 tbsp. Just want to make sure. Thanks. 🙂
Michelle
Hi there, I used 4 tablespoons of hojicha powder dissolved in 1 C of water. It is meant to be strong - in order for the ladyfingers to absorb the tea flavor. You can reduce the amount of hojicha powder if you don't like it as strong. Hope that helps.
Rachel Lim
Can I replace the icing sugar with granulated sugar instead of getting two kinds of sugar?
Michelle
Hi Rachel, you can certainly use granulated sugar in place of the powdered icing sugar. Hope that helps.