Beyond green tea: 5 matcha desserts you'll adore
What's the story
Matcha green tea, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has taken the dessert world by storm.
Its unique earthy and slightly sweet flavor adds an interesting twist to traditional sweets.
From cakes to ice creams, matcha can be used in several ways to prepare delightful desserts.
These are not just tasty but also pleasing to the eyes with their vibrant green color.
Cheesecake delight
Matcha green tea cheesecake
Matcha cheesecake marries the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the unique flavor of matcha.
The recipe calls for mixing cream cheese with sugar and matcha powder, before baking it on a biscuit base.
This dessert is usually garnished with whipped cream or white chocolate shavings for added sweetness.
The balance between the rich creaminess and the subtle bitterness of matcha makes this dessert a favorite among many dessert lovers.
Mochi magic
Matcha mochi ice cream
Mochi ice cream is a Japanese confection of pounded sticky rice stuffed with ice cream. Add matcha to the mix and you have a treat that's even more tempting.
The chewy mochi coat goes perfectly with the smooth and creamy matcha-flavored ice cream on the inside.
You get a refreshing taste sensation, blending contrasting textures and flavors in each bite.
Tiramisu twist
Matcha tiramisu
A twist on the classic Italian dessert, matcha tiramisu uses the green tea powder instead of coffee for an Asian-inspired take on the dessert.
Layers of sponge cake or ladyfingers are soaked in a mixture of matcha and milk before being layered with mascarpone cheese filling.
Dusting some additional matcha powder on top enhances its flavor, while giving it an attractive appearance.
Panna cotta perfection
Matcha panna cotta
Panna cotta, an Italian dessert, is famous for its silky texture. The texture comes from adding gelatin into sweetened cream or milk mixtures.
It's chilled until firm enough to hold shape when unmolded onto plates.
It's ready-to-serve with fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etcetera. They add a color contrast against the pale-green backdrop provided by infused matcha's natural hue.
This makes them visually appealing too!
Cookie craze
Matcha cookies
If you love matcha, these cookies are another way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
They're easy to prepare but pack a big punch in flavor with their buttery dough and finely-ground matcha's unique taste, making soft, chewy treats that can be enjoyed with afternoon tea or coffee breaks alike!