Matcha brownies, also known as green tea brownies or matcha blondies, are a mixture of classic brownies and the earthy flavor of matcha. You are going to feel addicted to these vibrant, green tea-infused desserts. If you're a matcha lover or just looking for a unique twist on your regular brownies, you've got to try this recipe. In this post, I will walk you through making the best fudgy matcha brownies to satisfy your matcha cravings. Read on for more about these perfect brownies:
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What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has its roots in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves, specifically Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to produce other types of green tea. What sets matcha apart is the way the tea plants are cultivated, harvested, and processed.
Matcha has a distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor, often described as umami. It has gained popularity not only for its unique taste but also for its health benefits. It's commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies, but its popularity has expanded globally, and matcha is now used in various culinary applications, including desserts, lattes, and smoothies.
Color of matcha: Matcha is renowned for its striking, deep green hue, a result of the shading process the tea leaves undergo before harvest. This natural pigment, responsible for the lush green color of plants, infuses matcha with its distinctively bold and radiant appearance.
Taste of matcha: The taste of matcha is truly one-of-a-kind, characterized by a harmonious blend of flavors. People often describe it as an earthy, grassy undertone, and matcha exhibits a delightful balance of bitterness and sweetness. Matcha brownies have a dense and fudgy texture with a rich, earthy matcha flavor.
Simple ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. You'll need:
Unsalted butter: Butter is a common ingredient in any kind of brownie recipe. It helps to keep the brownies soft and chewy.
White chocolate: The white chocolate adds sweetness and creaminess to complement the bitter matcha flavor. Feel free to use dark chocolate chips as a substitute!
Matcha powder: I recommend using high quality matcha powder to ensure a rich and authentic flavor. Look for a vibrant green color and choose a culinary grade for baking.
Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is also known as confectioners' or icing sugar. It helps to create a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Eggs: Eggs help to hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.
All-purpose flour: There are also alternative flour options, such as almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Salt: It doesn't make the brownies taste salty but rather helps to bring out extra flavors and a satisfying taste.
Almond slices: Almond slices are totally optional. I added them because I love their nutty flavor. If you enjoy nuts like me, you can add other nuts or just make the basic one without nuts. They are delicious regardless of what topping you add!
Vanilla: A pinch of vanilla can make a noticeable difference in the final taste of the brownies. It is optional.
Step-by-step baking instruction
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Add the white chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10 seconds, which will keep the white chocolate chips from melting completely.
In another mixing bowl, mix egg, milk, melted butter, and microwaved white chocolate chips together until they are well combined.
In the same mixing bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and culinary-grade matcha. This ensures your dry ingredients are well combined.
Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the matcha batter and mix together until you have a smooth and creamy matcha batter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or brush a thin layer of cooking oil for easy removal later.
Pour the matcha batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. After pouring the batter into the pan, arrange your almond slices on top of the raw matcha brownie base. Gently pressing a layer of nuts onto the top of the brownie batter before baking. Bake your matcha brownies for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cover the baking pan with foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Remember, it's better to underbake them slightly than to overbake; this ensures a fudgy texture.
Allow the matcha brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of matcha brownies!
Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor
Balancing sweetness: Matcha has a slightly bitter taste; definitely balance it with the sweetness of the brownie.
Mixing: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough brownie texture.
Avoid overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry and crumbly texture. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cooling period: Allow the matcha brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps in setting the texture and prevents them from falling apart.
Crackly top: it's normal for matcha brownies with a nut slice on top to have a crackly or cracked top. The crackly top is a characteristic feature of many brownie recipes.
Storing your matcha brownies
To maintain the freshness and flavor of your matcha brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week, but I doubt they'll last that long!
Serving suggestions
For an extra treat, serve your matcha brownies with a scoop of green tea ice cream and a dusting of ceremonial-grade matcha. The combination of warm brownies and cool, creamy ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. Pairings with beverages like tea or coffee are a good idea. The flavors of the brownies can complement the earthy notes of the tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a piece of fresh fruit or drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Another option is to dust the top of the brownies with a sprinkle of matcha powder for an extra hint of matcha flavor.
Final thoughts
These matcha brownies are a sweet treat that's a must-try for matcha lovers. The fusion of rich, fudgy texture and the earthy flavor of matcha, combined with the sweetness of white chocolate, makes this a dessert worth trying. If you're looking to impress your friends and family with your baking skills or just want a unique indulgence for yourself, this is the best matcha brownie recipe for you. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. Happy baking!
Rich Matcha Brownies Recipe (With White Chocolate)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 1 cups powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla optional
- ½ cup almond nuts optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add the white chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10 seconds, which will keep the white chocolate chips from melting completely.
- In another mixing bowl, mix egg, milk, melted butter, and microwaved white chocolate chips together until they are well combined.
- In the same mixing bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and culinary-grade matcha. This ensures your dry ingredients are well combined.
- Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the matcha batter and mix together until you have a smooth and creamy matcha batter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or brush a thin layer of cooking oil for easy removal later.
- Pour the matcha batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. After pouring the batter into the pan, arrange your almond slices on top of the raw matcha brownie base. Gently pressing a layer of nuts onto the top of the brownie batter before baking. Bake your matcha brownies for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cover the baking pan with foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Remember, it's better to underbake them slightly than to overbake; this ensures a fudgy texture.
- Allow the matcha brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of matcha brownies!
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