Matcha Brownies Recipe: How to Bake the Perfect Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the earthy richness of matcha with the indulgent texture of brownies, this recipe is just for you. Matcha brownies are not only visually striking with their vibrant green hue, but they also strike the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle bitterness. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these brownies are a guaranteed hit. In this guide, we’ll explore why you love this recipe, the ingredients needed, and the essential tools to make the best matcha brownies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique flavor profile

Matcha brings a slightly bitter and earthy undertone that offsets the sweetness of traditional brownies, making them less overwhelming. This creates a harmonious balance that makes it easy to enjoy more than one piece without feeling overindulged.

Versatility for every occasion

Whether it’s a casual tea party or a special celebration, matcha brownies are perfect for any occasion. Their eye-catching color also makes them a conversation starter at events.

Simple and approachable

Don’t let the idea of matcha intimidate you. In fact, this recipe is straightforward, and with just a few basic tips, even beginners can effortlessly achieve bakery-quality results. Moreover, you likely already have most of the tools and ingredients in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Matcha Brownies

Core ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable treats:

Ingredient	Purpose
Matcha powder	Provides flavor and color
White chocolate	Replaces cocoa to enhance the green shade
Granulated sugar	Adds sweetness and helps with structure
Unsalted butter	Used for browning, adding a nutty aroma
All-purpose flour	Gives the brownies their texture
Light brown sugar	Adds moisture and richness
Eggs	Adds structure and richness
Vanilla extract	Enhances the flavor profile
Flaky sea salt (optional)	Finishes with a touch of texture and flavor

Choosing the right matcha

Not all matcha powders are created equal. Therefore, it’s best to opt for culinary-grade matcha to ensure a vibrant green color and a smooth, slightly bitter flavor. On the other hand, ceremonial matcha can work too, but it’s pricier and often less robust for baking.

Essential Tools for Preparation

Kitchen equipment

Having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother:

Tool	Use
Mixing bowls	For combining wet and dry ingredients
8×8 baking pan	Ensures evenly baked brownies
Hand or stand mixer	Helps create a smooth batter
Sifter	Essential for removing clumps in matcha powder
Parchment paper	Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier

Pro tip: Use a light-colored pan

When browning butter, a light-colored pan allows you to better monitor the color changes, preventing the butter from burning.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Matcha Brownies

Preparing the ingredients

The key to perfect matcha brownies is preparation. To begin with, gather all your ingredients and tools. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease an 8×8 baking pan, and line it with parchment paper. With proper preparation, you can ensure a seamless baking process from start to finish.

1. Brown the butter
   • Heat unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat.
   • Stir continuously until the butter foams and golden-brown bits appear at the bottom.
   • Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the matcha ganache
   • In a small bowl, combine white chocolate and sifted matcha powder.
   • Pour the browned butter over the mixture and stir until the chocolate melts and a smooth green ganache forms. Set aside.

Mixing the batter

Creating a fluffy yet dense batter is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Follow these steps:

1. Combine sugars and eggs
   • In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and room-temperature eggs.
   • Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it thickens and turns pale (approximately 5–10 minutes). This step incorporates air for lift without baking powder or soda.
2. Incorporate the ganache
   • Slowly stream the matcha ganache into the sugar and egg mixture while mixing.
   • Ensure the batter is evenly green and smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients
   • Sift the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture.
   • Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in denser brownies.

Baking and Final Touches

Baking the brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8 baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and gently smack it on a flat surface. This step helps eliminate air bubbles for a fudgier texture.
3. Sprinkle flaky sea salt (optional) on top and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

Cooling and serving

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before slicing. This helps them set and prevents crumbling. For clean edges, use a sharp knife to wipe clean between each cut.

Tips for Success

Key insights for best results

To begin with, always sift your matcha powder, as clumps can form easily and may lead to uneven flavor and texture. Additionally, keep a close eye on the butter while browning, because it can quickly go from browned to burnt in just seconds. Furthermore, thoroughly beating the eggs and sugar is crucial, as this step helps achieve a brownie with the perfect balance of lift and density.

Avoid common mistakes

Mistakes like overmixing the batter or underbaking can affect the texture. Use a toothpick to check doneness—if it comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, they’re ready!

Check out this matcha bars recipe for another delightful dessert option.

Customizing Your Matcha Brownies

Ingredient substitutions

Adapting your recipe to suit dietary needs or preferences is quite simple. For instance, here are some easy substitutions to try:

1. Gluten-free option
   • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. While the texture may become slightly denser, the rich flavor remains unchanged.
2. Vegan matcha brownies
   • Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
   • Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
3. Reducing sugar
   • Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a less processed sweetener. Keep in mind that altering sugar can affect moisture and texture, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.

Enhancing flavor

To truly elevate your matcha brownies, consider these simple yet effective additions:

• Extra matcha powder: If you’re craving a bolder matcha flavor, you can slightly increase the amount by ½ to 1 teaspoon.
• Nuts or seeds: For instance, crushed almonds, walnuts, or sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch that complements the fudgy texture.
• Chocolate chips: Additionally, folding dark or white chocolate chips into the batter provides an extra indulgent touch that enhances sweetness.

Creative toppings

• Dust a layer of powdered sugar or matcha powder over the brownies before serving.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern for a professional finish.

For a healthier take on matcha treats, explore this vegan chocolate matcha energy bars recipe for inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect pairings

Matcha brownies shine when served with complementary beverages. Consider these options:

Pairing	Why It Works
Green tea latte	Enhances the earthy matcha flavor
Black coffee	Balances sweetness with bold bitterness
Milk (dairy or non-dairy)	Softens the rich and fudgy texture

Presentation ideas

You can serve your brownies on a wooden cutting board for a rustic aesthetic; alternatively, plate them individually with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha powder to create an elegant dessert presentation.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets these matcha brownies apart is their ability to balance indulgence with subtlety. The nutty flavor of browned butter complements the earthy bitterness of matcha, while the use of white chocolate creates a harmonious sweetness. Unlike traditional brownies, matcha brownies are less sugary, making them a sophisticated option for dessert lovers.

For those intrigued by unique chocolate desserts, don’t miss this Dubai chocolate recipe for another creative idea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Brownies

Conclusion

Making matcha brownies is a delightful way to elevate a classic dessert with a modern twist. By combining the earthy tones of matcha with the indulgence of a fudgy brownie, this recipe creates a treat that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you’re experimenting with variations or enjoying them as-is, these matcha brownies are sure to impress friends, family, and even yourself.

With the right ingredients, tips, and tools, anyone can easily master this recipe. Therefore, why wait any longer? Simply gather your matcha, bake a batch, and enjoy the perfect fusion of flavor and color.

Print