If you have a soft spot for creamy, luscious desserts with a vibrant twist, then this Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the delicate earthiness of matcha with the rich silkiness of cheesecake, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors that delight the palate and brighten any table. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or treating yourself to a decadent slice, this recipe is approachable yet impressive, highlighting the beautiful green hue and unique taste of Japanese green tea in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the creamy filling infused with vibrant matcha powder, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create this delightful dessert.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a slightly sweet, crunchy base that perfectly supports the creamy cheesecake topping.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness both to the crust and the filling, balancing the earthy matcha flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Eggs: Help to set the cheesecake and add structure while keeping it silky.
- Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and moistness that keeps the cheesecake tender.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra creaminess and depth to the cheesecake filling.
- Matcha green tea powder: Infuses that signature, vibrant green color and earthy, aromatic flavor essential to this recipe.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste, rounding out the matcha’s intensity with a sweet warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cheesecake.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming an even, compact layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool completely while you prepare the luscious filling. This step ensures a sturdy foundation that won’t get soggy under the creamy cheesecake.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Gradually add 3/4 cup of sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a silky batter. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream to add moistness and richness. Now, sprinkle in the matcha green tea powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently but thoroughly until the batter is a beautiful, even shade of green with no streaks left behind.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the matcha-infused batter over the cooled crust and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles that could cause cracks. Place the springform pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly—this ensures that creamy texture we all love. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for an hour. This gradual cooling step prevents cracking and helps develop that smooth finish.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Once cooled in the oven, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. The chilling process allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up into that perfect sliceable consistency.
How to Serve Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe, consider dusting the top lightly with extra matcha powder for a beautiful, natural decoration that amps up the green tea flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, a handful of red bean paste or a few fresh berries on the side complements matcha’s earthy tones perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of green tea or black coffee. If you’re serving it at a brunch or dessert spread, light fruit salads or citrus sorbets contrast nicely and refresh the palate. The creamy richness of the cheesecake stands out best when balanced with light, fresh flavors or subtle bitterness from beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving slices on pretty ceramic plates with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of honey for added texture and a hint of sweetness. You can also cut the cheesecake into charming bite-sized squares for a fun party platter. Layering it with thin crepes or edible flowers makes it instantly Instagram-worthy and a guaranteed conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesecake slices keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled ensures the texture stays creamy and fresh while maintaining that distinctive matcha flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe on hand for longer, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freezing works well. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, bring it to room temperature naturally by leaving it out for about 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the creaminess without compromising the structure or flavor.
FAQs
What kind of matcha powder should I use for this cheesecake?
For the best flavor and vibrant color, use a high-quality, culinary-grade matcha powder. It strikes a great balance between taste and affordability, giving you that authentic green tea essence without any bitterness.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with another type?
Absolutely! You can use digestive biscuits or even crushed almonds for the crust if you want a nutty twist. Just make sure to keep the texture crumbly and mix with melted butter to bind it well.
How do I prevent cracks from forming on my cheesecake?
Cracks often occur due to rapid temperature changes or overbaking. Baking the cheesecake in a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack helps maintain even heat and humidity. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.
Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
Traditional graham crackers contain gluten, but you can easily swap them with gluten-free cookies or crackers to make the crust gluten-free while keeping the rest of the recipe unchanged.
Can I make mini matcha cheesecakes instead of one large cake?
Yes! Mini cheesecakes are fun and convenient for parties. Simply divide the crust mixture into muffin tins lined with paper cups, fill with batter, and adjust baking time to about 25-30 minutes or until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, you simply cannot go wrong with the Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe. Its creamy texture, unique flavor, and beautiful green hue make it a memorable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing this gem with friends and family for years to come.
Print
Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the unique earthy flavor of matcha green tea powder. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, vibrant green filling, this dessert is perfect for fans of Japanese-inspired sweets. Baked to perfection and chilled for a dense, luscious texture, it makes an elegant treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Add remaining ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, matcha powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and has an even green color from the matcha.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles in the batter.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally dust additional matcha powder on top or add whipped cream as a garnish for an extra touch.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter and prevent lumps.
- To reduce the risk of cracks, consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack.
- Top with extra matcha powder or whipped cream for enhanced presentation and flavor.
