Matcha Cheesecake Like You've Never Seen it Before!

Matcha Cheesecake Recipe

Matcha Cheesecake Recipe

Nio Teas

Servings

12

Prep Time

70 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

420

Cuisine

Japanese

Category

Desserts

This matcha cheesecake is the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of matcha. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also has a beautiful green hue, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat. If you're a fan of Japanese-inspired desserts, this matcha tea cheesecake will be a hit! Here’s a matcha cheesecake recipe that you will absolutely love.

Ingredients

    blank

    • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (170g)

    • 2 tablespoons sugar

    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or substitute with white)

    • 7 tablespoons butter, melted

    blank

    • 3 tablespoons (22 grams) matcha

    • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature

    • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    • 1/8 teaspoon salt

    • 3/4 cup (173 grams) sour cream, at room temperature

    • 3 large eggs (50 grams each, out of shell), at room temperature

    Directions

      blank

      1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

      2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

      3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan to create an even crust.

      4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

      blank

      1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps so the matcha cheesecake is nice and smooth.

      2. Add the matcha, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated into the matcha tea cheesecake filling.

      3. Slowly add the sour cream, blending until smooth.

      4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or the matcha japanese cheesecake will be too firm.

      blank

      1. Pour the matcha cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.

      2. Place the pan into a large roasting dish and fill the dish with hot water about halfway up the sides of the matcha cheesecake pan. This will help prevent cracks.

      3. Bake the japanese matcha cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed.

      4. Turn off the oven and let the japanese cheesecake matcha sit in the oven for another hour with the door slightly open.

      5. Remove the matcha cheesecake from the oven and water bath, and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

      blank

      1. Once the matcha green tea cheesecake is fully set, slice and serve. Garnish with a dusting of matcha powder, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if desired.

      How to improve this matcha cheesecake recipe

      This matcha cheesecake tastes great just the way it is, but if you want to add a few small improvements and make this matcha cheesecake recipe your very own, here are some suggestions.

      Use high quality matcha

      To elevate your matcha cheesecake recipe, consider using high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder.

      This type of matcha has a more vibrant green color and a smoother, less bitter flavor than culinary grade matcha, which can sometimes taste overly grassy or harsh.

      If you want to understand a bit more about the complicated world of matcha grades, you absolutely have to check out this article 👉 A guide to Matcha Grades that actually makes sense

      Add citrus zest

      Additionally, you can experiment by adding a hint of citrus zest, like lemon or yuzu, to the filling for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake. If you’re looking for a lighter version of this matcha tea cheesecake, try reducing the sugar slightly or substituting part of the cream cheese with mascarpone for a silkier texture.

      No-bake matcha cheesecake

      You can also turn your japanese matcha cheesecake into a no-bake version by skipping the baking step and chilling the cheesecake in the fridge overnight, which creates a lighter, mousse-like consistency.

      Serving your matcha cheesecake

      Don't forget to serve your matcha green tea cheesecake with the right accompaniments to enhance its flavors. In the next section, we'll show you a few great food pairings for the matcha tea cheesecake.

      But if you want a quick refresher course on the flavor of matcha and which foods work well with it, you can read this article 👉 What Flavors go Well with Matcha?

       

      Best Food Pairings for Matcha Cheesecake

      If you want to know what flavors work best with this matcha cheesecake, here are a few of our favorites:

      Add Fresh berries to your matcha cheesecake

      You can top the matcha cheesecake with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of sweetness and tang!

      If you like the way the earthy flavors of matcha complement the fresh and sweet notes of berries, you'll really like this recipe as well 👉 Mouthwatering Matcha Strawberry Cake: A Slice of Heaven

      Coconut whipped cream topping

      for a light, tropical touch and an added touch of class to the matcha cheesecake recipe. 

      Yuzu or lemon sorbet

      For a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake. Sometimes it's nice to add a little hint of citrus, otherwise the cheesecake can be a bit too rich and heavy.

      Toasted almonds or pistachios

      If you want to add a little bit of crunch to your matcha green tea cheesecake, you can try adding some toasted almonds or pistachios as a topping. 

      Drinking a cup of green tea with the cheesecake

      What better pairing for a matcha cheesecake than a cup of green tea! When you drink a high quality ceremonial matcha alongside the cheesecake, it will help smooth out the flavor. This is why sweets are served in the Japanese tea ceremony.

      If you want to learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony and its history, you can read this article all about it 👉 Japanese tea ceremony: Description, History, & Facts

      Dark chocolate drizzle

      If you want to add a decadent, bittersweet twist to your matcha cheesecake, try adding a little dark chocolate drizzle to it, but don't overpower it!

      Candied ginger

      If you want to add a bit of spice to balance the earthy matcha notes, a piece of candied ginger can do the trick!

       

      Final thoughts

      Slice of green matcha cheesecake on a plate with a blurred cafe background

      No matter what variations you add to the matcha cheesecake recipe and what food pairings you serve alongside the matcha cheesecake, this dessert is a real all-star.

      Whether your a fan or cheesecakes, or you've found them to be a bit lacking, you're still going to love this recipe.

      When it comes to baking with matcha, you want to balance the flavor out with something sweet, rich and neutral in flavor.

      If you liked this recipe, make sure to try out our matcha basque cheesecake recipe! It is known for its rustic, burnt exterior and custardy interior, while a regular matcha cheesecake is more traditional, with a smoother texture and often includes a crust. 

      Back to blog

      Leave a comment

      Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

      1 of 4