Matcha Cheesecake Recipe - The Ultimate Guide

Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of cheesecake that’s smooth, creamy, and just a little different. This isn’t just any cheesecake—it’s a Matcha Cheesecake, blending the rich taste of cream cheese with the earthy depth of green tea powder. With its vibrant green color and delicate sweetness, this dessert promises a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Why matcha, you ask? Matcha adds a subtle layer of flavor that’s both refreshing and calming, perfectly balancing the richness of cheesecake. Plus, this Japanese-inspired dessert feels both familiar and adventurous, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.

Ready to impress your friends or simply treat yourself? This easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a luscious, elegant Matcha Cheesecake at home—no need for fancy equipment or a pastry chef! Whether you’re a matcha fan or simply love trying new flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Grab your whisk, gather the ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful Matcha Cheesecake recipe! It’s time to bring a little extra joy and a pop of color to your dessert table.

Table of Contents

Required Kitchen Tools

To make a matcha cheesecake with ease, here’s a list of the tools you’ll need:

9″ Springform Pan: Allows for easy release and slicing of the cheesecake.
Food Processor: For blending ingredients and achieving a smooth crust.
Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for the crust, filling, and topping.
Electric Mixer: To blend the cream cheese smoothly without lumps.
Fine Mesh Sieve: Ensures smooth matcha powder distribution.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Oven-safe Pan: For a water bath, which prevents cracks in the cheesecake.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a hint of citrus)
¼ teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

24 oz (680g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (22g) matcha powder (ceremonial or premium grade)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup (173g) sour cream, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
Fresh berries
Matcha powder dusting

Choosing the Right Matcha

The quality of matcha you use in your cheesecake can significantly affect the taste, color, and overall presentation. Here’s a quick breakdown of matcha types:

Ceremonial Grade: Vibrant green, subtle, and ideal for a smooth, balanced flavor.
Culinary Grade: Slightly more bitter but suitable for baking.

For a bright green color and clean matcha taste, ceremonial grade is recommended, though a high-quality culinary grade can be more budget-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in Butter: Use a food processor or pastry cutter to blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Add Vanilla and Lemon Zest: Mix in vanilla and lemon zest for added flavor.
Press Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9″ springform pan.
Bake Crust: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Matcha Filling

Beat Cream Cheese: Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar and Salt: Gradually add sugar and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Matcha: Sift matcha powder over the cream cheese mixture to avoid clumps. Beat until the color is even.
Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating at low speed to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake

Prepare a Water Bath: Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger oven-safe pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Pour Filling: Pour the matcha filling over the crust and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake at 325°F (162°C) for 60-70 minutes. The center should slightly jiggle when shaken.
Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Chill: Transfer to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Tips for a Perfect Matcha Cheesecake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and prevents lumps.
Sift Matcha: To avoid green clumps in the batter, always sift matcha before adding.
Prevent Cracks with a Water Bath: A water bath creates steam that keeps the cheesecake smooth and prevents cracking.
Chill Completely: Cheesecake flavor improves after chilling for several hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Leads to a dense, tough cheesecake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
Skipping the Water Bath: Without a water bath, the cheesecake may crack.
Using Low-Quality Matcha: Low-grade matcha can make the cheesecake bitter and less vibrant.

Matcha Cheesecake FAQ

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can make the cheesecake less creamy.

Is There a Gluten-Free Crust Option?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crust.

Can I Make This Cheesecake Keto?

Yes! Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, and use almond flour for the crust.

How Do I Store Matcha Cheesecake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cheesecake slices for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Creating a stunning Matcha Cheesecake is simpler than it seems, and with these steps, you’re equipped to make an impressive dessert that’s sure to delight. Remember to follow each step closely, keep your ingredients at room temperature, and use a high-quality matcha for the best results. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this matcha cheesecake is a memorable and delicious experience.

Happy baking!