I Made These Matcha Recipes and Finally Understood the Hype

I’ll be honest: for a long time, I didn’t quite understand why everyone was so obsessed with matcha. Then I started playing with it in my own kitchen, and somewhere between the earthy flavor, that gorgeous green color, and the way it works in everything from drinks to desserts, I finally got it.

These are the 13 matcha recipes that made me stop wondering what all the fuss was about and start looking for another excuse to open the tin.

Matcha Bread

I did not expect matcha bread to win me over, but this soft almond loaf made a strong case. Matcha goes into a quick bread batter with almond flour, almond extract, and sliced almonds, so the loaf gets a gentle green tea flavor without tasting too sharp. It is a friendly place to start if a cup of matcha feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Bread

Matcha Energy Balls

I like having a small snack ready when I need something sweet but do not want to bake. These matcha energy balls come together with simple pantry ingredients, then roll into little bites you can keep in the fridge. They are an easy way to try matcha in a snack instead of a drink.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Energy Balls

No-Churn Matcha Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Matcha and dulce de leche may sound like an odd pair, but the sweet caramel flavor makes the green tea taste much softer. You whip cold cream, mix in dulce de leche and matcha, then freeze it without an ice cream maker. Add toffee bits on top for a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: No-Churn Matcha Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Matcha Pudding With Raspberry Chia Jam

I love a dessert that looks pretty but does not ask me to do too much. This pudding pairs smooth matcha with bright raspberry chia jam, so each spoonful is creamy, fruity, and lightly earthy. The berries help balance matcha if you are still getting used to its flavor.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Pudding With Raspberry Chia Jam

Strawberry Matcha

This is the matcha drink I would make for a friend who says, “I do not think I like matcha.” A thick strawberry base goes into the glass first, followed by milk and whisked matcha. It tastes like strawberry milk with a gentle green tea finish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Matcha

Banana Matcha Chia Pudding

I keep coming back to chia pudding because it is easy to make ahead. Mashed banana adds sweetness, while matcha brings a soft green tea flavor. The chia seeds thicken everything in the fridge, giving you a creamy breakfast or snack without much work.
Get the Recipe: Banana Matcha Chia Pudding

Pistachio Matcha Latte With Pistachio Spread

This is the latte I make when plain matcha needs a little extra care. Whisk matcha with hot water, warm the milk, and stir in pistachio spread until creamy. The pistachio softens matcha’s earthy side and gives the drink a rich, nutty finish.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Matcha Latte With Pistachio Spread

Strawberry Matcha Banana Bread

I love banana bread because it gives extra fruit a good place to go. This loaf adds matcha and strawberries to the soft banana batter, creating a bake with fruit sweetness and a gentle green tea note. It is a fun way to enjoy matcha in a slice instead of a cup.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Matcha Banana Bread

Matcha Blueberry Smoothie With Oatmeal

This smoothie is a good starting point when you want matcha to share the glass with other flavors. Blueberries and banana bring sweetness, oatmeal adds body, and almond milk keeps the blend smooth. The berries make matcha feel soft and fruity.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Blueberry Smoothie With Oatmeal

Easy Matcha Cookies With White Chocolate

I am always more willing to try a strong new flavor when there is a cookie involved. These cookies mix matcha into a soft dough with brown sugar and white chocolate chips. The chocolate rounds out the green tea flavor, making these a gentle introduction to matcha baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Matcha Cookies With White Chocolate

Matcha Crème Brûlée

This dessert gives matcha a more elegant turn. The powder is whisked into warm cream and milk, then mixed with egg yolks before the custard bakes gently. Once chilled, the top gets a crisp sugar shell that cracks into smooth matcha custard.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Crème Brûlée

Mango Banana Matcha Smoothie

Mango and banana make matcha taste bright, sweet, and easy to enjoy. Blend the fruit with almond milk, honey, and matcha until smooth, then serve it cold. If matcha feels too earthy on its own, this tropical smoothie is a softer way to try it.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Matcha Smoothie

Iced Raspberry Matcha Latte With Coconut Milk

Raspberry and matcha make a lovely pair because the berries add a little tang to the smooth green tea. A raspberry base, coconut milk, and whisked matcha create cool layers in the glass. It is a fun iced latte for an afternoon at home.
Get the Recipe: Iced Raspberry Matcha Latte With Coconut Milk

If you’re still wondering what all the matcha fuss is about, start with one of these. I have a feeling you’ll get it too.