Matcha Green Tea Latte Brownies

I've come to learn that green tea is not for everyone.

Especially Matcha. How could you not like matcha? I realize that just because I like something doesn't mean everyone should like it.

However, if you don't normally like green tea for its bitterness and astringency, try matcha! Matcha is a special kind of green tea that is grown and harvested in a particular manner to preserve the mild sweetness of the leaves. It is less astringent, less grassy and more floral. When paired with sweet milk, it is delicious!

It also has countless health benefits and that's a total plus! Believe me, I drink it for the taste first and foremost! A sweet matcha latte is one of my favourite things on this planet (next to chocolate of course).

There are many different grades of matcha, and when it comes to quality... colour really does make the difference. The best matcha is brilliant emerald green and it comes with a pretty pricetag. Lesser grades of matcha are less expensive and mostly used for baking (as opposed to drinking).

When paired with milk and sugar, even a lesser matcha is delicious although I would always recommend the culinary grade! For this recipe I used a "B" grade to show you how it is still delicious and won't break the bank.

And if you really, reallllly don't like green tea, try replacing the matcha powder with coffee or pumpkin spice for another delicious latte-inspired variation!


Matcha Green Tea Latte Brownies
makes 16 brownies
Brownie batter:⅓ cup (75g) salted butter5 oz (142g) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped2 large eggs, at room temperature¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract¼ teaspoon salt½ cup (71g) all-purpose flour
Matcha latte swirl:4 oz (113g) pure white chocolate, chopped2 tablespoon (15ml) 35% whipping cream1 large egg yolk2 teaspoon matcha powderPinch of salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper leaving a 2-inch overhang at each side.
Melt together butter and chocolate either in a saucepan over very low heat or in the microwave with frequent stirring until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla and whisk vigorously for 20 seconds until well blended and smooth. Whisk in warm melted chocolate mixture. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it through.  
To make the matcha swirl, combine white chocolate and cream in a bowl and microwave until melted. Stir in egg yolk, matcha and salt until smooth.
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Dollop matcha ganache over the brownie batter and swirl it through.  Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until slightly puffed and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool completely in the pan.