Can I Use Drinking Matcha Powder for Baking?

Matcha is a versatile ingredient that has found its way into various dishes beyond the traditional tea cup. Can I use drinking matcha powder for baking? Absolutely! Therefore, in this article, we will delve into how to incorporate drinking matcha powder into your baking recipes, discuss the benefits it brings, and share some pro tips for getting the best results. Moreover, by understanding the nuances of matcha, you can make informed choices that elevate your baking experience.

Understanding Drinking Matcha Powder

Matcha powder comes in two main types: culinary and ceremonial (or drinking) grade. While culinary matcha is typically used for cooking and baking, you can still use drinking matcha powder for baking as well. Drinking matcha powder is higher quality and tends to have a smoother, less bitter taste compared to culinary matcha. Therefore, when used in baked goods, it gives a more delicate flavor that many enjoy.

If you’re new to baking with matcha, you might want to check out this article on using matcha in cooking for further insights. Additionally, incorporating drinking matcha powder can provide an extra boost of antioxidants, making your baked goods not only delicious but also healthier. Matcha powder is rich in catechins, which are known for their antioxidant properties. You can read more about its health benefits on Healthline’s website.

To maximize the flavor profile, consider following this matcha flavor guide for optimal results.

How to Use Drinking Matcha Powder in Baking

Drinking matcha powder can be used in all types of baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, cookies, and even bread. The process of using it in baking isn’t much different from using culinary grade matcha. Below are some specific ways you can incorporate drinking matcha powder in your recipes:

Substitute It for Culinary Matcha: You can substitute drinking matcha powder in any recipe that calls for matcha powder. Due to its higher quality, you may notice an even richer, more vibrant color in your baked goods.
Mix Properly to Avoid Clumps: Matcha powder tends to clump easily. When baking, it’s best to sift the powder into your dry ingredients or blend it with a small amount of hot water first before adding it to your batter.
Adjust the Quantity: If you are replacing culinary matcha with drinking matcha, you may want to use slightly less powder, as the flavor can be more intense. Start with 80% of the recommended amount, and adjust to taste.

For instance, when making matcha muffins, try combining drinking matcha powder with almond flour for a unique texture and flavor. This can create a moist and flavorful muffin that pairs wonderfully with tea. If you’re interested in trying a matcha muffin recipe, you can refer to our matcha muffin recipe with almond flour to guide you.

Benefits of Using Drinking Matcha Powder in Baking

Using drinking matcha powder instead of culinary grade matcha in your baked goods comes with several benefits:

Better Taste: Drinking matcha generally has a more refined, smoother taste. This translates well into baked goods, giving a more delicate and less earthy flavor profile.
Rich Color: The vibrant green of drinking matcha can make your cakes, muffins, and cookies more visually appealing.
Health Benefits: Drinking matcha powder has more antioxidants compared to culinary grade matcha, meaning your baked treats can have added health benefits.

However, using drinking matcha can be more expensive, so you may want to reserve it for special occasions or treats where the flavor really shines, such as in our matcha muffin recipe with almond flour.

Baking Tips for Using Matcha Powder

Sift the Matcha: Always sift your matcha powder before adding it to your baking ingredients to avoid clumps.
Pair with Complementary Ingredients: Matcha pairs well with almond flour, white chocolate, lemon zest, and vanilla. Consider combining these ingredients to enhance the flavor.
Storage Matters: Matcha powder can lose its potency if exposed to air or sunlight. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh.

How Drinking Matcha Powder Affects Different Types of Baked Goods

Different baked goods react uniquely to the inclusion of drinking matcha powder. Let’s explore how it affects various types of baked products.

Cakes and Muffins

In cakes and muffins, drinking matcha powder imparts a delightful color and a subtle tea flavor that balances sweetness well. For instance, matcha pound cake or sponge cake not only looks visually striking but also tastes refined with a delicate matcha undertone. If you bake muffins using almond flour and drinking matcha powder, the texture becomes rich and moist. Almond flour adds a nutty quality that enhances the tea’s flavor. Try this in our matcha muffin recipe with almond flour for best results.

Cookies

Cookies made with drinking matcha tend to have a crispier texture, but they still retain the smooth matcha taste. The vivid green color gives a distinctive appearance, making these cookies a standout addition to your baking repertoire. Try adding white chocolate chips to matcha cookies, as they complement the bitter notes with creamy sweetness. You can find inspiration from our Matcha Green Tea Cookies with White Chocolate Chips.

Bread

In bread recipes, using drinking matcha powder not only gives the bread a subtle hint of tea flavor without overwhelming it, but also adds a unique character. Furthermore, the gentle bitterness of matcha adds complexity, which pairs beautifully with slightly sweet or savory bread dough. Therefore, consider a matcha swirl bread for a show-stopping breakfast option that will impress your guests.

Brownies and Blondies

If you love making brownies or blondies, incorporating drinking matcha powder can add a new twist to your traditional recipes. Matcha blondies, for instance, are a fun alternative that balances sweetness with the slightly earthy notes of matcha.

Common Mistakes When Baking with Drinking Matcha Powder

While baking with matcha is straightforward, there are some common mistakes that could hinder the success of your baked goods. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Using Too Much Matcha: Too much matcha can make your baked goods taste bitter. It’s important to use the right amount; start with smaller quantities and adjust gradually.
Not Sifting the Powder: Matcha tends to clump, and unsifted powder may lead to green lumps in your finished product.
Exposing Matcha to Heat for Too Long: Excessive heat can cause matcha to lose its color and flavor. Bake at moderate temperatures and avoid direct high heat.
Using Old Matcha: Matcha that has been stored for too long may lose its vibrant green color and potent flavor. Always use fresh matcha for the best results.

Creative Recipes Using Drinking Matcha Powder

Matcha Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

A pound cake infused with drinking matcha powder and finished with a lemon glaze can be an excellent way to introduce matcha into your baking. The lemon glaze complements the grassy flavor of matcha and provides a lovely citrusy twist.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp drinking matcha powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and drinking matcha powder. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over cooled cake.

This recipe is just one of the many ways you can use drinking matcha powder in creative baking endeavors.

Matcha Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars with drinking matcha powder are not only visually striking but also delicious. The creaminess of cheesecake pairs incredibly well with the subtle, earthy flavor of matcha.

Ingredients:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp drinking matcha powder
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in drinking matcha powder and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Pour over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

These cheesecake bars can be a great addition to your baking repertoire and are sure to impress with their unique flavor and vibrant green color.

Matcha and Health: Why Baking with Drinking Matcha Powder is Beneficial

Baking with drinking matcha powder adds more than just great taste to your baked goods. It also offers a range of health benefits:

Antioxidant-Rich: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially catechins, which help fight free radicals in the body.
Boosts Metabolism: The EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) found in matcha can help boost metabolism and support weight loss when paired with a balanced diet.
Calm Alertness: Unlike coffee, matcha contains L-theanine, which provides a calm alertness without the jittery side effects of caffeine.
Supports Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of matcha can contribute to improved cardiovascular health by helping to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Incorporating drinking matcha powder in baked goods can be a delicious way to enjoy these health benefits, making your treats not only tasty but also nourishing.

FAQs About Using Drinking Matcha Powder for Baking

1. Can I use drinking matcha powder for any baking recipe?
Yes, you can. Drinking matcha powder works in any recipe that calls for matcha. However, due to its higher quality, you may find the flavor is more nuanced and the color more vibrant.

2. Does drinking matcha powder affect the texture of baked goods?
No, the texture remains the same as when using culinary matcha. The main difference lies in the flavor and color intensity.

3. Is drinking matcha powder better than culinary matcha for baking?
It depends on what you want. If you desire a more refined taste and don’t mind spending a bit more, drinking matcha is an excellent choice.

4. How do I prevent matcha from becoming bitter in baked goods?
To avoid bitterness, use the right amount of matcha and do not overbake. Additionally, pairing matcha with sweet ingredients like white chocolate or lemon can help balance its earthy flavor.

More Recipes to Try

If you are curious about using matcha in more recipes, consider exploring the following posts:

Matcha Muffin Recipe with Almond Flour
Matcha Green Tea Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Each of these recipes makes great use of matcha powder, whether culinary or drinking grade, and provides excellent opportunities to experiment with this versatile ingredient.