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    Home » Recipes » Brownies and Bars

    Fudgy Matcha Brownies

    by Jolina | Published: May 13, 2021 | Last Updated: March 22, 2023 | 19 Comments
    This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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    Pin for Matcha Brownies Recipe - Fudgy and Chocolatey.
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    These matcha brownies are fudgy, chocolatey and bursting with the matcha green tea flavor you love. Easy to make, can be made ahead, delicious!

    (Do you like putting matcha powder in everything? Try these matcha chocolate chip cookies. They’re so easy to make and are the perfect sweet treats. If matcha and cream cheese is your thing, you’ll love this rich and creamy matcha cheesecake.)

    Freshly baked matcha brownies.
    Jump To hide
    Why you’ll love this recipe
    How to make
    Brownie baking tips
    Baking with matcha
    Recipe FAQs
    Other matcha recipes
    Fudgy Matcha Brownies

    I love brownies and I love matcha so it was only a matter of time before these matcha brownies happened. And they’re all I imagined them to be. 

    And unlike other matcha brownie recipes, there’s no white chocolate here. 

    Just rich dark chocolate, fudgy chocolate brownie, full-bodied matcha.

    Let’s get to it.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    If you’re a fan of matcha like I am, you’ll enjoy making this recipe too.

    • Classic brownie recipe. It’s based on my tried and tested brownie recipe so you can be sure it always comes out chocolatey, fudgy and chewy like a proper brownie should be.
    • Vibrant green color. And because these are technically matcha swirl brownies i.e. we swirl the matcha cream cheese mixture on top, the brownies remain a bright, pretty green. (Fan of purple brownies? Try my ube brownies! It’s a reader favorite.)
    • Freezes well. They freeze incredibly well too. So you can make a batch ahead of time and thaw when you need them.

    (Looking for more unique brownie recipes? Try red velvet brownies and iced mocha brownies!)

    How to make

    There are two components to this recipe: the brownie batter and the matcha cheesecake mixture.

    Ingredient notes and baking tools

    You’ll need simple ingredients and pantry staples like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Key things to note:

    • Cocoa powder — I always use Dutch processed, unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Espresso or strong coffee — I put coffee in my brownies because it enhances the chocolate flavor. You can skip this if you like and use water instead
    • Cream cheese — for best results, use full-fat cream cheese, those available in blocks
    • Matcha powder — I use culinary-grade matcha powder in baking. More info on baking with matcha below

    As far as baking tools, you’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan. 

    I also like using my electric mixer to beat the matcha cream cheese mixture.

    Step-by-step photos

    First, preheat your oven to 350F, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, then line with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Set aside.

    Matcha mixture

    Cream cheese with sugar.

    Place cream cheese and sugar in a bowl.

    Smooth and creamy cream cheese.

    Beat until smooth and creamy.

    Cream cheese with matcha powder.

    Add matcha powder. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. You’ll want this mixture stronger than how you normally like your matcha tea so that the green tea flavour shines through. I usually add 2 tablespoons (or equivalent to 6 teaspoons). 

    Matcha powder with cream cheese.

    Beat until incorporated.

    Matcha cream cheese mixture with egg.

    Once you’re happy with your matcha mixture, add egg and vanilla extract and continue beating until incorporated.

    Matcha cream cheese mixture.

    Set this aside while you work on your chocolate brownie batter.

    Brownie batter

    Cocoa powder mixture.

    In a large bowl, whisk cocoa powder and baking soda… 

    Cocoa powder mixture.

    …until combined.

    Cocoa power and melted butter.

    Add melted unsalted butter.

    Chocolate brownie batter.

    Whisk until smooth.

    Cocoa mixture with espresso.

    Add espresso or strong coffee and continue whisking until batter is creamy and thick.

    Chewy fudgy brownie batter.

    At this point, it would seem like the coffee doesn’t want to incorporate into the batter. Just keep whisking, it will come together.

    Brownie batter.

    Add the rest of your ingredients (except the flour).

    Cocoa and espresso mixture.

    Whisk until fully incorporated.

    Cocoa mixture with flour.

    Add all purpose flour and gently fold until just combined.

    Brownie batter in a bowl.

    Do not over mix.

    Put them together

    Now that you have your two mixtures ready, it’s time to assemble.

    Brownie batter in baking pan.

    Transfer your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.

    Matcha cream cheese on top of brownie batter.

    Top with your matcha powder cream cheese batter and try to spread around.

    Matcha brownies ready for the oven.

    Gently run a knife through the batter to create swirls and help further even out the cream cheese throughout the pan.

    Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle in.

    Bake the brownies for 30-45 minutes or until it’s starting to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly. You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but slightly moist crumbs.

    Take out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. Then chill 2-3 hours (or overnight) until the brownies are set. You can serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature.

    Brownie baking tips

    Brownie recipes are some of the easiest recipes to make. I find them more forgiving than cookies and simpler than cakes.

    Here are more baking tips to make baking them even easier.

    • Use room temperature ingredients — they’re easier to incorporate and helps you avoid over-mixing the batter.
    • Measure ingredients correctly — this is especially important with flour. Too much or too little flour can negatively impact brownies. I always use a kitchen scale.
    • Don’t over-mix the brownie batter — over-mixing results to dry, crumbly brownies.
    • Bake at the correct temperature — all ovens are different so it helps to use an oven thermometer to make sure you’re always baking at the correct temperature.
    • Do no over-bake — it’s better to underbake than over-bake brownies. They will continue to cook as they cool.

    Baking with matcha

    Green tea brownies on a plate.

    Is it your first time baking with matcha? Here’s everything you need to know.

    What is matcha and what is it made from

    Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” Specially grown and processed green tea leaves are finely ground until they turn to the vibrant green powder we all know and love.

    If you’re wondering what matcha tastes like, it really depends on the kind and the quality of the matcha powder you have.

    According to matcha.com — “premium matcha tea can have a sweet, grassy (or earthy) flavour. People often describe it with some type of vegetal taste, mixed with an umami, or savoury effect on the palate”. 

    Good quality matcha doesn’t require any added sweetener. Lower grade matcha powders have a slightly bitter aftertaste and needs sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

    Matcha is also known for its many health benefits. Check this out.

    How to bake with matcha

    It’s very easy to bake with matcha and incorporate it into your recipes. 

    I personally just either add and sift the powder directly into my dry ingredients. 

    Or dissolve it in milk and add that mixture to my wet ingredients. 

    What’s important is you use a matcha powder you like and adjust the matcha flavour according to how strong you want your green tea flavour to be.

    What do matcha brownies taste like

    Slice of matcha brownie on a plate.

    Matcha is a surprisingly delicious complement to the sweet chocolate brownie. 

    It cuts through all that sweetness and lends a slight bitterness and lots of umami. It’s what makes you want a second brownie slice.  

    And it’s definitely one of the most unique brownies you’ll ever make and taste!

    How to choose matcha powder

    There are two kinds of matcha powder — culinary grade and ceremonial grade.

    Ceremonial grade matcha is more expensive, very fine and silky, and has a vibrant green colour. 

    It’s designed to be naturally sweet and strong and is usually the kind used in Japanese tea ceremonies.

    Not very many people appreciate the strong matcha flavour though. It’s definitely an acquired taste.

    Culinary grade matcha is a more versatile matcha powder that’s more commonly used to make matcha lattes and baked goods. This is the matcha flavour we’re probably more used to.

    I used to think that I needed to splurge for the ceremonial matcha powder but after many recipes and years of baking, I realized that for the goodies that I make, culinary grade works just as well. 

    So don’t sweat it. Just make sure the matcha powder you use for baking is the matcha powder you enjoy drinking.

    I would recommend buying pure matcha powder though, and not those already sweetened with sugar. 

    I personally like Elan Organic Matcha Powder which I can usually get at Costco for a steal. 

    Recipe FAQs

    Chewy and fudgy matcha brownies on a white background.
    How do I make my brownies green?


    To get that vibrant green tint to your brownies, make sure to:

    – Use fresh, high quality matcha powder. They have a more vibrant colour that tends to shine through in baked goods. And remember that matcha powder that’s been sitting in your cupboard starts to lose their lustre after a while, resulting to brownies that are more brown than bright green. 

    – Making a 2-batter brownie also results to that lovely green colour. If you just add matcha powder to the cocoa mixture, you will taste it but the colour will get lost in all that brown. Mixing it with the cream cheese for a nice cheesecake layer ensures you get pretty green swirls all around.

    How do I make moist, chewy, fudgy brownies?


    In my experience,  two things significantly affect the chewiness and fudginess of brownies:

    1. Brown sugar. In this recipe, there’s ½ cup packed brown sugar and I’ve found that adding it helps create that sticky, fudgy texture.

    2. Bake time. Remember it’s better to under-bake than over-bake brownies. Use the baking time in this recipe (or any brownie recipe) as a guide and then start testing your brownies about 10 minutes before the end, or just when they start pulling away from the sides of your pan.

    The tester or toothpick you insert in the centre must not come out clean. What you want are bits of crumbs (not wet batter) sticking to it. The brownies will continue to cook as they cool.

    How do I store homemade brownies?


    Brownies will keep in the fridge for up to a week but the best way to store them is to freeze them.

    Cut the thoroughly cooled brownies into individual pieces, wrap each one in plastic wrap (wrap them snugly), then with foil. Place each one in a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag.

    When you’re ready to eat or serve them, just bring them out and thaw at room temperature. They’re good slightly chilled too.

    Brownies stored in the freezer will keep for 1-2 months.

    How do I get neat, perfect slices?


    The best way to get perfect brownie slices is to chill the brownies first. 

    Once they’re set, use a sharp knife or bench scraper dipped in hot water and slice.

    Other matcha recipes

    Here are other recipes you can make using matcha powder:

    • Matcha Overnight Oats with Chia and White Chocolate Chips
      Matcha Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
    • A slice of baked matcha cheesecake on a plate.
      Baked Matcha Cheesecake Recipe
    • matcha chocolate chip cookies in a bowl
      Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • A scoop of matcha ice cream.
      Matcha Ice Cream

    Enjoy and happy baking!

    Did you make matcha brownies? I’d love to hear all about it! Leave a comment or a star rating below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see your creations!

    You can also find me on Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

    Stack of freshly baked matcha brownies.

    Fudgy Matcha Brownies

    Author: Jolina
    These matcha brownies are fudgy, chocolatey and bursting with the matcha green tea flavor you love. Easy to make, can be made ahead, delicious!
    5 from 40 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Chill Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 24 brownies
    Calories 164 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • 9×13 Baking Pan
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    Matcha Cream Cheese Mixture

    • 1 8-oz block cream cheese room temperature
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tbsp matcha powder adjust to taste
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 pc large egg room temperature

    Chocolate Brownie Batter

    • ¾ cup Dutch processed, unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
    • ½ cup espresso or strong coffee lukewarm
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 pcs large eggs room temperature
    • 1⅓ cup all purpose flour

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350F, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, then line with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Set aside.

    Matcha Cream Cheese Mixture

    • Beat 1 block of cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
      Smooth and creamy cream cheese.
    • Add matcha powder. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. See notes.
      Cream cheese with matcha powder.
    • Beat until incorporated.
      Matcha powder with cream cheese.
    • Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract and continue beating until incorporated. Set this aside while you work on your chocolate brownie batter.
      Matcha cream cheese mixture with egg.

    Chocolate Brownie Batter

    • In a large bowl, whisk ¾ cup cocoa powder and ½ tsp baking soda until combined. 
      Cocoa powder mixture.
    • Add ¾ cup melted unsalted butter and whisk until smooth.
      Chocolate brownie batter.
    • Add ½ cup espresso or strong coffee and continue whisking until batter is creamy and thick. See notes.
      Chewy fudgy brownie batter.
    • Add the rest of your ingredients (except the flour) and whisk until fully incorporated.
      Brownie batter.
    • Add 1⅓ cup all purpose flour and gently fold until just combined. Do not over mix.
      Cocoa mixture with flour.

    Assembly and Baking

    • Transfer your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
      Brownie batter in baking pan.
    • Top with your matcha powder cream cheese batter and try to spread around.
      Matcha cream cheese on top of brownie batter.
    • Run a knife through the batter to create swirls and help further even out the cream cheese throughout the pan.
      Matcha brownies ready for the oven.
    • Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle in.
    • Bake the brownies for 30-45 minutes or until it's starting to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly. You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but slightly moist crumbs.
    • Take out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. Then chill 2-3 hours (or overnight) until the brownies are set. You can serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    1. The yield depends on how big or small you cut your brownies. These matcha brownies are very rich and a little goes a long way.
    2. You’ll want your matcha cream cheese mixture stronger than how you normally like your matcha tea so that the green tea flavour shines through. I usually add 2 tablespoons (or equivalent to 6 teaspoons). 
    3. When you add the espresso or coffee to the brownie batter, it would seem like the coffee doesn’t want to incorporate into the batter. Just keep whisking, it will come together.
    4. See post for complete step-by-step photos and lots of baking tips and FAQs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 221IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea

      March 23, 2025 at 12:24 pm

      3 stars
      Very tasty but my brownies stuck to the parchment a lot It was difficult to get clean and proper slices and I had to scrape each bar off the paper in order to get it off. I think if maybe greasing the parchment paper would hopefully fix that issue? I followed the instructions where it said grease then lay your parchment paper down (and most other brownies Ive tried usually lift off without greasing the parchment.) but I’m not sure if extra greasing would still work because the chocolate batter is quite fudgy and sticky. None the less I was very happy with the taste – very yummy! I might also try next time just halfing the recipe and using a 9×9 pan because 9×13 pan is quite a lot but that’s just me. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!

      Oh also I topped mine with demerara sugar and cacoa nibs and I recommend for anyone to try that as well if they have it on hand.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 24, 2025 at 7:50 am

        Hi Andrea, maybe the brownies needed little more time in the oven? In any case, I’m happy to hear you liked them! Cocoa nibs sound delicious 🙂

        Reply
    2. M

      January 01, 2025 at 2:38 pm

      Are these super chewy? I wanna try but my family only likes super chewy brownies.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        January 02, 2025 at 8:07 am

        Hi M, they are! The baking tips and the FAQs on the post should help too. Happy baking!

        Reply
    3. Deborah

      November 22, 2024 at 3:52 pm

      1 star
      Very runny macha batter. The brownie part tastes very good due to me using salted butter. I imagine it would taste bland without the salt. I’m not sure what happened but the macha batter part was this: room temp 8oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tbsp macha to taste, 1tsp vanilla, 1 large room temp egg. This was very very runny and the brownies looks really bad – wish I can post my picture of it. Will never make this again- what a waste of macha and time :(.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        November 25, 2024 at 8:30 am

        Hi Deborah, the matcha batter is supposed to be on the runny side (check out the step-by-step photos). And 1 tsp salt is included in the recipe as I use unsalted butter so not sure why you’d think it was omitted. I do see you left me two 1-star reviews using different names and email addresses though. Hope it’s not spam! In any case, thank you for trying the recipe.

        Reply
    4. Jere Cassidy

      July 25, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      I was just gifted with matcha powder and really didn’t know I could use it in baking. Can’t wait to try these brownies.

      Reply
    5. Liz

      July 19, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      I have never baked with matcha powder, but love the color it gives!

      Reply
    6. Mely

      June 08, 2021 at 8:41 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for the recipe Jolina! I have a can of matcha powder not getting used so I decided to make some brownies using your recipe and its delicious!! My son loves them and wants them from now on instead of regular brownies.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        June 09, 2021 at 9:23 am

        That’s great Mely! Happy to hear you and your son like the brownies 🙂

        Reply
    7. Ivan

      May 31, 2021 at 6:22 am

      I love brownies! Willing to try any flavor, matcha is very interesting.

      Reply
    8. Annie

      May 30, 2021 at 1:17 am

      I have matcha latte every. single. day. I love putting it on everything too! Brownies have escaped my attention so I’m very excited to try this.

      Reply
    9. Rachelle

      May 28, 2021 at 11:29 pm

      What a unique brownie flavor. I love chocolate and I love green tea I bet I’ll love this! It looks very chewy and fudgy too.

      Reply
    10. Eileen M Loya

      May 26, 2021 at 7:47 pm

      I am sharing this recipe with my niece. Since the pandemic started, she kept herself busy with baking cupcakes and cookies and started a small business with it. These matcha brownies would be a good addition to her list of goodies to offer.

      Reply
    11. Tammy

      May 24, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      I adore matcha and never thought about it with chocolate. Saving this recipe.

      Reply
    12. Amber Myers

      May 24, 2021 at 3:39 pm

      I will have to try these out. We do love brownies here. I’ve never tried to make them with matcha. We’ve never had that before!

      Reply
    13. Tara Pittman

      May 22, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      I love the benefits of matcha. Would this recipe work with the matcha blended into the batter as my family would not eat the green part?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        May 26, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Hi Tara, I haven’t tried but I think it should. Might be a little difficult to gauge how much matcha powder to put though, since you can’t taste it.

        Reply
    14. Terri A Steffes

      May 20, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      I’m loving these two toned brownies. I think I might like matcha baked into a brownie!

      Reply
    4.85 from 40 votes (37 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I’m Jolina! And I’m definitely a late bloomer, a thoroughly unexpected baker.

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