Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe (So Smooth & Creamy!)

Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe (So Smooth & Creamy!) is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Pastry Living with Aya on YouTube.

Prep: 44 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 34 min

Cost: $24.29 total, $3.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Graham Crackers (crushed, leave some small pieces for texture)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 30 g Granulated Sugar (for crust)
  • 450 g Cream Cheese (room temperature, softened)
  • 100 g Granulated Sugar (for filling)
  • 5 g Matcha Powder (high‑quality Japanese grade, sifted)
  • 240 ml Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 16 g Cornstarch (2 tbsp, sifted)
  • 3 Egg Yolks
  • 2 Whole Eggs
  • 2 g Matcha Powder (for swirl) (sifted, mixed with 1 tbsp of cheesecake filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. While it melts, crush the graham crackers in a zip‑lock bag, leaving some small pieces for texture. Add 30 g sugar, the melted butter, and the crushed crackers to a mixing bowl and stir until evenly combined.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Press and Pre‑Bake Crust

    Grease the springform pan with a thin layer of butter. Transfer the crust mixture into the pan, pressing firmly with the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer. Optional: bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the edges turn golden for extra crispness.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  3. Set Up Water Bath

    Place a larger baking sheet or roasting pan on the lower rack. Fill it with hot water until it gently simmers (just below a boil). Line the water‑bath pan with a thin cloth, then place the springform pan on top. Cover the sides of the springform pan with an oven bag or 2‑3 layers of foil to keep water out.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: simmering

  4. Combine Matcha and Sugar

    In a small bowl, whisk together 100 g granulated sugar and 5 g matcha powder until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Beat Cream Cheese

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a whisk (or paddle attachment) until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Incorporate Matcha‑Sugar Mix

    Add the matcha‑sugar mixture to the cream cheese and whisk on low speed until fully incorporated. Start slowly to avoid scattering the powder, then increase speed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Heavy Cream

    Pour in about one‑third of the heavy cream (≈80 ml) and whisk until smooth. Then add the remaining cream and continue mixing until the batter is glossy.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Stir in Cornstarch

    Sift 16 g cornstarch over the batter and whisk until no lumps remain.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Add Eggs

    Separate the eggs. Add the three yolks first, whisking gently, then add the two whole eggs. Mix until just combined; avoid over‑mixing.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Prepare Swirl Mixture

    Scoop about 1 Tbsp of the cheesecake batter into a small bowl, add the extra 2 g sifted matcha, and whisk until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag or a zip‑lock bag with a tiny corner cut off.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Pipe Matcha Swirl

    Pipe the matcha mixture onto the surface of the cheesecake in decorative swirls, using a steady hand. If the line gets too thin, lift the tip slightly and continue.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Fill the Pan

    Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Bake in Water Bath

    Place the pan in the pre‑heated oven (350°F) and bake for 50 minutes. The water should cover about one‑third of the pan’s height. The cheesecake is done when the sides are set and the center jiggles slightly like a trampoline.

    Time: PT50M

    Temperature: 350°F

  14. Cool in Oven

    Turn off the oven, crack the door open about 1 inch, and let the cheesecake sit for 30 minutes. This gradual cooling prevents cracking.

    Time: PT30M

  15. Room‑Temp Cool & Refrigerate

    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5‑6 hours (overnight) until fully set.

    Time: PT0M

  16. Release from Pan & Finish

    Run a thin cake palette or knife around the edge to loosen the crust, then carefully remove the springform side. If the surface isn’t perfectly smooth, smooth it with the palette. Warm a sharp knife in hot water for clean slices.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe (So Smooth & Creamy!)

Recipe by Pastry Living with Aya

A smooth, creamy baked cheesecake infused with vibrant Japanese matcha. The crust is a buttery graham‑cracker base, and the filling is lightened with heavy cream and stabilized with cornstarch, all baked in a gentle water bath for a flawless texture. Finished with a decorative matcha swirl, this dessert is perfect for matcha lovers.

MediumJapaneseServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 10m
Prep
1h 7m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.29
Total cost
$3.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pressing the crust firmly to avoid breakage
  • Sifting matcha with sugar to eliminate lumps
  • Baking in a water bath for a smooth texture
  • Checking doneness by gentle tapping (jelly‑like bounce)
  • Gradual cooling in the oven to prevent cracks

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water bath with care to avoid burns
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot pan
  • Warm the slicing knife in hot water to prevent tearing the cheesecake
  • Do not over‑mix the batter; it can incorporate too much air and cause cracks

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of baked matcha cheesecake in Japanese‑Western fusion cuisine?

A

Baked matcha cheesecake blends the creamy texture of Western New York‑style cheesecakes with the earthy, vibrant flavor of Japanese matcha, reflecting Japan’s post‑war embrace of Western desserts while preserving traditional tea culture. It is often served at modern tea‑time gatherings and showcases the harmony between East and West.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of matcha‑flavored desserts in Japanese cuisine?

A

In Japan, matcha appears in wagashi such as matcha daifuku, matcha mochi, and matcha ice cream. While the classic cheesecake is a Western invention, regional twists include adding red bean paste, using black sesame, or incorporating yuzu for a citrus note, creating unique Japanese‑style cheesecake variations.

cultural
Q

How is baked matcha cheesecake traditionally served in Japan?

A

It is typically served chilled, sliced into neat wedges, and accompanied by a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of sweet red bean sauce. Occasionally, a dusting of extra matcha powder or a side of fresh berries adds visual contrast.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is baked matcha cheesecake commonly enjoyed in Japanese culture?

A

The dessert is popular at tea‑time gatherings, birthday celebrations, and seasonal festivals such as Hanami (cherry‑blossom viewing) where its green hue complements spring themes. It is also a favorite at modern café menus for special occasions.

cultural
Q

What makes baked matcha cheesecake special compared to regular New York‑style cheesecake?

A

The addition of high‑quality matcha imparts a subtle bitterness and vivid green color, while the water‑bath baking yields a lighter, soufflé‑like texture. This contrast of earthy tea flavor with creamy richness sets it apart from plain vanilla cheesecakes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked matcha cheesecake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter (which traps air and causes cracks), not sifting matcha which leads to lumps, skipping the water bath, and cooling the cake too quickly. Follow the gentle simmer water bath and gradual oven cooling steps to ensure a smooth surface.

technical
Q

Why does this baked matcha cheesecake recipe use a water bath instead of baking directly?

A

The water bath provides gentle, even heat, preventing the delicate cheesecake from drying out and creating a smooth, custard‑like texture. Direct oven heat can cause the top to over‑cook and crack.

technical
Q

Can I make baked matcha cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the cheesecake has cooled and been refrigerated for at least 5‑6 hours, wrap the exposed surface tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3‑4 days and can be frozen for up to one month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the baked matcha cheesecake is done?

A

The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should wobble gently like a trampoline when the pan is tapped. The surface will be smooth, slightly glossy, and the matcha swirl should remain distinct.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pastry Living with Aya specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pastry Living with Aya focuses on elegant home‑baked desserts, especially cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique, presentation, and the use of high‑quality ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pastry Living with Aya's approach to Japanese‑inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?

A

Aya combines classic Western baking methods with authentic Japanese ingredients like matcha and yuzu, providing detailed explanations of flavor balance and texture. Unlike many channels that simply add a Japanese ingredient, she adapts the entire technique to highlight the ingredient’s character.

channel

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