[Teakha] Matcha Cheesecake
[Teakha] Matcha Cheesecake is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 8. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by itsmelodylc on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 3 hrs
Cost: $10.95 total, $1.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Digestive Biscuits (crushed fine)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 400 g Cream Cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 100 g Granulated Sugar (fine)
- 2 Large Eggs (medium size, room temperature)
- 100 ml Heavy Whipping Cream (chilled)
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 tbsp Matcha Powder (high‑quality culinary grade)
- 3 tsp Hot Water (for making matcha paste)
Instructions
Prepare Crust
Place the digestive biscuits in a zip‑lock bag, seal, and crush into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Mix Butter into Crumbs
Add the melted butter to the bag, seal, and knead with your hands until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Form Crust and Chill
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 6‑inch springform pan, smooth with the back of a spoon, wipe the sides clean, grease the pan with any remaining butter, then refrigerate.
Time: PT5M
Make Matcha Paste
Combine the matcha powder with 3 tsp hot water in a small bowl, stirring until a thick, smooth paste forms. Add a little more hot water if needed.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 170 °C (338 °F).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 170°C
Beat Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT3M
Add Sugar
Add the granulated sugar and continue beating on medium‑high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Eggs
Crack each egg into a separate small bowl, then add to the cream cheese mixture one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition.
Time: PT2M
Add Cream and Vanilla
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
Time: PT2M
Fold in Flour
Sprinkle the sifted all‑purpose flour over the batter and fold in gently.
Time: PT1M
Add Matcha Paste
Add the prepared matcha paste to the batter and mix on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Time: PT2M
Wrap Pan with Foil
Wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan with a double layer of aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
Time: PT2M
Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the matcha cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, smooth the top with a spatula, and gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
Time: PT3M
Set Up Water Bath
Place the foil‑wrapped pan into a deeper baking tray and carefully pour hot water around the pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides.
Time: PT2M
First Bake
Bake at 170 °C for 50 minutes.
Time: PT50M
Temperature: 170°C
Second Bake
Lower the oven temperature to 120 °C, cover the pan loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil, and continue baking for 60‑75 minutes (70 minutes recommended).
Time: PT70M
Temperature: 120°C
Cool and Refrigerate
Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake inside to cool for about 1 hour, then remove and let it come to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 10 hours or overnight.
Time: PT1H
Serve
Dip a thin knife in hot water, wipe dry, and gently run it around the edge to smooth the sides. Slice and serve chilled.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Digestive Biscuits: Graham crackers, Digestive biscuits
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Caster sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg substitute (for baking)
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half-and-half
- Instead of Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder
Equipment Needed
- Zip Lock Bag
- Rolling Pin
- 6‑Inch Springform Pan with Removable Bottom
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Spatula
- Aluminum Foil
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Press crust firmly to create a solid base.
- Create a smooth matcha paste with the correct water ratio.
- Do not overbeat the eggs; brief mixing prevents cracks.
- Use a water bath to keep the cheesecake moist and prevent cracks.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly wobbly.
- Cool gradually before refrigerating to avoid sudden temperature changes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality culinary grade matcha for a bright color and authentic flavor.
- Sift the flour to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Double‑wrap the pan with foil to prevent water from leaking into the crust.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter after pouring the batter to release trapped air bubbles.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the top with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before serving.
Troubleshooting
Crack on the top of the cheesecake after baking.
Do not overbeat the eggs, use a water bath, and lower the oven temperature for the final baking stage. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently.
Crumbly or soggy crust.
Press the crust firmly and chill it for at least 15 minutes before adding the batter. Ensure the butter is fully incorporated with the crumbs.
Cheesecake does not set and remains runny.
Bake the second stage for the full 70 minutes at 120 °C and allow the cake to cool completely before refrigerating. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of flour next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Not recommended; cheesecake should be kept chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the crust and batter a day ahead; keep the batter refrigerated and bake when ready.
- Freezing leftover slices preserves flavor; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha cheesecake in Japanese-inspired dessert cuisine?
Matcha cheesecake blends Western cheesecake techniques with the Japanese tradition of using powdered green tea (matcha) in sweets. It reflects the modern fusion trend in Japan and Hong Kong cafés, where classic Western desserts are given a local twist with matcha’s earthy flavor and vibrant green color.
What are the traditional regional variations of matcha cheesecake in Japanese and Hong Kong café culture?
In Japan, matcha cheesecake often appears as a light, airy “Japanese cheesecake” with less sugar and a soufflé‑like texture. Hong Kong cafés, like Tikka, serve a denser, richer version that uses a full‑fat cream cheese base and a buttery biscuit crust, similar to the recipe recreated here.
How is matcha cheesecake traditionally served in Hong Kong cafés?
It is typically served chilled, sliced into neat wedges, sometimes dusted with additional matcha powder or paired with fresh berries. Some cafés also drizzle a light sweetened condensed milk glaze or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra shine.
What occasions or celebrations is matcha cheesecake commonly associated with in Japanese and Hong Kong culture?
Matcha desserts are popular for tea‑time gatherings, birthdays, and seasonal festivals such as the Japanese cherry‑blossom (sakura) season or Hong Kong’s Mid‑Autumn Festival, where the green hue symbolizes renewal and elegance.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a genuine matcha cheesecake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑quality culinary matcha powder, full‑fat cream cheese, and a buttery digestive‑type biscuit crust. Acceptable substitutes are Graham crackers for the crust, Neufchatel cheese for a slightly lighter texture, and a good quality green tea powder if true matcha is unavailable.
What other Japanese or Hong Kong dishes pair well with matcha cheesecake?
Pair it with a cup of hot Japanese sencha or Hong Kong milk tea for contrast, or serve alongside light fruit salads featuring citrus or berries. For a full‑course experience, follow with a savory dish like dim sum or a simple miso soup to balance the sweetness.
How does the matcha cheesecake fit into the broader Japanese dessert tradition?
It exemplifies the Japanese love for subtle sweetness and seasonal flavors, integrating matcha—a staple in wagashi (traditional sweets)—into a Western-style cheesecake, thereby creating a cross‑cultural dessert that honors both traditions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making matcha cheesecake at home?
Common errors include over‑beating the eggs, which introduces too much air and leads to cracks; skipping the water bath, which can dry out the cake; and using too much water for the matcha paste, resulting in a muted flavor. Follow the water‑bath method and watch the baking times closely.
Why does this matcha cheesecake recipe use a water bath instead of baking the cake directly?
The water bath provides gentle, even heat and adds moisture, preventing the delicate cheesecake from cracking and keeping the texture creamy. Direct baking can cause the edges to set too quickly, creating a dry, cracked top.
Can I make matcha cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the cheesecake improves after resting. After it cools completely, cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 10 hours or overnight. It can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What does the YouTube channel itsmelodylc specialize in?
The YouTube channel itsmelodylc focuses on recreating popular café and patisserie desserts from around the world, offering step‑by‑step tutorials, tips for home bakers, and occasional cultural background on each treat.
How does the YouTube channel itsmelodylc's approach to Japanese‑inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?
itsmelodylc emphasizes precise technique, such as using a water bath for cheesecakes, and provides detailed explanations of ingredient choices and cultural context, whereas many channels focus mainly on visual appeal without deep cultural insight.
Last updated: September 2, 2026





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