Best Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
Best Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Barista in Pajamas on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 13 min
Cost: $4.60 total, $2.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 tsp Matcha Powder (culinary grade, sifted)
- 1 cup Milk (whole milk or any plant‑based milk (almond, oat, soy))
- 1 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
- 2 tbsp Water (hot, just off the boil)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (optional for a cold version)
Instructions
Prepare Strawberry Puree
Add the sliced strawberries to the blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water.
Time: PT1M
Dissolve Matcha
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with 2 tbsp hot water until fully dissolved and frothy. No lumps should remain.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 80°C
Heat Milk
Pour the milk into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until just steaming (about 60‑65°C). Do not let it boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 60-65°C
Combine and Sweeten
Add the honey (or maple syrup) to the warm milk and stir until dissolved. Then pour the matcha mixture into the milk and whisk gently to combine.
Time: PT1M
Finish the Latte
Add the strawberry puree to the matcha‑milk mixture. If you want a cold version, add ice cubes now. Blend everything together for 10‑15 seconds to create a uniform, frothy drink.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Pour the latte into a mug or tall glass, enjoy immediately, and admire the beautiful pink‑green swirl.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant‑based milk and maple syrup
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries (thawed), Strawberry puree
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder (lower quality), Spirulina (different flavor)
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar, Simple syrup
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Mug or Glass
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dissolving the matcha powder without lumps
- Balancing the sweetness of honey with the tartness of strawberries
- Achieving a smooth, frothy final blend
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra‑creamy texture, use half whole milk and half heavy cream.
- A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Serve in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful pink‑green gradient.
Troubleshooting
Matcha remains lumpy after whisking.
Sift the matcha before whisking and use a bamboo chasen or a small electric frother to create a smooth slurry.
Latte is too watery.
Reduce the amount of water used to dissolve matcha, and increase the milk or strawberry puree proportion.
Strawberry flavor is weak.
Add a few extra strawberries or a splash of strawberry syrup, and blend longer to fully incorporate the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Strawberry puree can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Matcha powder should be kept in a sealed container in the freezer for long‑term freshness.
Room temperature: Prepared latte is best consumed immediately; it does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare strawberry puree a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Pre‑sift matcha powder into a small jar for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of strawberry matcha latte in Japanese‑inspired café culture?
Strawberry matcha latte blends traditional Japanese matcha, a powdered green tea used in tea ceremonies, with modern Western fruit flavors. The drink emerged from specialty cafés that experiment with matcha’s earthy profile, adding sweet berries to create a visually striking and Instagram‑friendly beverage that appeals to both tea and coffee lovers.
What are the traditional regional variations of matcha‑based drinks in Japan compared to this strawberry version?
In Japan, classic matcha drinks include plain matcha tea, matcha latte with milk, and matcha‑sweetened desserts. Regional twists may add azuki bean paste or yuzu. The strawberry matcha latte is a contemporary, Western‑influenced variation that incorporates fresh fruit puree, a style not traditionally found in Japanese tea houses.
How is a strawberry matcha latte traditionally served in cafés that feature Japanese‑inspired menus?
Cafés often serve it in clear glassware or tall mugs to highlight the pink‑green swirl, sometimes topped with a light dusting of matcha powder and a fresh strawberry slice on the rim. It is usually enjoyed hot in cooler weather or iced during summer, accompanied by a light pastry.
What occasions or celebrations is strawberry matcha latte commonly associated with in modern café culture?
The drink is popular for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, and as a photogenic treat for social‑media posts. It also appears on café menus for special events like Valentine’s Day or cherry‑blossom festivals where bright, pastel colors are celebrated.
What other Japanese‑inspired beverages pair well with strawberry matcha latte?
Pair it with a light Japanese cheesecake, mochi, or a matcha‑flavored shortbread. For a contrasting flavor, a citrusy yuzu lemonade or a cold brew coffee works nicely alongside the latte.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making strawberry matcha latte at home?
Common errors include not sifting the matcha, which leads to clumps; overheating the milk, which creates a skin and a burnt taste; and using too much water, which dilutes the flavor. Follow the critical steps of dissolving matcha and gently heating milk to avoid these pitfalls.
Why does this strawberry matcha latte recipe use hot water to dissolve matcha instead of cold water?
Hot water (around 80°C) fully activates the chlorophyll and amino acids in matcha, creating a smooth, frothy slurry without bitterness. Cold water would leave the powder partially undissolved and result in a gritty texture.
Can I make strawberry matcha latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the strawberry puree and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. Store the matcha powder separately in a sealed container. When ready to serve, simply reheat the milk, combine the components, and blend.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the strawberry matcha latte is done?
The latte should be smooth and slightly frothy, with a vibrant pink‑green swirl visible through the glass. No visible strawberry seeds or matcha lumps should remain, and the surface should have a light, creamy foam.
How do I know when the strawberry matcha latte is done cooking?
The latte is finished once the milk reaches a gentle steam (60‑65°C) and the matcha has fully dissolved, creating a uniform color. After blending, the drink should be hot (if served warm) and have a consistent, velvety texture.
What does the YouTube channel Barista in Pajamas specialize in?
The YouTube channel Barista in Pajamas focuses on easy‑to‑make coffee‑house style drinks, latte art tutorials, and creative beverage recipes that can be prepared with minimal equipment at home.
How does the YouTube channel Barista in Pajamas' approach to Japanese‑inspired drinks differ from other coffee‑focused channels?
Barista in Pajamas blends traditional Japanese ingredients like matcha with modern, visually striking twists such as fruit purees, emphasizing quick, approachable methods. Unlike some channels that stick to classic espresso drinks, this channel encourages playful experimentation while keeping recipes simple for everyday home baristas.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
