My strawberry matcha latte recipe
My strawberry matcha latte recipe!🍵 is a easy Japanese Fusion recipe that serves 1. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Michele Chung on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 10 min
Cost: $1.95 total, $1.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Matcha Powder (culinary grade, sifted)
- 4 oz Water (filtered, warm (about 80°C))
- 1 tsp Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, homemade or store‑bought)
- 1 tbsp Amoretti Strawberry Artisan Paste (premium strawberry paste, smooth)
- 3 oz Country Croc Plant Cream (plant‑based cream (e.g., coconut or oat cream))
- 6 oz Milk of Choice (dairy or any plant milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.))
Instructions
Prepare Matcha Base
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tsp matcha powder with 4 oz warm water (about 80°C) until fully dissolved and a light froth forms.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 80°C
Add Sweetener
Stir in 1 tsp simple syrup (or adjust to taste) into the matcha mixture.
Time: PT30S
Combine Strawberry Paste and Plant Cream
In a separate container, mix 1 tbsp Amoretti strawberry artisan paste with 3 oz country croc plant cream until smooth and uniform.
Time: PT1M
Heat Milk
Pour 6 oz milk of choice into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until steaming (about 150°F) but not boiling.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 150°F
Froth Milk
Use a milk frother to create a velvety foam from the warmed milk.
Time: PT30S
Assemble Latte
In a serving glass, layer the strawberry‑cream mixture, then pour the sweetened matcha over it, and finally add the frothed milk on top, allowing the layers to swirl gently.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using plant‑based cream and plant milk, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Milk, Soy (if soy‑based cream is used), Tree nuts (if strawberry paste contains nuts)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder
- Instead of Simple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar
- Instead of Amoretti Strawberry Artisan Paste: Strawberry jam, Strawberry puree
- Instead of Country Croc Plant Cream: Oat cream, Soy cream
- Instead of Milk of Choice: Any other milk
Equipment Needed
- Measuring Spoons
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Bamboo Whisk or Small Whisk
- Milk Frother
- Small Saucepan
- Spoon
- Serving Glass
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully dissolve matcha in warm water to avoid clumps.
- Achieve a smooth strawberry‑cream mixture without lumps.
- Heat milk to steaming but not boiling to preserve flavor.
- Layer the components gently for an attractive visual effect.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra brightness, add a few drops of lemon zest to the strawberry‑cream mixture.
- If you prefer a cold latte, skip heating the milk and use chilled milk; the matcha will still dissolve well with warm water.
Troubleshooting
Matcha remains clumpy.
Sift the matcha before whisking and use a bamboo whisk or small electric frother to break up lumps.
Strawberry cream is grainy.
Warm the plant cream slightly (no more than 100°F) before mixing, and whisk vigorously until smooth.
Milk curdles or tastes burnt.
Heat milk gently, never above 160°F, and remove from heat as soon as steam appears.
Storage
Refrigerator: Strawberry‑cream mixture can be kept sealed for up to 2 days; matcha base for 1 day.
Freezer: Not recommended for this latte.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the strawberry‑cream mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge; give it a quick stir before using.
- Dissolve matcha in water and keep chilled for up to 24 hours; add simple syrup just before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha in Japanese beverage tradition?
Matcha originates from Zen Buddhist tea ceremonies in Japan, where powdered green tea is whisked with hot water to create a meditative, frothy drink. Over time it evolved into modern lattes and flavored drinks, blending tradition with contemporary flavors.
How did strawberries become a popular flavor in Japanese-inspired drinks like the Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Strawberries, introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, quickly became a beloved seasonal fruit. Modern cafés pair the sweet, fragrant strawberry with matcha to balance the earthy tea flavor, creating a visually appealing pink‑green latte.
What occasions or celebrations is a Strawberry Matcha Latte traditionally associated with in contemporary Japanese café culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the Strawberry Matcha Latte is popular during spring festivals and cherry‑blossom viewing (hanami) because its pink hue echoes the season’s blossoms and it offers a refreshing, Instagram‑ready treat.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic matcha latte versus the Strawberry Matcha Latte featured by YouTube channel Michele Chung?
A classic matcha latte uses matcha powder, water, milk, and a sweetener. Michele Chung’s version adds Amoretti strawberry artisan paste and plant‑based cream, creating a richer, fruit‑infused twist while keeping the core matcha base.
What other Japanese‑inspired drinks pair well with a Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Pair it with a light hojicha latte, a yuzu soda, or a traditional Japanese sweet like mochi. The contrasting flavors of roasted hojicha or citrus yuzu balance the sweet strawberry notes.
What makes the Strawberry Matcha Latte special or unique in Japanese‑fusion beverage trends?
The latte blends the ceremonial matcha base with a premium strawberry paste and plant‑based cream, offering a dairy‑free, vibrant, and layered drink that stands out for both flavor complexity and visual appeal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Strawberry Matcha Latte from YouTube channel Michele Chung?
Common errors include not fully dissolving the matcha, allowing the strawberry‑cream mixture to stay lumpy, overheating the milk, and pouring the layers too quickly, which can cause the drink to lose its distinct layers.
Why does this Strawberry Matcha Latte recipe use warm water for the matcha instead of cold water?
Warm water (around 80°C) helps the matcha powder fully hydrate and release its flavor and vibrant green color, whereas cold water can leave clumps and a muted taste.
Can I make the Strawberry Matcha Latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the strawberry‑cream mixture and the dissolved matcha separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Re‑heat the milk and froth just before serving, then combine.
What does the YouTube channel Michele Chung specialize in?
The YouTube channel Michele Chung focuses on modern, health‑conscious recipes that blend Asian flavors with Western techniques, often highlighting plant‑based ingredients and elegant presentation.
How does the YouTube channel Michele Chung's approach to Japanese‑fusion drinks differ from other cooking channels?
Michele Chung emphasizes ingredient quality, such as artisan pastes and premium matcha, and provides step‑by‑step visual cues for layering and frothing, creating café‑style drinks that are both accessible and visually striking.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
