whipped matcha
🍵 whipped matcha is a easy Vegan/Plant‑Based recipe that serves 2. 45 calories per serving. Recipe by Carleigh Bodrug on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 17 min
Cost: $8.44 total, $4.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Aquafaba (Liquid from canned chickpeas, strained)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (Stabilizes the foam)
- 1 teaspoon Matcha Powder (Culinary grade green tea powder)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetener of Choice (Maple syrup, agave, or sugar; adjust to taste)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients and Equipment
Gather aquafaba, cream of tartar, matcha powder, sweetener, a mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula. Chill the bowl if possible for better volume.
Time: PT1M
Whisk Aquafaba with Cream of Tartar
Pour the aquafaba into the mixing bowl, add the cream of tartar, and whisk on high speed until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
Time: PT7M
Incorporate Matcha and Sweetener
Sift the matcha powder over the whipped aquafaba to avoid clumps, add the sweetener, and gently fold or whisk just until fully incorporated, preserving the airy texture.
Time: PT2M
Final Taste Check
Sample a small spoonful; add a touch more sweetener or matcha if desired, then give a quick stir.
Time: PT1M
Serve or Store
Transfer the whipped matcha to a serving bowl or airtight container. Use immediately or refrigerate.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 45
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Chickpeas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Aquafaba: Chickpea broth, Other bean cooking water
- Instead of Cream of Tartar: Lemon juice (1 tsp), White vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder, Spirulina (different flavor)
- Instead of Sweetener of Choice: Honey (not vegan), Granulated sugar, Stevia (adjust amount)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk aquafaba with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold matcha and sweetener without deflating the foam.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the mixing bowl and whisk for best volume.
- Use a high‑speed hand mixer for consistent stiff peaks.
- For a brighter green color, use culinary‑grade matcha and sift it twice.
Troubleshooting
Aquafaba does not reach stiff peaks.
Ensure the aquafaba is fresh and well‑strained; add an extra 1/8 tsp cream of tartar and continue whisking a few more minutes.
Whipped matcha collapses after adding matcha.
Sift the matcha to avoid clumps and fold it in gently; avoid over‑mixing.
Taste is too bitter.
Add a little more sweetener or a pinch of vanilla extract to balance the bitterness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may change.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; can hold 30 minutes at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the whipped matcha a day ahead and store in the fridge; re‑whisk gently before serving.
- Keep the sweetener separate if you prefer adjusting sweetness at serving time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha in Japanese cuisine?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that originated in China but was refined in Japan during the 12th century. It is central to the Japanese tea ceremony, symbolizing mindfulness, harmony, and respect, and has become a popular flavor in modern desserts worldwide.
How did aquafaba become popular in vegan cooking and what are its traditional uses?
Aquafaba, the viscous liquid from cooked chickpeas, gained popularity in the early 2010s as a plant‑based egg white substitute. It is traditionally used to make vegan meringues, macarons, and airy desserts because it whips up to stiff peaks similar to egg whites.
What traditional Japanese desserts could be paired with this whipped matcha topping?
The whipped matcha topping pairs beautifully with classic Japanese sweets such as mochi, dorayaki, or a simple sweet red bean paste (anko) served over shaved ice, adding a modern, airy twist to traditional flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is a matcha‑flavored topping traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
While matcha itself is celebrated during the Japanese tea ceremony and seasonal festivals like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), a matcha‑flavored topping is a contemporary adaptation often enjoyed at tea parties, birthday desserts, or as a festive garnish for special occasions.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a matcha whipped topping versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include aquafaba, cream of tartar, culinary‑grade matcha, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Acceptable substitutes are chickpea broth for aquafaba, lemon juice for cream of tartar, and agave or sugar for sweetener, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What other vegan desserts from the Scrappy Cooking channel pair well with this whipped matcha topping?
On the Scrappy Cooking channel, Carleigh Bodrug often features vegan brownies, coconut‑lime rice pudding, and oat‑based cheesecake; all of these desserts are enhanced by a dollop of the whipped matcha topping for added flavor and visual appeal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making whipped matcha aquafaba topping?
Common mistakes include using stale aquafaba, not adding enough cream of tartar, over‑whisking which causes collapse, and adding matcha too quickly which creates clumps. Follow the critical steps and whisk gently when folding in matcha.
Why does this recipe use cream of tartar instead of lemon juice to stabilize the aquafaba?
Cream of tartar is a dry acid that dissolves evenly and provides consistent stabilization without adding extra liquid, which helps achieve firmer peaks. Lemon juice adds moisture and can dilute the mixture, making it harder to reach stiff peaks.
Can I make the whipped matcha topping ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can make it up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick whisk before serving to revive the airy texture.
What does the YouTube channel Carleigh Bodrug specialize in?
The YouTube channel Carleigh Bodrug, known for the series "Scrappy Cooking," specializes in turning kitchen scraps and simple pantry ingredients into creative, waste‑free recipes that are accessible for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Carleigh Bodrug's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Carleigh Bodrug focuses on using leftover or discarded ingredients—like chickpea water—to minimize waste, whereas many vegan channels emphasize ingredient substitution. Her style blends sustainability with quick, budget‑friendly techniques.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
