Matcha Green Tea Flan: A Creamy, Earthy Dessert
Indulge in the delicate flavors of Japan with this Matcha Green Tea Flan! This dessert combines the rich creaminess of traditional flan with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha green tea. Perfect for tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this flan is a unique twist on a classic that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try.
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has been a staple in Japanese culture for centuries. Its vibrant color and health benefits make it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. When paired with the smooth, custardy texture of flan, it creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!
Why This Matcha Green Tea Flan Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s simple yet sophisticated. The combination of matcha and creamy custard creates a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the intensity of the matcha flavor to suit your taste, making it as subtle or as bold as you like. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
What’s In Matcha Green Tea Flan?
The magic of this flan lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Matcha Powder: The star ingredient, providing a vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
- Eggs: The base of the custard, giving the flan its smooth texture.
- Milk and Cream: Create the rich, creamy consistency of the flan.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes to form the signature flan topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
How To Make Matcha Green Tea Flan
This recipe is straightforward and requires just a bit of patience for the custard to set. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
- In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
- Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your ramekins or flan mold, swirling to coat the base evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and ½ cup of sugar until smooth and slightly frothy.
- In a separate saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
- Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture. Add 2 teaspoons of matcha powder and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Flan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture. Pour the custard into the prepared ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a water bath).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and invert the flan onto a plate. The caramel will drizzle over the top, creating a beautiful presentation.
Sides for Matcha Green Tea Flan
Pair your Matcha Green Tea Flan with these delightful accompaniments:
- Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the earthy matcha flavor.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: Double down on the matcha goodness with a scoop of green tea ice cream.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use a Different Type of Tea?
Yes! While matcha is traditional, you can experiment with other tea powders like hojicha or even chai for a unique twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the flan in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Other Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this Matcha Green Tea Flan, here are some other recipes you might love:
- Black Sesame Panna Cotta: A creamy, nutty dessert with a striking black color.
- Mochi Ice Cream: Chewy mochi wrapped around your favorite ice cream flavors.
- Yuzu Tart: A tangy, citrusy tart with a buttery crust.
- Red Bean Paste Buns: Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet red bean paste.
Silky Matcha Green Tea Flan
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel: Heat ½ cup sugar in a saucepan until it turns amber. Pour into ramekins and swirl to coat the bottom. Set aside.
- Make the Custard: Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Heat milk and cream until warm, then gradually whisk into the egg mixture. Add matcha and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- Bake the Flan: Strain the custard into ramekins. Place in a water bath and bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes until set.
- Chill and Serve: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Invert onto a plate to serve.
Notes
- Matcha Quality: Use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and color.
- Make Ahead: The flan can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Customization: Adjust the amount of matcha to suit your taste preferences.
- Water Bath Tip: Ensure the water bath doesn’t boil during baking to prevent curdling.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of matcha powder for extra flair.
Nutrition
Enjoy your Matcha Green Tea Flan! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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