Looking for a unique dessert that’s perfect for spring? My Matcha Crème Brûlée recipe is deliciously sweet and surprisingly complex thanks to matcha green tea powder. It’s green hue also makes it a fun St. Patrick’s Day dessert!

I love a good matcha latte. There’s something so refreshing about the intense green tea flavor combined with milk and a little honey. This matcha crème brûlée tastes like a slightly sweeter version of the popular drink. 

Matcha powder, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla and honey all come together to create a delicious green tea custard. The custard is finished with a layer of sugar caramelized using a kitchen torch to create a crisp, glass-like topping.

Ready to try this matcha green tea crème brûlée recipe for yourself? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder, made from specially grown tea leaves shaded before harvest to boost their vibrant color and sweet, umami flavor. 

Unlike regular green tea, where you steep and discard the leaves, matcha is whisked directly into liquid, meaning you consume the whole leaf (and all its glorious goodness!).

What Does Matcha Do in Baking?

Matcha is a pastry chef’s dream! When added to baked goods (or, in this case, a silky-smooth crème brûlée), matcha provides:

• A gorgeous green hue: A natural pop of color that makes desserts look stunning!
• Earthy flavor: Slight grassy, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic, matcha adds a unique flavor to any treat.
• A delicate balance: Matcha’s umami flavor pairs beautifully with sweet flavors, making it the perfect match for vanilla, white chocolate, and, of course, brûléed sugar!

Matcha Crème Brûlée Ingredients

Other than the matcha powder, you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen!

• Heavy whipping cream: Cream is the basis for this matcha custard recipe. It gives the crème brûlée its creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Honey: While I don’t use honey in my traditional French crème brûlée recipe, I love adding honey to this green tea version. It complements the complex matcha flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla flavors help enhance the sweetness of this crème brûlée. You can use store-bought vanilla or make your own with my recipe.
• Matcha: There are many different options for matcha powder on the market today and you can find it at most grocery stores or buy it online. Make sure to get a pure matcha powder and not a matcha latte mix (which may have other ingredients added in).
• Egg yolks: The egg yolks pair together with heavy cream to form the creamy custard that is the basis for this dessert. 
• Granulated sugar: Sugar is used to add sweetness to the crème brûlée and is also used to create the hard caramel topping.

How to Make Matcha Crème Brûlée

Making this matcha crème brûlée recipe is surprisingly simple – especially for such an elevated dessert! 

Step One: Start by heating the heavy cream, honey and vanilla extract in a saucepan until it just starts steaming.

Step Two: In a large bowl, use a whisk to combine the matcha, egg yolks and sugar until the matcha has fully dissolved. Then slowly whisk in the warm cream.

Step Three: Strain the mixture through a sieve into a large liquid measuring cup. Pour the mixture into ramekins and place the ramekins in a casserole pan. Add hot water to the pan until it reaches about halfway up the ramekins.

Step Four: Bake at 325F|165C for about 30-35 minutes until the custard wobbles slightly when moved but is set. Cool at room temperature for an hour and then chill in the fridge for at least a few hours.

Step Five: Just before serving, cover the tops with about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar.

Can I Make Matcha Crème Brûlée in Advance?

Yes, you can! You can chill the crème brûlée after baking for up to 3 days before adding the caramelized sugar topping. This is a great dessert to serve for a dinner party or other gathering because you make this ahead of time. I love the idea of serving these as a sweet Easter treat!

Make Your Own Matcha Crème Brûlée

Ready to make this delicious dessert in your own home? Get all my best tips in my guide to making classic French crème brûlée and explore the full recipe below. 

Once you make these, be sure to tag me on Instagram and TikTok so I can see your creations!