Name: matcha cheesecake brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

I first made this green dessert on a rainy Saturday morning and the kids were running around yelling and spilling juice all over the floor and I was thinking maybe today is not the day to bake but then I remembered the batter was already mixed and I could not waste it so I poured it into the pan and tried to swirl the cream cheese evenly but it ended up looking messy and funny and the kids laughed and told me it looked like a green cloud and somehow it made me feel proud because at least it tasted amazing.

Sometimes when I bake this I forget to preheat the oven and have to wait a few extra minutes and it drives me crazy because I want it ready now and once I even dropped a little cream cheese on the floor and stepped on it and slipped but then we all just laughed and kept baking and in the end the brownies came out soft and chewy and the swirls looked pretty even though they were not perfect and that made me realize sometimes mistakes make things better because it feels homemade and real.

I love making this on holidays because the color makes the kitchen feel bright and fun and once I tried making mini versions and half of them got stuck in the pan and broke apart and I almost cried but the kids ate the broken pieces with ice cream and said it was the best thing ever and I learned that you do not need perfect shapes to have perfect taste and that sometimes messy swirls taste better than neat ones.

When I serve this dessert I like to pair it with lots of fun treats and drinks and one time I tried it with black forest cheesecake brownies and it was so good and I also tried it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce and it made the kids scream with excitement and another day we had it with hot chocolate and whipped cream and that was cozy and I even tried it with fresh berries chocolate chips whipped cream banana slices and a cup of green tea and every single time it tasted amazing and I keep discovering new ways to enjoy it and everyone at the table smiles and asks for more.

Sometimes I sneak a piece in the afternoon when no one is looking and it melts in my mouth and makes me feel little happy sparks and the kids always smell it and come running asking for a piece and then we all end up in a pile on the couch laughing and talking and I think about how a simple green dessert can turn a messy ordinary day into something magical and sweet and warm and fun.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients notes

All-purpose flour: this is the soft white flour we use for cakes and cookies
Matcha green tea powder: a green powder made from ground tea leaves that makes the brownies green and tasty
Baking powder: this helps the brownies rise and get fluffy
Salt: just a pinch makes the flavor taste better
Unsalted butter: butter without salt makes the brownies creamy and soft
Granulated sugar: sweet white sugar that makes the brownies yummy
Eggs: help hold everything together and make it soft
Vanilla extract: makes the brownies taste sweet and cozy
Cream cheese: soft cheese that makes the cheesecake part creamy and smooth
Powdered sugar: very soft sugar that mixes easily with cream cheese

How to make matcha cheesecake brownies ?

Step 1: prepare the oven and pans.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper so it does not stick and set it aside.

Step 2: mix the dry ingredients.

In a medium bowl combine the flour matcha powder baking powder and salt and whisk together until well mixed.

Step 3: mix the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar then add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 4: combine wet and dry ingredients.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold together gently until just combined so the batter is thick and green.

Step 5: prepare the cheesecake layer.

In a separate bowl beat the cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy and set aside.

Step 6: layer the batter.

Spread half of the green batter into the prepared pan and then dollop the cream cheese mixture over it then spread the remaining green batter on top and gently swirl with a knife to make a marble pattern.

Step 7: bake the brownies.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs then let cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: cut and serve.

Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares then serve and enjoy the creamy green swirls with a cup of tea or milk.

Kitchen equipment needed

mixing bowls
whisk
spatula
8×8 inch baking pan
parchment paper
measuring cups and spoons
knife for swirling and cutting

Storage options

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to two months.

Variations

You can add white chocolate chips to the batter swirl in extra matcha powder on top or make mini cheesecake brownie cups in a muffin pan.

FAQs

What is matcha cheesecake brownies made of?

Matcha cheesecake brownies are made of flour matcha powder baking powder salt butter sugar eggs vanilla cream cheese and powdered sugar all combined to make a soft green brownie with a creamy cheesecake swirl.

What does matcha cheesecake brownies taste like?

They taste sweet and creamy with a soft chewy brownie layer and a slightly tangy cream cheese swirl and a gentle earthy flavor from the matcha.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of matcha?

Yes you can use cocoa powder instead of matcha and it will turn into chocolate cheesecake brownies instead of green tea flavor.

Can I make these brownies vegan?

Yes you can try substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a vegan butter and cream cheese alternative but the texture may be slightly different.

How long do matcha cheesecake brownies last?

They last about five days in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer if wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking or bake and store the finished brownies for later.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes you can use low-fat cream cheese but the cheesecake layer may be less creamy and slightly tangier.

Can I add toppings to matcha cheesecake brownies?

Yes you can sprinkle nuts chocolate chips or drizzle white chocolate on top before or after baking for extra flavor and texture.