Description
These Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars feature a buttery matcha shortbread crust topped with a silky strawberry panna cotta layer, creating a refined and elegant dessert with balanced earthy and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (170g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 1/4 cup (60g) cold water
- 2 1/4 tsp powdered gelatin
- 2 cups (480g) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp strawberry jam
- Pink or red food dye (optional)
- 4 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to extend up the sides.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add flour and matcha powder. Mix on medium speed until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and prick holes across the surface with a fork.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool in the fridge while making the cream layer.
- In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water. Let sit for a few minutes.
- In a skillet, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and strawberry jam. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until dissolved. Do not boil.
- Stir in a small amount of food coloring if using. Remove from heat and whisk in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour the cream mixture gently over the cooled shortbread crust.
- Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Once set, cut into 16 squares.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries and a dusting of matcha powder if desired.
Notes
- Chill the shortbread fully before pouring the cream layer to prevent seeping.
- Use culinary-grade matcha for best color and flavor in the crust.
- For vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar agar following package directions.
- Bars should remain refrigerated for optimal texture and structure.
- Optional food coloring enhances the pink tone but is not necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked + Chilled
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
