Sweet Matcha Bread

Short Description

Sweet Matcha Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf infused with the vibrant, earthy flavor of matcha green tea powder. This subtly sweet bread offers a delightful balance between the delicate bitterness of matcha and the gentle sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the unique taste of traditional Japanese matcha with the comforting texture of homemade bread. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and yields a loaf that is both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a spread, the sweet matcha bread is sure to become a favorite for tea lovers and bread enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Matcha green tea powder
• Granulated sugar
• Instant yeast
• Salt
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter
• Egg

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, matcha powder, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Warm the milk until it is about 110°F (43°C) and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add the softened butter and egg to the dough and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. After rising, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Cover and let the dough rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until it has risen to the top of the pan.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one standard loaf of sweet matcha bread, which serves about 8 slices. Preparation time, including kneading and shaping, is approximately 20 minutes. Rising time totals about 2 to 2.5 hours, and baking takes 30 to 35 minutes.

Variations

• Add sweet red bean paste to the dough for a traditional Japanese twist.
• Incorporate white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a subtle tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sweet matcha bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw the bread at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.

FAQs

What is matcha powder?

Matcha powder is finely ground green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It has a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients.

Can I make this bread vegan?

You can substitute the milk with plant-based milk and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. Use vegan butter as well.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should have a golden crust, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The loaf should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I add fillings to this bread?

Yes, sweet fillings like red bean paste, chocolate, or cream cheese work well with matcha bread.

Can I use matcha latte powder instead of pure matcha?

It is not recommended, as matcha latte powders contain added sugars and milk powders which may affect the dough’s texture and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover bread?

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

At room temperature, it stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. Frozen bread maintains quality for up to one month.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, add the ingredients according to your bread machine’s instructions and select the basic or white bread setting.

Is this bread suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely, its mild sweetness and soft texture make it perfect for breakfast or a light snack.

Conclusion

Sweet Matcha Bread is an elegant and flavorful addition to any bread lover’s repertoire. Its unique matcha taste paired with a soft, tender crumb makes it a delightful treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe offers a satisfying baking experience and a delicious result perfect for any time of day.

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