Matcha strawberry cream bars

Name: Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp matcha powder; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 tbsp strawberry jam; 2 1/4 tsp powdered gelatin

Published: June 3, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of matcha and strawberry creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal event, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers make these bars look elegant and gourmet without requiring professional skills.
Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Matcha strawberry cream bars, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an easy baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
9 x 9 inch baking tin
Parchment paper
Medium skillet
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients seamlessly without mess.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugar.
Baking tin: Provides the perfect shape for your matcha strawberry cream bars.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Matcha strawberry cream bars, you’ll need the following 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
1/4 cup (60g) cold water
2 1/4 tsp powdered gelatin (one standard packet)
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 strawberries, sliced thinly (optional)

How to Make Matcha strawberry cream bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 9 inch baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring it presses closely against the sides. The parchment should extend at least an inch up the sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Shortbread

In a mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and granulated sugar using your hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add all-purpose flour and matcha powder while mixing on medium speed until you form a cohesive dough.

Step 3: Bake the Shortbread

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the lined baking tin, making sure there are no gaps between the dough and parchment paper.
Use a fork to poke holes across the surface of the dough for ventilation during baking.
Bake in preheated oven for about 18 – 20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool in the fridge while preparing the strawberry cream.

Step 4: Make Strawberry Cream

In a small bowl, place 1/4 cup cold water and sprinkle gelatin over it to bloom.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and strawberry jam. Stir constantly until dissolved; avoid boiling.
If desired, add a dab of pink or red food dye for color enhancement.
Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let cool for about 2 – 3 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Bars

Gently pour the cooled strawberry cream over the set matcha shortbread layer in your baking tin. Carefully transfer back to fridge and allow it to set for at least four hours.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once set, cut into 16 equal pieces. Optionally top each bar with a sprinkle of matcha powder and thinly sliced strawberries before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Matcha strawberry cream bars! Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Matcha strawberry cream bars

Matcha strawberry cream bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries

Accompany with strawberries: Serve the bars topped with fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Mixed berry medley: Pair the bars with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a refreshing twist.

As a Layered Dessert

In dessert cups: Cut the matcha strawberry cream bars into small squares and layer them in clear dessert cups with whipped cream.
With ice cream: Crumble the bars over vanilla or green tea ice cream for an extra creamy treat.

At Parties

For afternoon tea: Slice the bars into smaller pieces and serve them during tea time as a delightful snack.
As party favors: Wrap individual pieces in decorative paper for guests to take home after gatherings.

How to Perfect Matcha strawberry cream bars

To ensure your matcha strawberry cream bars turn out perfectly, follow these handy tips.

Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth and fluffy shortbread base.
Let gelatin bloom properly: Allowing gelatin to bloom before mixing ensures it dissolves evenly in the cream.
Avoid boiling the cream: Keeping the heavy cream below boiling point helps maintain its texture for a rich panna cotta.
Chill thoroughly: Make sure to let the bars set in the fridge for at least 4 hours; this guarantees they hold their shape when cut.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add different fruits or a dusting of matcha powder for added flavor and aesthetics.

Best Side Dishes for Matcha strawberry cream bars

Matcha strawberry cream bars pair beautifully with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Consider these options to round out your dessert spread.

Green Tea Latte: A warm, frothy drink that enhances the matcha flavor.
Mochi Ice Cream: Soft and chewy, mochi ice cream adds an interesting texture contrast.
Yuzu Sorbet: The citrusy flavor of yuzu sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying sweet bars.
Sesame Cookies: Crunchy sesame cookies offer a nutty flavor that pairs well with both matcha and strawberry.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the dessert while adding freshness.
Red Bean Paste Tart: This traditional Japanese treat complements the flavors of matcha beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Matcha strawberry cream bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

Using Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing. Cold butter can lead to a dense texture in the shortbread base.
Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough shortbread. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a chewier texture instead of a tender one.
Ignoring Cooling Times: Be patient with cooling both the shortbread and the strawberry cream. Skipping this step can lead to a messy final product.
Not Blooming Gelatin Properly: Always let gelatin bloom in cold water before adding it to hot mixtures. This step ensures it dissolves correctly and helps set your cream.
Skipping the Poking Step: Don’t forget to poke holes in the shortbread before baking. This helps steam escape, preventing a soggy bottom.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Matcha strawberry cream bars in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Matcha strawberry cream bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for best results.
Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Matcha strawberry cream bars

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm gently for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute matcha with another flavor?

You can use other flavored powders like cocoa powder if you prefer chocolate instead of matcha. However, it will alter the overall taste and appearance of your dessert.

How do I achieve a vibrant green color?

To maintain that bright green hue, use high-quality culinary matcha and add it at the right stage during mixing.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes! Fresh strawberries can be blended into puree as an alternative to jam, but ensure you adjust sugar according to taste since fresh strawberries may be less sweet.

How should I serve Matcha strawberry cream bars?

These bars are delightful when served chilled. You can dress them up with whipped cream or extra sliced strawberries on top for an elegant presentation.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat squares without crumbling the edges of your Matcha strawberry cream bars.

Final Thoughts

Matcha strawberry cream bars are an indulgent dessert that perfectly blends flavors and textures. Their creamy layers atop buttery shortbread make them irresistible! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different fruits or adjusting sweetness levels. Give it a try—your friends and family will love it!

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