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Matcha Latte Bars Recipe


  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these vibrant Matcha Latte Bars, featuring a tender, subtly sweet matcha-infused cake base topped with a smooth, creamy matcha frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon zest and a dusting of matcha powder, these bars marry Japanese flavors with classic baking techniques for an irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Matcha Bars

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (9g) matcha powder
  • 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 cup (161g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) water
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup (50g) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

For the Frosting

  • 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of table salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted if lumpy
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (14g to 28g) heavy cream, milk, or half-and-half
  • Additional matcha powder, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper creating a sling on opposite sides for easy removal, then lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Prepare the matcha mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together matcha powder and 1 tablespoon (12g) of granulated sugar until combined. Gradually stir in the water with a flexible spatula until smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a flat beater or an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, cream the softened butter, remaining 3/4 cup (149g) sugar, lemon zest, and salt on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl and beater well.
  4. Add eggs and flavorings: Add the egg, egg yolk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until evenly blended.
  5. Incorporate matcha mixture: Beat in the hydrated matcha mixture on medium speed until fully incorporated, approximately 1 minute. Stop to scrape the bowl as needed for even mixing.
  6. Add leavening and flour: On low speed, mix in the baking powder until dissolved. Then add the flour and mix until just a few dry streaks remain. Finish mixing gently by hand with a flexible spatula to avoid overmixing.
  7. Transfer and bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan using a small offset spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and an internal digital thermometer reads 190°F (88°C).
  8. Cool the bars: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack until firm enough to handle, at least 30 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment sling and cool completely on the wire rack for an additional 20 minutes.
  9. Make the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and a pinch of salt until very smooth and soft, about 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. Add 1 tablespoon (14g) of heavy cream and beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add more cream as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  10. Frost and decorate: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled matcha bars. Dust the top with additional matcha powder, if desired, for an elegant finish.
  11. Storage: Store the finished matcha latte bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant color.
  • Lemon zest adds brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
  • If you don’t have half-and-half, use heavy cream or whole milk to adjust frosting consistency.
  • Careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep bars tender.
  • Bars can be refrigerated for longer storage but bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Optional dusting of matcha powder adds visual appeal and a flavor boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

Keywords: matcha bars, matcha latte bars, matcha dessert, green tea bars, Japanese dessert, matcha frosting, baked bars, easy matcha recipe