'Tis the season for sweet treats, and this year, we're adding a touch of green to the holiday festivities. Matcha, the vibrant green tea powder, is the star ingredient in three delightful festive desserts:
Matcha powder's versatility and unique flavor profile have made it a popular ingredient in various desserts. Let's move on to how we crafted these three delightful matcha-infused treats:
- Matcha Christmas Tree
- Matcha Chestnut Roll Cake
- Matcha Opera Cake
Let's get started!
This is our take on the classic Christmas tree, crafted with a combination of matcha and fresh strawberries.
The cake itself is a fluffy matcha chiffon cake, layered with a luscious matcha cream and fresh strawberries.
There are a total of 4 layers of chiffon cake.
Each layer is generously drizzled with a sweet and tangy strawberry coulis, and filled with fresh strawberries.
The exterior of the cake is shaped into a charming Christmas tree by piping matcha cream onto the cake base in a way that creates a layered and textured effect, resembling the branches of a Christmas tree.
Using a spatula, smooth out the cream upwards for each layer.
To complete the Christmas tree, a dust of snow powder is a must!
The Christmas tree is adorned with raspberries and gold leaf to resemble the tree topper and ornaments.
This Matcha Christmas Tree dessert is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a visually stunning and delicious treat for the festive season.
The earthy richness of matcha pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy notes of strawberries. We bet that this Matcha Christmas Tree dessert is sure to delight and impress, not just with its aesthetics but with the taste as well!
You may find the recipe for the Matcha Christmas Tree here.
Let's continue with our second dessert.
This elegant Matcha Chestnut roll cake combines the vibrant green hue and earthy taste of matcha with the sweet and nutty richness of chestnut.
A soft and airy matcha chiffon cake layer is placed within a semi-sphere mould then generously filled with luscious chestnut cream. Using a spatula, the chestnut cream is evenly distributed to fill the insides of the cake.
To offer each bite with a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, chopped chestnut pieces are included along the length of the cake. A strip of chiffon cake is also included within both for aesthetic and textural contrast purposes.
It's not a roll cake if it isn't filled with a generous amount of cream, isn't it? ;)
A layer of matcha chiffon cake is placed atop the cream - this will act as the base when the cake is turned over. But before that, the roll cake has to chilled in order to set the filling and the shape of the cake.
Once the cake is set, it's time to decorate it!
A layer of matcha cream is spread evenly over the entire cake.
Rectangular shaped tart shells are added to both sides of the cake to create a decorative border around it. This step adds a visual appeal to the cake and provides a contrasting texture to the soft cake and cream.
Using a Mont Blanc tip, chestnut paste is piped atop the cake. This final touch adds a beautiful visual appeal and a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor to the cake.
The addition of sable biscuits to the sides of the cake is optional, but it definitely elevates the visual appeal whilst adding a lovely textural contrast to the smooth cream and soft cake.
The cake is completed with the addition of some chopped chestnuts pieces and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, giving it a beautiful and festive look.
Isn't it gorgeous?
This stunning Matcha Chestnut Roll Cake is sure to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Its elegant design and exquisite flavor combination will impress your guests.
The roll cake could also be sliced into perfect portions.
The matcha chiffon cake provides a light and airy base, while the chestnut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The crunchy sable biscuits and tart shells add a satisfying crunch, and the decorative chestnut paste and chopped chestnuts provide a touch of elegance and a burst of nutty flavor.
This Matcha Chestnut roll cake would truly make one unforgettable treat. Check out the recipe here.
Now moving on to our third dessert!
An opera cake is a decadent French dessert known for its distinct layers and rich flavors and typically consist of joconde (almond sponge cake), coffee syrup, coffee buttercream, chocolate ganache and chocolate glaze. The combination of these layers creates a complex and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions.
Instead of the traditional coffee-flavored opera cake, we've reimagined this classic dessert with a matcha twist.
Our Matcha Opera Cake features a delicate matcha sponge cake soaked in a fragrant matcha syrup, layered with a smooth matcha buttercream, and finished with a rich matcha white chocolate glaze.
The joconde sponge is cut into four equal rectangles and soaked with matcha syrup.
Pipe and spread on an even layer of matcha buttercream, then top with a second later of joconde sponge.
Spread a layer of chocolate ganache evenly, and then top with the third layer of joconde sponge.
On this layer of matcha buttercream, we also added on some whole red bean pieces as it makes a perfect pair with matcha. The addition of whole red bean pieces to the matcha buttercream also adds a delightful textural contrast.
Top with the final sponge layer and another layer of chocolate ganache. Once done, allow the cake to set in the refrigerator.
Whilst the cake was setting, we prepared the matcha white chocolate glaze. Pour the cooled glaze over the cake.
Once the glaze has set, the matcha opera cake is then sliced and served.
This Matcha Opera Cake is a stunning reimagined classic French dessert, perfect for elevating your Christmas feast. The vibrant green hue of the matcha adds a festive touch, while the delicate layers and smooth glaze create a visually appealing presentation.
Level up your dessert game with this matcha masterpiece! Layers of matcha and chocolate goodness right here. It looks so sophisticated yet it is surprisingly simple and fun to make! You may find the recipe here.
Here are some behind the scenes that we captured in the making of these three festive desserts. Check it out on our Instagram @marubishimalaysia: