A Simple Matcha Spread for Everyday Mornings
Matcha and strawberries might not be the first pairing that comes to mind—but once we tried dipping fresh strawberries into a warm, freshly made matcha spread, it immediately made sense.
The spread is smooth, rich, and gently bittersweet, with enough depth to balance the natural sweetness of fruit. Made with just a few ingredients, this matcha spread offers a quiet yet satisfying way to enjoy matcha beyond drinks. It’s especially well suited for slow mornings and simple breakfasts.
Why Try a Matcha Spread?
When chocolate spreads or nut butters start to feel repetitive, a matcha spread offers something different—creamy and familiar in texture, yet unmistakably matcha in flavor.
This version is inspired by a classic milk-based spread, using milk, cream, sugar, and matcha. Making it at home means you stay in control of what goes in, particularly the amount of sugar. The result feels more balanced and less heavy than many store-bought alternatives.
Because matcha naturally contains caffeine, this spread also works well as a gentle energy boost to start the day.
What Is a Matcha Spread?
A matcha spread is a milk-based spread made primarily from:
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Milk
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Cream
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Sugar
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Matcha powder
While green tea spreads do exist commercially, many contain a high proportion of added sugar. Preparing it at home allows you to adjust sweetness to your preference and enjoy matcha in a more intentional way.
Which Matcha to Use?
For this recipe, we recommend using a culinary grade matcha.
Culinary blends tend to have a more pronounced bitterness, which works well here—the sweetness from milk and sugar naturally balances it out. There’s no need to use delicate ceremonial matcha, as its subtler notes would be lost in a cooked spread.
A vibrant, well-balanced culinary matcha will give the spread its signature green color and a clear matcha presence that still feels approachable.
How to Enjoy Matcha Spread
This matcha spread is versatile and easy to incorporate into everyday meals. It pairs well with:
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Toast and bread
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Crepes or pancakes
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Fresh fruit, especially strawberries
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Yogurt or simple pastries
Once prepared, it becomes a convenient addition to your breakfast routine throughout the week.
Matcha Spread Recipe
Preparation time: about 30 minutes
Storage: up to 1 week refrigerated
Ingredients
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2 tbsp matcha powder
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1 tsp milk powder (skim or whole)
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4 oz / 118 ml heavy cream
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4 oz / 118 ml whole milk
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3 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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2 oz / 60 ml hot water
Method
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Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
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Add the hot water and stir until smooth. Mix in the sugar and milk powder, stirring until fully combined.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring gently to a simmer.
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Slowly pour the matcha mixture through a sieve into the saucepan to ensure a smooth texture.
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Cook gently, whisking occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the mixture thickens and reduces by roughly half.
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Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.
Tip: If a spoon dragged across the pan leaves a visible line, the spread is ready. -
Transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
