Tips & Variations:
Add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the mascarpone mixture for an adult twist.
Use white chocolate drizzle for extra elegance.
Serve slightly chilled — just like classic tiramisu!
7. 🍵 Matcha Swirl Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Brownie Layer:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 oz (115 g) semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
For the Matcha Swirl:
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp matcha green tea powder (use ceremonial grade for vibrant color)
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the brownie base:
Melt butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave in short bursts). Stir in both sugars and let cool slightly. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until glossy. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt — just until combined.
Make the matcha mixture:
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar, matcha, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy and evenly green.
Assemble:
Spread about ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the matcha mixture over the top in dollops, then add the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers for a marbled effect.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is just set (a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs).
Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean, defined swirls.
Tips & Variations:
Add white chocolate chunks to the brownie layer for extra contrast.
Use a bit more matcha (up to 1½ tsp) for stronger flavor and deeper color.
Dust with a little extra matcha powder before serving for a café-style look.
