Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars

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Introduction

Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars are the perfect fusion of vibrant green matcha and sweet, juicy strawberries, with a creamy twist that makes every bite irresistible. These bars combine the earthy bitterness of matcha with the light sweetness of the cream filling and fresh strawberries, creating a balanced and refreshing treat. The smooth cream layer acts as the perfect contrast to the slightly crumbly matcha base, while the strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness that ties everything together.

I first made these bars for a spring picnic, and they became an instant hit. The matcha flavor is subtle yet distinct, and when paired with the strawberries, it creates a refreshing dessert that feels both indulgent and light. The creamy filling adds a delightful texture, making each bite satisfying without being overly rich.

Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars are perfect for a special occasion or a sunny afternoon treat. They can be served chilled, making them ideal for warm weather, but they’re also a great way to add a touch of elegance to any gathering. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s unique, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress, these bars are the ones to make!

Perfect for:

• Those who love matcha and strawberries
• Anyone looking for a fresh and unique dessert
• A fun, visually stunning treat for parties or gatherings
• A dairy-based, yet easily adaptable dessert for different dietary needs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars are a dessert you won’t want to miss:

• Unique Flavor Combination: The earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant green of matcha and the fresh pink of strawberries create a beautiful contrast that makes these bars a show-stopping dessert.
• Creamy and Smooth: The creamy filling provides a rich, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: While they look impressive, these bars are surprisingly simple to make, with no baking required. The layers are easy to assemble and refrigerate to set.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and flavors to your liking, ensuring the dessert is just the way you like it.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (including refrigeration)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free option)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or butter if not dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

For the Matcha Cream Layer

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade for best flavor)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the matcha flavor)

For the Strawberry Layer

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Matcha Powder: Matcha is a powdered green tea that offers a vibrant color and an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It’s packed with antioxidants, providing health benefits in addition to its delicious taste.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of the bars provides a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy layers. You can substitute these with gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a natural sweetness and juiciness to the dessert, complementing the matcha cream.
• Heavy Cream: The creamy layers are made rich and smooth with heavy cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great alternative.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners enhance the flavor of the bars without making them overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream layers.
• Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice can help brighten the flavor of the matcha, bringing out its natural green tea notes.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture begins to clump together. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly, creating an even layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cream layers.

2. Make the Matcha Cream Layer

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the heavy cream (or coconut cream if dairy-free). Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Slowly add the matcha powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Continue to whip until stiff peaks form and the matcha is fully incorporated into the cream. The mixture should be smooth and fluffy. Once done, remove the base from the fridge and spread the matcha cream evenly over the graham cracker base. Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill while you make the strawberry layer.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and honey (or maple syrup). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and become a thick, jam-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, whip the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, creating a marbled effect. You want to maintain some of the texture from the strawberries while ensuring the mixture is well combined.

4. Layer and Chill

Carefully spread the strawberry cream mixture over the matcha cream layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 3 hours or overnight. The bars should be firm to the touch and easy to slice when fully chilled.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the bars have set, remove them from the refrigerator and carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh strawberries or a dusting of matcha powder.

How to Serve

Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve these bars at the end of a meal for a refreshing, light dessert that’s both satisfying and unique.
• For Afternoon Tea: These bars are a wonderful addition to an afternoon tea spread. Their bright colors and refreshing flavors complement the calming effects of tea.
• For a Picnic: Their firm texture makes them easy to pack and transport, making them an ideal treat for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
• As a Snack: Enjoy a square of these bars as a sweet, yet light snack during the day.

Additional Tips

• Use High-Quality Matcha: For the best flavor, opt for ceremonial grade matcha, which has a smoother and more vibrant flavor compared to culinary grade.
• Make Sure the Strawberry Mixture Cools: It’s important to allow the strawberry mixture to cool before folding it into the whipped cream to prevent it from melting the cream.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your bars sweeter, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to the strawberry or matcha cream layers.
• Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to let the bars chill long enough to set properly. This will make slicing them much easier and prevent the layers from mixing together.

Recipe Variations

1. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for both the matcha and strawberry layers, and use a dairy-free alternative for the base.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or a mixture of oats and almond flour for the base.
3. Chocolate Matcha Cream Bars: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the matcha and strawberry cream layers for a decadent twist.
4. Mint Matcha Strawberry Bars: Add finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the strawberry mixture for a refreshing minty flavor that pairs perfectly with matcha.
5. Coconut Matcha Strawberry Bars: Add shredded coconut to the matcha or strawberry layers for a tropical touch.
6. Matcha Lemon Cream Bars: For a citrusy twist, replace the strawberry layer with a lemon curd or lemon cream layer.

Special Equipment

• Electric Mixer: To whip the cream layers to the right consistency.
• Saucepan: For cooking the strawberry mixture.
• 9×9-inch Pan: For assembling the bars. A square or rectangular pan works best for even layering.
• Parchment Paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes! These bars need to chill for several hours to set properly, so they can easily be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
3. Can I make the matcha and strawberry layers separately?
   Yes, you can prepare both layers ahead of time and layer them once both are ready. Just make sure the matcha cream is set before adding the strawberry layer on top.
4. How should I store these bars?
   Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
5. Can I substitute the graham cracker base?
   Yes, you can use any type of cookie crumbs for the base, such as digestive biscuits or a gluten-free option like almond flour and oats.
6. How can I make these bars sweeter?
   If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more maple syrup or honey to the strawberry or matcha layers to taste. You can also adjust the sweetness of the base.

Conclusion

Matcha strawberry cream bars are the perfect indulgence, combining the earthy, soothing flavor of matcha with the sweet freshness of ripe strawberries and the creamy richness of a velvety filling. This dessert is an exquisite balance of flavors and textures, where the slight bitterness of the matcha enhances the vibrant sweetness of the strawberries, while the cream offers a smooth, luxurious finish.

Not only is this treat a feast for the senses, but its aesthetic appeal makes it an ideal choice for gatherings, celebrations, or even a special afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these bars will leave a lasting impression with their unique flavor profile and elegant presentation.

Perfect for those who appreciate the art of dessert, matcha strawberry cream bars are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to experience the harmonious blend of flavors—every bite is a journey of delicious contrast and blissful satisfaction. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media; I’d love to see how you put your personal twist on this delightful dessert! Enjoy every sweet moment!