This matcha paste is super useful. Because it will save you time to make your matcha latte. It can be drizzled onto ice cream or spread onto toast as well. Additionally, matcha paste can be used as an ingredient with desserts such as matcha pudding, matcha pastry cream or matcha cheesecake, etc. Surprisingly it’s a secret weapon to have this paste, which you don’t have to deal with in a matcha clump situation. Plus, the paste will last about a month in the refrigerator, so why not make it!!
What Can I Make with Matcha Paste?
As you may know, this recipe is perfect to make a matcha latte. Generally, I use it to make many matcha desserts. Please check out some of my recipes in which I used this matcha paste.
Matcha Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bars
Matcha Clump Disasters
Matcha clumps without using matcha paste 
Iced matcha latte with using matcha paste
Using matcha powder often creates a matcha clump issue. Since matcha powder doesn’t fully dissolve, then your latte will have clumps of matcha powder. Also, clumping happens when making matcha frostings or matcha whipped cream. Luckily, matcha paste will solve these issues.
Why Does Matcha Get Clumps?
First of all, matcha powder doesn’t significantly dissolve in water like sugar or salt. Technically, matcha is a super-fine tea leaf not a crystallized concentrate like sugar or salt. Markedly, when you whisk the matcha powder, it creates a suspension of the tea leaf powder in the liquid, not completely dissolving.
Secondly, there are other factors that would create more clumps of the matcha powder.
- Not sifting before you use matcha powder
- Matcha powder is not stone grounded one
- Using cold water or milk
- Whisking not enough
When I made a matcha paste I was careful not to do all the above. However, if you make a matcha latte every morning, all those processes might be too much. So make this matcha paste once when you have time and store it in your refrigerator.
Paste vs. Powder
Here is a comparison of making an iced matcha latte by using paste vs. powder. First, (1) The left glass has 1/2 tablespoons of paste, right glass has 1/2 tablespoons of matcha powder. (2) Add 1 cup of cold milk to each glass. (3) Then stir 50 to 60 times with a small whisk. (4) Latte is made. (5) You see a lot of clumps after drinking on the right side of the glass. In conclusion, using matcha paste mixed into cold milk has almost no having clumps.
Can I Make Matcha Paste without Sugar?
Not really. In fact, sugar is a very important ingredient for the shelf life and also helping to not have clumps. Therefore, it’s better to use sugar for the paste. However you can switch to other sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, but the color will not be as pretty. Agave or honey can be a great substitute for sugar.
Matcha Paste with Non-dairy Cream?
Yes, this paste can be made with non-dairy creams. The paste will be slightly looser than using heavy cream, however, it will work. I also recommend using unsweetened ones.
Matcha Powder I Use
I have a few favorite matcha powders which I use for drinking and baking. Two good powders are from a famous matcha company call, Ippodo. The matcha is very great quality and these two are very affordable. There are available at Ippodo online shop or Amazon.
Please also check this post “BEST 8 MATCHA FOR DRINKING AND BAKING“
Ingredients
- 2.5 tablespoon (15g) of matcha powder
- ½ cups (90g) of sugar
- ⅓ cup (150ml) of heavy cream
Instructions
- Strain matcha powder in a fine mesh.
- In a small saucepan, add heavy cream and sugar. Heat them in medium heat, until the liquid becomes thicker. Normally about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer it into an ice bath to cool down. 140°F ( 60°C)
- In a medium-size bowl, add matcha powder and the cream liquid little by little and mix them slowly with a whisk. Do not add too much liquid at one time which may create more lumps. Pour a little amount of liquid into the center of matcha powder, then mix slowly from the center, then once the mixture becomes hard to mix, then add more liquid. Keep repeating the process until you add the whole liquid.
- Once the liquid and matcha powder is all incorporated, strain the liquid, and keep the paste in the air-tight container.
4 comments
[…] Sauce or toppings – Tricolor Dango is delicious as is, but can also be topped with sweet soy glaze, sweet red bean paste (anko), sweetened sesame paste, or matcha paste. […]
[…] powder with a few drops of water in a cup or bowl to make a paste. 3. Once the milk is hot, add the matcha paste and whisk until frothy. 4. Add the sweetener, if using, and whisk to combine. 5. Pour into a cup […]
Hey! I just made the matcha paste yesterday. It was really delicious, and quite easy to make! I just want to ask, do you leave the paste in the fridge to preserve the flavour and freshness? And how long can you store the paste for, until it should be all used? Can we store it in a jar for a week? Thank you.
I am excited to try this recipe. How long does the paste laste in the fridge?