Sakura & Matcha: A Perfect Match for Spring
As spring arrives, the delicate bloom of cherry blossoms paints a picturesque scene, evoking a sense of serenity and renewal. In Japan, this season is synonymous with enjoying warm tea and traditional sweets in a tranquil atmosphere. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, play a significant role in Japanese confectionery, with countless shops offering sakura-infused treats.
Among the most delightful pairings is the combination of sakura and matcha, a harmony of flavors that enhances both ingredients. From sakura matcha soft cream and lattes to glazed donuts, these creations are perfect for seasonal celebrations. To bring the essence of Japan into your home, MATCHAZUKI presents simple yet exquisite recipes inspired by the beauty of sakura and the richness of matcha.
Green Tea Mochi Pancakes with Sakura White Bean & Red Bean Filling
This Japanese-inspired pancake combines the chewy texture of mochi with the earthy depth of matcha, complemented by a sweet sakura-infused filling.
Ingredients for the Pancake Batter
– 150 ml water
– 30 g mochi flour (or glutinous rice flour)
– 30 g cake flour (sifted)
– 2 g matcha powder
– 2 tbsp sugar
– Oil (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
1. Mix water and mochi flour until smooth.
2. Combine cake flour, matcha powder, and sugar. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Lightly grease a warm pan. Pour the batter onto the pan, shaping it into an oval.
4. Cook over low heat until both sides are golden and set aside.
For the Filling:
– Mashed white beans
– 2 g sakura powder (adjust to taste)
– Salted sakura leaves (optional, for added fragrance)
– Salted sakura flowers (for garnish)
1. Mix mashed white beans with sakura powder.
2. Wrap the filling in salted sakura leaves for an enhanced aroma.
3. Assemble and serve this delicate matcha sakura dessert.
Hanami Dango
A quintessential springtime treat, Hanami Dango features three colors symbolizing different stages of cherry blossom bloom: green for the leaves, white for budding flowers, and pink for full blossoms.
Ingredients
– 120 g mochi flour (divided into three portions)
– 120 g soft tofu (divided into three portions)
– 3 tbsp sugar (1 per portion)
– 2 g sakura powder (for pink dough)
– 2 g matcha powder (for green dough)
Instructions
1. Divide ingredients into three bowls:
– Pink: Mix mochi flour, tofu, sugar, and sakura powder.
– Green: Mix mochi flour, tofu, sugar, and matcha powder.
– White: Mix mochi flour, tofu, and sugar.
2. Knead each mixture until soft.
3. Bring water to a boil. Roll each colored dough into small balls and boil them until they float (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Transfer to cold water to cool.
5. Skewer one of each color onto a stick and serve.
Tip: Hanami Dango pairs wonderfully as a topping for green tea parfaits or soft serve.
Sakura Green Tea Red Bean Crepe Cake
A delicate fusion of flavors, this crepe cake layers matcha chiffon cake, fresh cream, red beans, and sakura-infused crepes to create a visually stunning and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients for Sakura Crepes
– 4 eggs
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 2 ½ cups flour
– 2 tbsp sakura powder
– 400 ml milk
– ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Beat eggs until well blended. Add sugar and mix until dissolved.
2. Sift flour and sakura powder into the egg mixture.
3. Gradually add milk in three to four portions, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Mix in melted butter until smooth.
5. Strain the batter and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and lightly grease with butter.
7. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, spreading it thinly.
8. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook briefly on the other side.
9. Allow to cool before layering with matcha chiffon cake, red bean paste, and fresh cream.
10. Assemble using a baking pan sized to match the crepes.
Presentation Tip: Decorate with sakura flowers for an elegant seasonal touch.
The Art of Incorporating Sakura in Desserts
The unique floral notes of sakura can be infused into desserts using sakura powder extracted from pickled sakura or whole pickled sakura flowers. Whether incorporated into macarons, roll cakes, or daifuku, sakura enhances the overall flavor profile while adding a seasonal aesthetic.
The combination of matcha and sakura creates a balance of earthy bitterness and subtle floral sweetness, making these desserts a perfect way to celebrate spring. Whether you’re reminiscing about cherry blossom festivals in Japan or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, these recipes bring the essence of hanami right to your home.
Sources:
http://paogohan.blog42.fc2.com/blog-entry-513.html
https://www.travelsintranslation.com/2015/04/recipe-of-the-month-cherry-blossom-sugars/
https://arigatojapan.co.jp/sakura-and-matcha-a-perfect-match-for-spring/
https://soranews24.com/2021/03/11/sakura-and-matcha-star-in-new-mister-donut-collection/
https://nagoyafoodie.com/soft-serve-ice-cream-in-japan/
https://constellationinspiration.com/2020/04/dango-mochi.html
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