This Matcha Pudding Parfait brings the earthy, slightly bitter taste of green tea powder into a smooth, creamy dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. The vibrant green matcha pudding layers beautifully with sweet whipped cream and crunchy toppings, creating a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this parfait an ideal treat for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with something uniquely sophisticated.
Serves: 4 people
Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
Active Prep Time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
For the Matcha Pudding:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Extra matcha powder for dusting
Making the Matcha Pudding
Start by whisking together the matcha powder and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This step ensures your pudding will be silky rather than grainy.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Don’t let it boil. While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Pour this mixture back into the saucepan and add the matcha mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the pudding thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove the pudding from heat and immediately whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter will give your pudding a rich, glossy finish. Pour the pudding through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps, then cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.
Preparing the Whipped Cream
Pour the heavy cream and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to remain light and fluffy rather than turning into butter.
Building Your Parfait
Take four clear glasses or parfait cups for the prettiest presentation. Start with a layer of crushed wafers at the bottom of each glass, about 2 tablespoons per glass. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pudding.
Spoon a generous layer of matcha pudding over the crumbs, filling about one-third of each glass. Add a dollop of whipped cream, then repeat the layers once more. Finish with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the whipped cream for an authentic Japanese touch and extra texture. Dust lightly with matcha powder using a fine sieve for a professional appearance. Garnish each parfait with a fresh mint leaf.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these parfaits immediately for the best texture contrast, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. The assembled parfaits will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the wafer crumbs will soften over time.
For the best matcha flavor, use ceremonial grade matcha powder if available. The higher quality powder will give you a more vibrant color and smoother taste without excessive bitterness. If your matcha tastes too bitter, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the pudding.
These parfaits make an elegant ending to any meal and are particularly beautiful for spring gatherings or tea parties. The green color and delicate flavor create a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
