Black Sesame Matcha Brownies – The Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you love desserts that are different but still comforting, you’re going to love these black sesame matcha brownies.
I came up with this recipe one day when I was craving something rich like a brownie but also wanted that earthy, nutty flavor of black sesame.
The matcha adds a fresh green tea taste that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep coming back to them because they’re not your regular brownies—they’re better.
Why Black Sesame and Matcha Make the Perfect Pair
At first, you might think black sesame and matcha sound unusual together. But here’s the thing:
- Black sesame is nutty, slightly smoky, and gives a deep flavor that reminds me of roasted nuts.
- Matcha is earthy, slightly bitter, and refreshing, which balances out the sweetness.
When you mix them into brownies, you get a dessert that’s rich, not too sweet, and feels kind of fancy without much effort.
What You’ll Need for Black Sesame Matcha Brownies
The best part? The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter – makes the brownies rich and soft.
- Sugar – for sweetness and balance.
- Eggs – helps bind everything together.
- All-purpose flour – the base of the brownie.
- Matcha powder – use good quality matcha for the best flavor and color.
- Black sesame paste (or ground sesame seeds) – gives that nutty, toasty flavor.
- Baking powder – a little lift so they’re not too dense.
- Salt – brings out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Brownies
1. Prep Your Pan
Line a baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to take the brownies out later.
2. Melt Butter and Sugar
In a small pot, melt butter with sugar until smooth. This makes the brownies fudgy.
3. Add Eggs
Whisk in the eggs one by one. Make sure they’re mixed well so the brownies stay soft.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the matcha powder here too so it blends evenly.
5. Combine Everything
Add the dry mix into the butter-egg mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
6. Add Black Sesame
Swirl in black sesame paste. You can fold it all the way in for even flavor or swirl lightly to create a pretty marbled look.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into your pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes. Don’t overbake—brownies taste better when they’re a little gooey in the middle.
How to Make Them Extra Special
- Add white chocolate chips – they melt into creamy bites that balance the matcha.
- Top with sesame seeds – sprinkle black or white sesame seeds on top for crunch.
- Serve with ice cream – a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream makes these brownies unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
These brownies are not just about taste—they’re about experience. You get that chewy, fudgy bite, but with flavors that surprise you. If you’re bored of regular chocolate brownies, this is your chance to try something that feels new and exciting.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store up to 1 week. Just warm them a little before eating.
- Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for when cravings hit.
FAQs About Black Sesame Matcha Brownies
Q1: Can I use tahini instead of black sesame paste?
Yes, but tahini is made from white sesame seeds, so the flavor will be lighter. Black sesame paste gives a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Q2: Do I need fancy matcha powder?
If you can, use ceremonial grade matcha for the brightest color and best taste. But good quality culinary matcha works too.
Q3: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, just swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Q4: Can I make them less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the sugar by about 2–3 tablespoons without messing up the texture.
Q5: How do I know when they’re done baking?
Insert a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.
That’s it—your black sesame matcha brownies are ready to impress! They’re unique, they look amazing, and the flavor is unforgettable. Once you try them, you’ll understand why I’m obsessed.
