Ube and Matcha Recipes: The Colorful Superfood Duo That’s Revolutionizing Baking

Imagine the meeting of the enchanting purple of Filipino ube and the vibrant green of Japanese matcha. This alliance of superfoods is not only visually spectacular: it creates a symphony of flavors where the vanilla-like sweetness of ube blends perfectly with the vegetal and umami notes of matcha. Learn how to master this winning duo with our detailed ube and matcha recipes, easy for the whole family to enjoy!

The Perfect Pairing: Why Combine Ube and Matcha?

This combination goes far beyond a simple Instagram effect. Together, ube and matcha offer:

Balanced Flavors

• Ube brings its natural sweetness and nutty notes
• Matcha balances it out with its refined bitterness and grassy aromas
• Together, they create a sophisticated taste complexity

Enhanced Nutritional Benefits

• Ube: Rich in vitamin C, potassium and anthocyanin antioxidants
• Matcha: Packed with L-theanine, catechins, and chlorophyll
• Synergy: A lasting energy boost without a blood sugar spike

Irresistible Visual Impact

The purple‑green contrast creates desserts worthy of the greatest pastry chefs, turning every creation into an edible work of art.

Recipe No. 1: Soft Marbled Ube–Matcha Cookies

Ingredients

For the base:

• 280 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 170g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 150g brown sugar
• 100 g white sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the ube dough:

• 30 g ube powder
• 100g of white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon of milk

For the matcha dough:

• 20 g culinary matcha powder
• 100g of dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon of milk

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the base: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In the mixer bowl, cream the butter with both sugars for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Incorporating the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Reduce the speed and gradually add the flour mixture until you obtain a smooth batter.

3. Divide and color: Divide the dough into two equal parts. In the first half, mix in the ube powder with 1 tablespoon of milk to make blending easier. Add the white chocolate chips. In the second half, mix the matcha with 1 tablespoon of milk, then add the dark chocolate chips.

4. Creating the marbling: Take one tablespoon of each dough. Press them together without fully mixing and roll gently between your palms to form a marbled ball of about 50 g. Repeat to make about 24 cookies.

5. Essential Rest: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 5cm apart. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 48 hours). This step is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

6. Perfect baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake for 11–13 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the centre. They will continue to bake on the tray.

7. Finishing: Let rest for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. For a final touch, lightly sprinkle with fleur de sel sea salt.

Pro Tips:

• Ideal texture: Do not overbake to keep the center soft
• Successful marbling: Don’t overmix the two batters if you want a clearly defined visual effect
• Storage: 5 days in an airtight container, or 3 months in the freezer
• Gourmet tip: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving

Recipe No. 2: Ube–Matcha Tiramisu Without Mascarpone

Ingredients

For the biscuits:

• 24 ladyfinger biscuits
• Why it works
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

For the ube cream:

• 250ml coconut cream (thick part only)
• 30 g ube powder
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar

For the matcha cream:

• 250ml of coconut cream (thick part)
• 20 g matcha powder
• 3 tablespoons agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar

For the topping:

• Matcha powder for dusting
• White chocolate shavings (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cream preparation: The day before, place the cans of coconut milk in the refrigerator. Only use the thick solidified part.

2. Ube cream: In a saucepan, mix 50ml water with the agar-agar. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Off the heat, add the ube powder and coconut sugar. Let cool slightly. Whip the coconut cream until fluffy, then fold in the cooled ube mixture.

3. Matcha cream: Repeat the process with the matcha and agave syrup. Both creams should have a similar consistency.

4. Assembly in verrines: In individual verrines, quickly dip 3 biscuits in sweetened espresso. Place at the bottom. Add a layer of ube cream, then 3 more soaked biscuits, and finish with matcha cream.

5. Artistic finish: Use an offset spatula to smooth the top. Create patterns with a toothpick by swirling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

6. Serving: Just before serving, gently dust with matcha through a fine sieve. Add a few white chocolate shavings for contrast.

Creative Variations:

• Add a layer of exotic fruit jelly between the creams
• Replace the espresso with hojicha tea to stay 100% tea
• Add tapioca pearls for a bubble tea texture

Recipe No. 3: Energizing Ube–Matcha Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

Ube base:

• 1 frozen banana
• 100 ml coconut milk
• 20 g ube powder
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Matcha base:

• 1 frozen banana
• 100ml of oat milk
• 10g matcha powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked for 10 minutes)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Suggested toppings:

• Homemade granola
• Toasted shredded coconut
• Fresh fruits (kiwi, dragon fruit, blueberries)
• Black sesame seeds
• Raw cacao nibs
• Edible flowers

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing the chia seeds: 10 minutes beforehand, mix the chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let them swell.

2. Ube base: In a powerful blender, mix the banana, coconut milk, ube powder, almond butter, and ice cubes until thick and creamy. Pour into a bowl, on one side only.

3. Matcha base: Without rinsing the blender, blend the second banana with the oat milk, matcha, soaked chia seeds and ice cubes. The consistency should be identical to the ube base.

4. Artistic assembly: Gently pour the matcha base on the other side of the bowl. Use a spoon to create a clear dividing line or yin-yang patterns.

5. Topping arrangement: Lay out the toppings in lines or sections for maximum visual impact. Alternate textures and colors.

6. Final touch: Sprinkle a little ube powder on one side and matcha on the other to intensify the colors.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Sustained energy: Complex carbohydrates and healthy fats
• Plant-based proteins: Chia seeds and almond butter
• Antioxidants: Double dose with ube and matcha
• Prebiotics: Fibers that feed your microbiota

Advanced Techniques for Pairing Ube and Matcha

Balancing the Flavors

• Ideal ratio: 2:1 (ube:matcha) for beginners
• For matcha lovers: 1:1 for extra intensity
• Sweet tip: Ube is naturally sweet, reduce sugar by 20% in your recipes

Optimizing Colors

1. Color preservation: Add a pinch of citric acid to keep the purple vibrant
2. Intensification: Always sift the powders to avoid lumps
3. Protection: Light degrades colors, store away from it

Complementary Textures

• Creamy: Ube naturally adds richness and body
• Lightness: Matcha can lighten dense preparations
• Incorporation: First, mix the powders with the dry ingredients

Creative Applications of the Ube–Matcha Duo

Modern Pastry

• Two-tone macarons: ube shells, matcha–white chocolate ganache
• Marbled éclairs: Colored choux pastry, alternating diplomat creams
• Ombre tartlets: Neutral shortcrust base, layered creams

Innovative Drinks

• Rainbow Bubble Tea: Ube pearls, matcha tea
• Energizing frappé: Distinct layers for a visual effect
• Reinvented hot chocolate: White chocolate base, colorful swirls

Frozen Desserts

• Homemade marbled ice cream: Ripple technique for a marbled effect
• Layered popsicles: Freeze in successive layers
• Two-tone semifreddo: Airy texture, elegant presentation

Buying and Storage Guide

Choosing Your Powders

At Pure Tea, we offer a complete range of premium powders to make these recipes:

For the Ube:

• Pure Ube: Our organic powder from the Philippines, with authentic taste and vibrant color
• Pure Ube Vanilla: The perfect alliance with Madagascar bourbon vanilla for even more gourmet creations

For the Matcha:

• Pure Ceremony Matcha Hisui: Our organic ceremonial quality matcha, ideal for recipes where the taste of matcha should shine
• Pure Vanilla Matcha: A unique creation blending our organic matcha with Madagascan bourbon vanilla, perfect for sweetening pairings with ube

These premium organic powders guarantee vibrant colors and authentic flavors in all your ube–matcha creations.

Optimal Storage

• Airtight containers: Protect from air and moisture
• Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigeration.
• Shelf life: Use within 6 months after opening
• Tip: Date your containers to keep track of freshness

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ube–Matcha Pairing

Do the Flavors Really Pair Well?

Absolutely! Ube brings a sweetness that softens matcha’s natural bitterness, creating a perfect balance. It’s like pairing caramel and salt: opposites attract and complement each other.

Can I Prepare These Recipes in Advance?

Most of them keep well:

• Swiss roll: 3 days in the fridge, well wrapped
• Tiramisu: Best after 24 hours of rest
• Smoothie bowl: Enjoy immediately for the best texture

How Do You Keep the Colors from Mixing?

• Work with mixtures of similar consistency
• Use a piping bag technique for greater precision
• Refrigerate between each step to set the layers

Conclusion: The Art of Culinary Fusion

The pairing of ube and matcha goes far beyond a simple Instagram trend to become a true flavor revolution. These recipes let you explore this harmonious match while impressing your guests with creations that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re a fan of elaborate pastries or a lover of healthy breakfasts, this duo of superfoods fills your kitchen with endless possibilities. Feel free to adapt these recipes to your taste and share your creations with #UbeMatchaFusion.

The purple-green adventure is just beginning. Let your creativity run wild and transform your kitchen into a flavor laboratory where Southeast Asia meets Japan in an explosion of colors and benefits!