Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth, velvety pudding infused with earthy matcha green tea and nutty black sesame, chilled for a refreshing dessert. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 0.5 cup heavy cream, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tsp matcha powder over medium heat until the mixture is warm and sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp cornstarch and 0.25 cup cold water, whisking until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp black sesame paste and 1 tsp vanilla extract, whisk until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and pour pudding into 4 small serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until chilled and set.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted black sesame seeds on top for texture and garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilled Matcha and Black Sesame Pudding?

Japanese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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