Chilled Matcha Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream
A delicate Japanese-inspired dessert featuring lightly sweetened matcha green tea jelly topped with rich coconut cream for a smooth finish. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers matcha powder, (240 ml) hot water, (50 g) 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 140 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp agar-agar powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml), chilled coconut milk
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tsp matcha powder with 1 cup hot water until smooth and no lumps remain, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp agar-agar powder with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the agar-agar and sugar dissolve completely, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and slowly whisk the prepared matcha tea into the agar mixture until evenly combined. Pour into 4 small serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk 1/2 cup chilled coconut milk with 1 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened. Spoon the coconut cream over the set matcha jelly just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Matcha Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream?
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 Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream?
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 Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream 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 Tea Jelly with Coconut Cream?
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.
