Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped Cream
A layered Japanese dessert featuring earthy matcha jelly, sweet azuki beans, and light whipped cream for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers matcha powder, hot water, agar-agar powder 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup sweetened azuki beans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp toasted kinako powder
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tsp matcha powder with 1 cup hot water until fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Stir in 1 tsp agar-agar powder and pour the mixture into a shallow dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm and jelly-like.
- Step 2: While the jelly sets, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a chilled bowl using a hand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 3: Once the matcha jelly is set, cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. In serving glasses, layer the matcha jelly cubes, 1 cup sweetened azuki beans, and dollops of the whipped cream.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted kinako powder on top of the parfaits for a nutty finish and serve chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 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 Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped 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 Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped 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 Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped 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 Matcha Azuki Parfait with Sweet Red Bean and Whipped 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.
