No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust
This no-bake cheesecake combines earthy matcha green tea with a nutty black sesame crust for a refreshing and elegant dessert. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers black sesame seeds, graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter 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 390 calories and feeds 10, 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
- 3/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 16 oz, softened cream cheese
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 3/4 cup black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with 1 cup graham cracker crumbs and 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in refrigerator while preparing filling.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 2/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp matcha powder, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and evenly green.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the matcha cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm before removing from pan and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust?
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 No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust?
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 No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake with Sesame Crust?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
