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Delight your senses with our extraordinary Uji Matcha White Chocolate Muffins – a perfect choice for breakfast or a satisfying snack! It’s so simple to make, ready in just 25 minutes! This recipe offers a moist-crumb muffin boast with robust matcha flavour, transporting you the lush tea fields of Uji, Japan. Packed with delectable dried cranberries and chopped macadamia nuts, these muffins redefine indulgence.
These are not your ordinary Matcha Muffins; they’re a masterful creation infused with 100% pure Uji Matcha powder from Kyoto, Japan. Enjoy the fresh aroma of intense, grassy, earthy umami and the delightful bitter-sweet undertones that cater to all matcha lovers. Taking it up a notch, our matcha muffins are generously added with premium white chocolate covertures from Belgium, the sweet balance of premium white chocolate perfectly complements the bold matcha flavour, creating a match made for heavenly indulgence.
Get ready to indulge in our Uji Matcha White Chocolate Muffins – a fusion of Japanese tradition and Belgium decadence, where flavours harmonize effortlessly for a delightful journey whether morning, noon or night!
For more individual-sized portion dessert recipes, try my Rich & Fudgy Brownie Tarts, Easy Mini Cheesecakes and Ondeh Ondeh Scones.
How do I choose the grade of matcha powder for baking or culinary applications? For myself, I prefer to use Barista Grade Matcha for my baking recipes. Choosing the right grade of matcha powder for baking or culinary applications ultimately depends on individual preferences, the specific recipe, and your budget. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed choice:
1.Ceremonial Grade Matcha:
Characteristics: Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, with a vibrant green colour, smooth texture, and a rich, complex flavour with a balance of umami and sweetness.
Use: Best enjoyed on its own with hot water as part of a tea ceremony. While it’s typically reserved for traditional tea ceremonies, some may choose to use ceremonial grade for special baking projects where a premium matcha flavour is desired.
2.Barista Grade Matcha:
Characteristics: Barista-grade matcha is a high-quality matcha with a slightly more robust flavour than ceremonial grade. It has a vibrant green colour and flavour, making it suitable for both drinking and culinary applications.
Use: A versatile option for making matcha lattes, smoothies, baked goods and desserts. It strikes a balance between quality and cost.
3.Culinary Grade Matcha:
Characteristics: Culinary-grade matcha is more affordable and often has a stronger, slightly astringent flavour. It may have a less vibrant green colour compared to higher grades like Ceremonial and Barista.
Use: Commonly used in recipes for matcha-flavoured dishes such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS:
Key Ingredient for this recipe (Uji Matcha): Crafted with 100% pure Uji Matcha powder from Japan, these muffins boast a sophisticated and authentic matcha flavour, providing a sensory journey to the fields of Uji, Kyoto.
Harmonious Blend: These muffins seamlessly blend the rich, earthy umami of Uji Matcha with the sweet indulgence of premium white chocolate couvertures from Belgium. To elevate the overall profile, these matcha muffins are perfectly packed with dried cranberries and chopped macadamia nuts, promising a symphony of flavours and textures that make each bite a delightful experience.
Versatile Pleasure: Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or an indulgent treat any time of day, these muffins are a versatile delight suitable for various occasions.
Yields: 12 Uji Matcha White Chocolate Muffins.
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Uji Matcha Powder: Opt for high-quality 100% pure Uji Matcha powder from Japan for an authentic and vibrant matcha flavour. This enhances the overall quality and aroma of the muffins.
White Chocolate Couvertures: Choose high-quality white chocolate couvertures for a smooth and luxurious texture. The sweetness of white chocolate complements the bold matcha flavour.
Dried Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for a concentrated burst of tartness and sweetness.
Chopped Macadamia Nuts: Chopped macadamia nuts add a rich, buttery flavour and delightful crunch. Ensure they are evenly distributed for a balanced texture in every bite.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure to the muffins. It adds moisture to the batter, preventing the muffins becoming dry and contributing to a desirable crumb.
Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional): The addition of pure vanilla extract is optional but can enhance the overall flavour profile with its subtle sweetness. Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
Canola Oil: Canola Oil provides moisture and a neutral flavour.
Full Cream Milk: Use full cream milk for a rich and creamy texture. Room temperature milk helps in achieving a smoother batter consistency.
Pure Honey: Pure honey adds a natural sweetness and mositure to the muffins. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
Cake Flour: Cake flour contributes to a tender crumb. If you don’t have it in your pantry, you can make a substitute by combining all-purpose flour with a small amount of cornstarch.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures proper leavening. Double-acting baking powder is preferred for a consistent rise during baking.
Extra Fine Caster Sugar: Extra fine caster sugar dissolves easily, contributing to a smoother batter. Regular granulated sugar can be used as an alternative.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE UJI MATCHA MUFFIN:
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MUFFIN:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 347°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing the cups.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, matcha powder, baking powder and baking soda, Set aside. Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugars until pale in colour or well beaten, about 2 minutes. Add the full cream milk, honey, canola oil, and optional Vanilla Extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the dried cranberries, chopped macadamia nuts, and white chocolate couvertures into the batter in three batches, mixing until just incorporated. Ensure even distribution of mix-ins.
6. Fill Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with additional chopped macadamia nuts for an elegant touch.
7. Baking: Place the muffin tin in preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
8. Cooling: Allow the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the baking process!
PRO TIPS:
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality Matcha powder and premium white chocolate couvertures for this recipe. The quality of these key ingredients significantly influences the flavour and texture of the muffins.
Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs to ensure proper emulsification with the other wet ingredients. This results in a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients, including the matcha powder, to remove lumps and ensure even distribution. This contributes to a uniform texture in the muffins.
Gentle Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
Even Distribution of Mix-ins: Mix in the dried cranberries, chopped macadamia nuts and white chocolate couvertures in 3 batches, this ensures an even distribution of mix-ins throughout the batter. This provides a balances flavour and texture in every muffin.
Baking Temperature and Time: Preheat the oven adequately to 347°F (175°C) for even baking. Monitor the muffins closely during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): If you choose to use vanilla extract, choose a pure and high-quality option. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements both the matcha and white chocolate flavours.
Storing Muffins: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. For longer storage, individually wrap muffins and freeze. Thaw before serving.
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavour and texture, allow the muffins come to room temperature before serving. This enhances the richness of the matcha and white chocolate flavours.
SERVINGS TIPS:
Create a Breakfast Spread: Include the muffins as part of a breakfast spread. Serve them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
Accompany with Matcha Latte: Pair the muffins with a warm or iced matcha latte for a complete matcha-themed experience. The harmonious flavour of matcha in both the muffins and the latte create a delightful combination.
Serve at Tea Time: These muffins make an excellent addition to tea time. Serve them alongside a selection of teas, such as green tea or jasmine tea, to complement the matcha flavour.
Enjoy with Coffee: The muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee. The rich matcha and white chocolate flavours complement the boldness of coffee, creating a delightful contrast.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use any type of matcha powder for this recipe?
For the best flavours, use pure and high-quality matcha powder. It provides an authentic and vibrant matcha taste, enhancing the overall quality of the muffins.
Can I substitute ingredients like dried cranberries and macadamia nuts?
Absolutely! You can customize the mix-ins to your preference. Consider using dried fruits, nuts, or seeds that you enjoy. Ensure they are evenly distributed for a balanced texture.
Do I need to use white chocolate couvertures, or can I use regular white chocolate chips?
While regular white chocolate chips can be used, high-quality white chocolate couvertures with a minimum of 28% cocoa butter content provide a smoother and more luxurious texture to the muffins.
Can I replace cake flour with other type of flour for this recipe?
You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for cake flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser. For every cup of cake flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the flour mixture well to ensure even distribution.
Is the addition of vanilla extract necessary?
The use of vanilla extract is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavours. Choose a pure and high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
Why sift the dry ingredients, including matcha powder?
Sifting removes lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients, promoting a uniform texture in the muffins. It also helps prevent any bitterness from concentrated matcha.
What are the differences between muffins and cupcakes?
Muffins and cupcakes diverge in key aspects, from their ingredients, preparation methods to their intended uses. They are both baked goods, muffins typically contain a higher proportion of liquid ingredients, such as milk or yogurt, and use oil or melted butter for fat. They may incorporate whole grains, nuts or savoury elements, resulting in a more moderate sweetness. They are often served without frosting, although some variations may have a light glaze. On the other hand, cupcakes are generally sweeter and frequently include sweet add-ins, often topped with frosting or icing. Tend to have a higher proportion of sugar and fat (usually butter) compared to muffins.
Muffins typically have a denser texture, often with a coarser crumb. Usually have a simpler shape, domed top and may vary in size. They are often served as a breakfast or snack item and can be savoury or sweet. On the other hand, cupcakes have a lighter, fluffier texture, a finer crumb and often have a more uniform, decorative appearance, with a rounded top suitable for frosting. Cupcakes are commonly served as desserts, especially at celebrations or events.
It’s important to note that there can be variations, and the line between muffins and cupcakes can sometimes blur, especially with creative and diverse recipes. However, the above general distinctions help convey the traditional differences between the two baked goods.
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