Earthy Uji Matcha Crème Brûlée with a Shattering Sugar Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you notice any small bubbles on the surface of your custard after pouring it into the ramekins, gently pop them with a toothpick or lightly pass a kitchen torch flame over the surface.

This will ensure that the sugar crust sits on a perfectly smooth custard surface, which makes for a much cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing presentation when you finally crack into the dessert.

To achieve the most consistent caramelization, move the kitchen torch in a slow, circular motion over the sugar layer. Do not hold the flame in one spot for too long, as this will create dark, bitter burnt patches rather than the desired golden amber color.

Practice makes perfect, and you will quickly learn the distance required to melt the sugar effectively without heating the custard underneath too much.

Variations

• Roasted Hojicha Crème Brûlée: Replace the matcha powder with an equal amount of finely ground hojicha powder. The roasted green tea provides a nutty, toasted flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar.
• Vanilla Bean Matcha Twist: Add the seeds of one vanilla bean to the cream while warming it. The floral sweetness of the vanilla complements the earthiness of the matcha for a more complex dessert.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Keep the un-torched custards covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is essential to wait until just before serving to caramelize the sugar, as the moisture from the custard will cause the brittle sugar crust to soften and turn into a sticky syrup within an hour of being torched.

The custard base can be prepared, baked, and chilled up to two days in advance. This makes the recipe ideal for entertaining, as you only need to perform the final step of caramelizing the sugar when you are ready to serve your guests.

Ensure the custards remain chilled and covered until the final moment to maintain their fresh, delicate texture and prevent any unwanted flavor absorption.

Serving ideas

Serve the crème brûlée immediately after torching the sugar. The contrast between the warm, freshly caramelized crust and the cold, smooth custard is the defining characteristic of this dessert. Provide each guest with a small, sturdy metal spoon, which allows them to easily crack through the hard sugar shell and scoop up the perfect combination of textures in every bite.

Because the matcha flavor is delicate, avoid serving this dessert with overly strong or acidic accompaniments. A simple, unsweetened whipped cream or a few fresh berries can provide a lovely contrast, but the dish is designed to be elegant enough to stand entirely on its own.

Focus on the purity of the matcha and the satisfying experience of the crackling sugar to impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Earthy Uji Matcha Crème Brûlée with a Shattering Sugar Crust

Prep 15 minCook 40 minRest 4 hTotal 4 h 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 18 g ceremonial grade matcha powder, sifted
• 500 ml heavy cream
• 5 large egg yolks
• 90 g caster sugar
• 6 tbsp superfine sugar

Instructions

1. Sift the ceremonial matcha into a large bowl to ensure there are no lumps. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, caster sugar, and egg yolks until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant green. Ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated without creating excess foam on the surface of the custard mixture.
2. Pour the custard mixture into ramekins. Place the ramekins in a deep baking pan and add hot water to the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 40 minutes until the centers are set but still have a slight wobble. Once cooked to 160°F (71°C), remove from the oven and allow to cool before chilling.
3. Chill the ramekins in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to firm up. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of superfine sugar over the top of each chilled custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, golden-brown amber glass crust.

Contains: eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

6.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

30.5 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

21 g

Sodium

45 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.