Raw Matcha Brownies, Soft Serve, and a GIVEAWAY
I like matcha but I don't use it very often. Do you? I should actually get into a habit of using it more often as it has such great health benefits, and it has a wonderful taste (if used properly, otherwise it can be too strong and bitter). Over the years I've made things like matcha ice cream, matcha white chocolates, matcha swirl cheesecake, and enjoy a simple matcha frappe of almond milk and matcha blended together. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Today I have two new recipes to share with you: matcha brownies that are raw, vegan, and nut-free, and matcha soft serve. Both are delicious!
At CHFA West (Canadian Health Food Association Expo), I discovered DoMatcha. I sampled and learned about their incredible organic matcha and have teamed up with them to bring you today's recipes and giveaway! I learned that a high quality matcha powder is very bright green, has a more "full" flavour, is sweeter in taste, and has a "green" flavour. DoMatcha has all of these qualities - the colour in particular is a stunning shade of bright green.
What is Matcha?
If you're not familiar with matcha, its basically powdered green tea. Carefully selected green tea leaves are steamed to prevent nutrients from oxidation and keep the green colour. Next, the stems and veins are removed before the rest of the leave is slowly ground down to a very fine powder.
Some Benefits of Matcha:
- The L-theanine in matcha increases alpha waves in the brain - this helps us feel more calm, creative, alert, and mentally focused (note, there is NO L-theanine in coffee).
- Rich source of antioxidants.
- Improved memory, concentration, and enhances mood due to the production of serotonin and dopamine which is a result of the L-theanine.
- Increased energy and endurance.
- Increased metabolism (which helps your body burn more calories).
- Detoxification.
What About Caffeine?
The difference between the caffeine in matcha and the caffeine in coffee is that the caffeine in matcha is absorbed slowly and steadily. Any of the negative effects that are usually felt from the caffeine are relieved by the relaxing and calming effect of the L-thanine. Green tea has less caffeine than black tea and coffee. For example, one cup of coffee has 80-120mg of caffeine while matcha has 20-35mg of caffeine. It's not advised to drink it on an empty stomach though - I've learned this long ago. Even decaf green tea can make me queasy on an empty stomach. And it's best to drink it at least 4 hours before bed.
DoMatcha makes both a Ceremonial Matcha and a Summer Harvest Matcha. The ceremonial grade is harvested in the Spring at the first flush - only the brand new top leaves are chosen. The leaves have a very smooth but strong flavour and have a very high value. The summer harvest DoMatcha is handpicked in August when the leaves have been on the plant longer and have more of an astringent flavour. It's less expensive than the ceremonial one but perfect for using in desserts or blending into smoothies and drinks.
DoMatcha comes in a cute tin, inside a silver pouch and its recommended that you store in the fridge in it's pouch. They explain that matcha is like a raw, living food so keeping it refrigerated will maintain its freshness and help it last longer (I had no idea that matcha should be kept in the fridge!).
GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will win these DoMatcha products:
- Tin of ceremonial matcha (the highest quality)
- Ceremonial bowl
- Bamboo whisk
- Bamboo scoop
You'll be able to prepare traditional matcha drinks and dessert recipes like the ones I'm sharing with you today 🙂
NOTE: this contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner is Darylann.
To ENTER:
- Leave a comment below answering this question: Do you like matcha and how do you enjoy it? (I like it best frothed with almond milk and also matcha soft serve).
- For a bonus entry "like" DoMatcha on facebook (and comment HERE saying "Liked DM".)
- For a second bonus entry "like" Sweetly Raw on facebook(and comment here saying "liked SR").
The contest runs until May 31. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 24 hours to respond to claim your prize.
This contest is only open to residents of Canada. Good luck!
Matcha Soft Serve
Here's my 5 ingredient soft serve that is so healthy you could eat it for breakfast! I topped it with THIS chocolate drizzle.
1 can full fat coconut milk*
1 large avocado
1 tablespoon matcha powder
3 large SOFT medjool dates, chopped
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Pour all BUT 1/4 cup of the coconut milk into an ice cube tray(s) and freeze. Dice and freeze the avocado. When the milk and avocado are frozen, add them to a high speed blender along with the remaining ingredients (pour the 1/4 cup coconut milk, maple syrup, and dates into the blender first for easier blending). Blend until smooth and eat immediately. Optional: top with the chocolate drizzle from THIS recipe.
*Note: when I open a can of coconut milk, its usually always separated so I dump it all into the blender and blend it before using it for recipes or storing in the fridge for smoothies.
Raw Vegan Matcha Brownies
These brownies raw, vegan, and NUT-FREE which is rare for a recipe like this. They have just the right amount of matcha for my liking. They're dense and chocolatey with a sweet velvety matcha frosting.
Brownies
1 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup shredded coconut
2/3 cup pitted packed dates
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup cacao powder
2 teaspoons matcha powder
1/4 teaspoon himalayan salt
3-4 teaspoons water (depending on the moisture level of the dates)
Process the seeds and coconut down to fine crumbs in a food processor. Add the dates, raisins, cacao, and matcha. Process until all ingredients are ground down and combined. Add the water, starting with 2 teaspoons. I used 4. Make sure the mixture easily holds together when pressed in your hand (the dough is a bit different than using nuts). Press into the bottom of a 9x5" bread pan.
Matcha Frosting
1/3 cup mashed avocado
4 tablespoons warm water
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Spread over the brownies. Freeze for 2 hours until firm or set in the fridge for at least 5 hours to firm up. Slice. Drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired.
This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are my own.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
91 Comments
I am not a Canadian resident but I am going to still play just for the fun of it... because I love your blog and although I have used Matcha in the past, I really didn't fully understand all its wonderful benefits!!! Thanks, as usual, for sharing and I liked DM and SR on FB. Bonne chance to the lucky winner!
Aw what a lovely comment, thank you Danielle! :D Yes, its really neat, all the benefits that matcha has!
It would be nice to just use a Thai coconut, instead of a can. I don't consider using canned foods to be particularly healthy....Powdered foods are different, but liquid in a can is less than desirable...
For sure you can use a fresh young coconut instead of the canned. I find the canned to be very convenient and more affordable.
I like matcha almost any way when it's added with a little milk and sugar... you really can't go wrong. These recipes make my tummy grumble! Can't wait to try them.
Thank you! I hope you try the recipes :))
"Liked DM". "liked SR"
I LOVE MATCHA. One of my favorite ways is as an ice cream for sure. either just blended with frozen bananas or also adding in some coconut milk for extra creaminess. I have found that it als pairs nicely with bluberries so topping off the icecream with a blue berry compote and of course melted chocolate :)!
Mmmm such delicious ideas! My mouth is watering!
Liked DM :)
Liked SR :)!
Instead of bullet coffee I make bullet matcha! Matcha, raw cacao, organic coconut oil....YUM!
Ooh I love that idea!!! Bullet matcha! Im going to try it, thanks!
I once had Matcha coated chocolate and it gave a magical twist to it! I fell in love with Matcha ? Liked DM Liked SR ?
Yum that sounds sooo good!
I adore matcha and am going to be trying both of these recipes immediately! I usually just buy an almond milk matcha latte, because I am lazy, but brownies? I am in!
Haha, yesss you must try the brownies!!! :D
I love matcha no churn ice cream, but those brownies look amazing too! :)
Thank you! I hope you give them a try :))
Matcha almond milk latte or frappe! Your recipes look amazing, as always. I enjoyed reading your post and learning more about matcha... like the caffeine absorption. Interesting!
Thanks Sandra! Yes matcha is so incredible!! I need to eat it more often.
I have always wanted to try it! Thanks for the chance as I've never had Matcha before! :)
Ooh you definitely need to try matcha! :))
I have only tried it hot and as an iced latte. These look delicious! Thank You
I have only had matcha in drinks. Sometimes I've liked it and other times it's awful. Liked DM Liked SR
I know what you mean. Just the right amount has to be used or its too bitter!
I like Matcha best in a "lime pie" smoothie bowl
That sounds incredible!
Liked DM and SR.... I like matcha frappes with almond milk and ice cubes :) these sounds SO GOOD!!
Mm now I'm craving a frappe!! And thank you :D
I love Matcha!! I make a latte with Tocos, Vanilla, Coconut oil, Sea Salt and a little maple syrup. Or I'll make a chocolate version of the latte! So good!
Amazing lovely dearie. OK I like frothy matcha latte or soft serve too!
Mmm frothy matcha! Its too late in the date but Im SO having one tomorrow!
Liked do matcha
Liked SR
Matcha is best in a smoothie with almond milk, banana and ice. Yum!
I love Matcha, my favourite recipe for matcha is my chocolate raspberry matcha frappe ~almond milk,frozen raspberries, cocoa powder, touch of pure maple syrup, matcha topped with true cinnamon! Good luck everyone Liked DM and liked SR!!!
Wow that sounds incredible Connie!!
I love making peppermint matcha lattes with coconut milk for a morning pick me up.
Mm peppermint matcha latte sounds amazing!!!
Matcha is so good when combined with coconut milk to make a latte!! DM and SR both followed!!
I haven't tried Matcha yet but after seeing your recipes (LOVE how the ingredients are so easy to find!) I have ordered some lol hope I win some more ? Loyal SR follower Liked SR and Liked DM
Ooh you must try matcha Suzanne, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.. and matcha lattes are deelish! <3 :D
I like matcha as a straight tea or mixed with chocolate.
Liked DM
Liked SR
love doMatcha and I use it in my healing tonics as well as in my skincare applications :) been a fan for years!!
Ooh matcha in your skin care products, that's genius Paula!
I have a mug of matcha every morning - Love the benefits of l-theanine! I've also made raw matcha chocolates & matcha lattes with a lavender infused honey. Just bought your book & can't wait to test out all of your lovely recipes :) - Liked SR
Wow it all sounds delish and so great that you have it every day! Awesome, I hope you enjoy the recipes - make the snickers right away :))
Yum! I'm definitely going to try that ice cream. I don't use matcha as much as I'd like too either. I think my favorite way to enjoy matcha is those Japanese bean paste jelly treats. That was the first time I had matcha so maybe it's just the nostalgia. :)
I love matcha mochi ice cream!
Liked DM!
Liked SR!
Likey liked DM & SR and insta blooper likey ??
. Matcha Truffles are fun and yum -/ raw cashew/pistachio, dates, shredded coconut, pure coconut oil, and Matcha. Mmmm mmm ;))
Mmm matcha truffles sound fabulous Karen!! :))
I ike matcha in smoothies and also as an ingredient in raw pies/cakes.
My favourite thing to use matcha in is making traditional vegan japanese desserts, such as dango - sooo yummy! Having a good quality matcha makes such perfect desserts. I liked SR and DM!
I spent 6 years in Asia and ate Matcha in a variety of forms! I love it almost any way it's prepared: as tea, whisked with almond milk, ice cream, jelly desserts, in chocolates, in the Asian pancake/ice cream cookies, and I'm really looking forward to trying your matcha recipes.
That sounds fantastic Amy!! And in answer to your question, you can find my treats at Ageless Living Market downtown in Victoria. I've stopped doing the farmers markets and wholesale to stores. I do occasional courses, the best thing is to subscribe to regular blog posts because I share details for upcoming classes in my posts. :))
Liked DM
Liked SR. Also "followed first." I see you're in Victoria, but don't see anything about a shop or any courses in the Victoria area. Will there be the opportunity to attend one of your courses locally? Thanks!
I love matcha. I drink it as tea or in a latte with almond milk. I would love to make matcha coconut milk icecream one day.
Oh my gosh, I love matcha so much! I've been making a lot of matcha banana nice cream which is a big hit with my kiddos!
Liked DM!
Liked SR!
Hi Heather! I dont' like matcha, I LOVE it! In ANYTHING: vegan yogurt, ball snacks, name it. But I particularly like it in an Iced Matcha Latte using maple or strawberry matcha. It 's simply DIVINE! I hope all is well with you, Heather!!
Haha you're the best Isabelle! So great that you love matcha! And now you have me craving an iced matcha latte!! Mmm :D
Liked DM! :-)
Liked SR.
I've never tried, but I bet it's good with coconut milk!
I have not been able to try matcha yet but I hope to. After seeing your creations I really can't wait to try!
Liked SR
I like it in "Ice cream"
Liked DM
Have never tried matcha! It sounds delicious though :)
Liked DM :)
Liked sweetly raw!!
SOY MATCHA LATTE. Simple yet delicious. In the summer I'll do an iced version with coconut milk. (I don't have fb so I'm unable to like you or dm, but I like you anyways ;p)
I've only had matcha lattes that I've made with coconut milk, almond milk, coconut sugar, maca, and cacao. More like a matcha hot chocolate. I like SW on Facebook and DM in Facebook as well!
That sounds delicious!!
I love matcha milkshakes and matcha muffins!
I haven't tried getting creative with Matcha at home as much. I usually take it in my greens but want to try something coconutty with it! Also, liked DM, and your fb page!
I love matcha! At one time I gave up coffee exclusively and only drank my matcha and felt so much better for it! I often just had it whisked plain or sometimes as a latte with almond milk. Excited to try as a dessert now! I must be the only person not on Facebook Heather! Think I need to join soon! ??
Matcha is a perfect coffee swap! Haha yes you need to join FB! :D
I am learning to enjoy matcha more through your blog :) So excited to make the raw vegan matcha brownies!!! Thank-you so much for sharing...Liked DM
Thanks Debbie, I hope you enjoy the brownies! :D
Is this product safe? I am concerned about it's use and that it comes from Japan. That it could be contaminated and toxic due to the nuclear fall out. What are your thoughts regarding this matter?Thank you.
Good question - the company says that their matcha comes from Kagoshima, 1000 miles south of Kukushima. They do extensive testing of the leaves there, and then they test the leaves again when it gets to Vancouver. They send it to a lab in Illinois after that - both the tin and the matcha itself get tested.
Hi Heather, tried the raw matcha brownie today and it was very delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!
Yay, I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)