Matcha Pancakes: Fluffy, Earthy, and Elegantly Sweet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pancakes are soft, airy, and full of subtle matcha flavor—sweet but not too sugary, with that signature hint of green tea bitterness. They cook up beautifully golden on the outside with a soft, cake-like texture inside. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also look stunning on the plate. Best of all, they’re quick to make with pantry staples and a touch of matcha powder. Pair them with fruit, syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a café-style breakfast at home.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour: The base for light, fluffy pancakes.

Matcha Green Tea Powder: Adds color, flavor, and antioxidants—use high-quality culinary-grade matcha for the best taste.

Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and stay tender.

Sugar: Balances the earthy matcha flavor and adds light sweetness.

Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Milk: Provides moisture and richness—whole milk or almond milk both work well.

Egg: Adds structure and helps create a soft texture.

Butter (melted): For richness and that classic buttery pancake flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the matcha’s grassy notes.

Honey or Maple Syrup (for serving): Complements the subtle sweetness of the pancakes.

Directions

1. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk gently until just combined. A few small lumps are fine—don’t overmix, or the pancakes will be tough.
4. Rest the batter. Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the matcha flavor to develop and the batter to thicken slightly.
5. Cook the pancakes. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until small bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden on both sides.
6. Serve. Stack the pancakes and top with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a spoonful of whipped cream. Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people (makes about 8 pancakes). Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking time 15 minutes, for a total of 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or skillet until warm. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent sogginess.

Variations and Customizations

Matcha White Chocolate Pancakes
Fold white chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, creamy contrast.

Lemon Matcha Pancakes
Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist.

Coconut Matcha Pancakes
Replace some of the milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Berry Bliss Version
Add fresh blueberries or strawberries to the batter for a fruity balance to the earthy matcha.

Honey Butter Drizzle
Top your stack with a mix of melted butter and honey for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Matcha Cream Cheese Pancakes
Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before cooking for creamy bursts of flavor.

Vegan Matcha Pancakes
Use almond milk, coconut oil, and a flaxseed egg for a dairy-free, egg-free option.

Gluten-Free Version
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the same fluffy texture.

Chocolate Drizzle Pancakes
Drizzle dark or white chocolate over the pancakes for a café-style presentation.

Matcha Latte Pancakes
Serve with a side of warm frothed milk for the ultimate breakfast pairing.

FAQs

1. What kind of matcha should I use?

Use culinary-grade matcha for baking—it’s affordable and has the right balance of color and flavor.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, but matcha darkens over time. It’s best to make and cook the batter fresh.

3. Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes—use almond, oat, or coconut milk and vegan butter.

4. Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

Overmixing the batter or using old baking powder can make pancakes dense.

5. Can I make them sugar-free?

Yes, replace sugar with your preferred sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.

6. How can I enhance the green color?

Sift the matcha before mixing and avoid overcooking—the color fades with too much heat.

7. Can I use pancake mix instead?

Yes—add 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder to your favorite mix for a quick version.

8. How do I prevent a bitter taste?

Use high-quality matcha and balance with enough sugar or vanilla.

9. What’s the best topping?

Try whipped cream, honey, berries, or even a drizzle of condensed milk.

10. Can I serve these cold?

Yes—they taste great chilled with yogurt or fruit compote.

Conclusion

These Matcha Pancakes are more than just breakfast—they’re a beautiful, calming start to your day. The earthy matcha pairs perfectly with the light sweetness of the fluffy pancakes, creating a unique flavor experience that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you serve them with honey, fruit, or cream, they’re sure to impress and bring a touch of elegance to your morning routine. One bite, and you’ll see why matcha lovers everywhere can’t get enough of this green-hued delight.

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