Matcha Pancakes bring a refreshing twist to traditional breakfast fare. Infused with earthy green tea flavor and balanced with the sweetness of vanilla, these pancakes are a fun, colorful, and nourishing way to start your day. They’re particularly festive for occasions like St. Patrick’s Day but are just as welcome on any lazy weekend morning.
With no dairy and just a few simple ingredients, these pancakes come together quickly while still feeling special. The light, fluffy texture paired with the vibrant green hue makes them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of matcha whipped cream for an elevated finish.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon matcha powder
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3 tablespoons butter, melted (use plant-based for dairy-free)
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1 egg
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1 ¼ cup almond milk (plain or vanilla)
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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Cooking spray or similar (for greasing skillet)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and matcha powder until evenly combined.
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Add melted butter, egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
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Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
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While the batter rests, preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray.
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Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet.
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Cook until bubbles form on the sides and center of the pancake (about 2–3 minutes), then flip and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until golden.
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Repeat until all batter is used. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 308 kcal | Servings: 4 servings (approx. 10–12 pancakes)
A Brief History of Matcha
To truly appreciate Matcha Pancakes, it helps to understand the origin of the star ingredient. Matcha has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for over 800 years. Unlike steeped green tea, matcha is made by grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder, allowing you to consume the entire leaf and gain its full nutritional benefits.
Matcha is traditionally whisked with hot water and consumed as a concentrated tea. However, in recent years, its use has expanded to culinary applications across both sweet and savory dishes. The global matcha trend has brought about everything from matcha cookies to matcha ramen—but it’s in breakfast foods, like pancakes and waffles, where the ingredient shines in both taste and color.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is often referred to as a superfood for a reason. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help to fight free radicals in the body. One specific catechin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), has been linked to numerous health benefits including improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function.
In addition to antioxidants, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness. When combined with the small amount of natural caffeine in matcha, it can provide a more stable and sustained energy boost compared to coffee, without the jitters or crashes.
For those trying to incorporate more mindful, plant-based nutrition into their diet, matcha offers a delicious and versatile option. Adding it to pancakes not only boosts the dish’s visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of health-conscious decision-making to your breakfast.
Why These Pancakes Are Dairy-Free
This particular recipe uses almond milk and plant-based butter, making it entirely dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan lifestyle. Almond milk works especially well in pancakes due to its mild, slightly nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Using dairy alternatives makes this dish more inclusive while also appealing to a wider audience, especially as more people explore plant-based eating habits.
The use of almond milk also plays well with matcha’s naturally grassy tones, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. You can opt for plain almond milk to keep the sugar content low or use vanilla-flavored almond milk for an added layer of sweetness and aroma.
Perfect for Themed Holidays and Special Mornings
The green color of matcha makes these pancakes a fantastic option for themed holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. Unlike using artificial food coloring, which adds no nutritional value, matcha creates the same festive green hue naturally—while giving your body something to benefit from. That makes it a win-win.
Even outside of special occasions, the unique color and taste of matcha can help transform an ordinary breakfast into something memorable. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, surprising a loved one with breakfast in bed, or just treating yourself to a slow morning, these pancakes help set the tone for a beautiful start to the day.
Flavor Pairings and Topping Ideas
One of the best parts about pancakes is the ability to personalize them with toppings. With Matcha Pancakes, you can go classic with a drizzle of maple syrup, or lean into more gourmet territory with ingredients that complement matcha’s unique flavor.
Here are a few ideas to try:
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Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offer a tart contrast to the earthy tones of matcha.
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Whipped cream or coconut whip: Adds creaminess without overpowering the base flavor.
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Sweet red bean paste (anko): A Japanese-inspired topping that enhances the matcha experience.
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Drizzled white chocolate or condensed milk: For those who like a dessert-style pancake stack.
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A sprinkle of powdered sugar and toasted sesame seeds: Light, crunchy, and beautiful.
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Bananas and a dusting of cinnamon: Comforting and subtly sweet.
Toppings can be mixed and matched to suit different moods, occasions, or guests. For brunch parties, consider setting up a topping bar to let everyone customize their own pancake experience.
Cooking Tips for Flawless Results
Even the most exciting ingredients won’t save pancakes from poor execution. To ensure your Matcha Pancakes are fluffy, soft, and flavorful every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Let the batter rest: A 5-minute rest allows the baking powder to activate and helps the flour hydrate, leading to fluffier pancakes.
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Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
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Watch the pan heat: Medium-high is usually the sweet spot. Too hot and your pancakes will burn before they cook through.
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Wait for bubbles to flip: Once you see bubbles in the center and edges look slightly dry, it’s time to flip.
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Use a non-stick skillet or griddle: And lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
These small steps help maintain consistency and turn a simple recipe into a signature dish.
Matcha for All Ages
Because of its mild caffeine content, some parents wonder whether matcha is suitable for children. Generally, the amount of caffeine in matcha pancakes is quite minimal—especially when using just a tablespoon for an entire batch. That said, it’s always wise to adjust according to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Kids tend to love the vibrant color and sweetness of these pancakes, especially when served with fun toppings. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors in a fun, approachable way.
Cultural Connection and Mindful Eating
In Japanese culture, matcha is not just a drink—it’s a ritual. Incorporating matcha into your cooking is a beautiful way to engage with that mindfulness. Preparing these pancakes with intention, slowing down to enjoy the aroma, the textures, and the experience of eating, turns breakfast into something more meaningful.
Cooking with matcha also encourages cultural curiosity. Whether you’re introducing friends to Japanese-inspired ingredients or simply adding variety to your family meals, it can open the door to conversation, exploration, and appreciation for culinary traditions beyond your own.
Conclusion: A Breakfast That Nourishes and Delights
Matcha Pancakes bring together nutrition, beauty, and comfort in a single stack. They’re easy enough to make on a busy morning but elegant enough to serve for guests or special occasions. With the added health benefits of matcha, dairy-free ingredients, and a range of customizable toppings, this dish fits beautifully into a modern, mindful kitchen.
Whether you’re a long-time matcha lover or just looking to try something new, Matcha Pancakes are a wonderful way to explore the versatility of this superfood. The next time you’re craving a warm, fluffy breakfast, reach for that tin of green tea powder—you just might discover your new favorite morning ritual.