When it comes to showstopping desserts that combine cultural traditions, few can rival the elegant pairing of Japanese matcha and classic French crème brûlée. This Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle offers a sensory journey through contrasting textures and complementary flavors. The vibrant green hue of high-quality matcha powder transforms an already luxurious dessert into a visual masterpiece that demands attention at any dinner party.
What makes this dessert truly special is the thoughtful marriage of Eastern and Western culinary traditions, resulting in a unique fusion dessert that honors both its Japanese and French roots. The silky matcha custard provides an earthy, slightly bitter foundation that perfectly balances the sweet caramelized sugar crust. When topped with the dark, crunchy black sesame brittle, each spoonful delivers an unforgettable texture contrast that keeps you coming back for just one more bite.
Easy Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle
Equipment
- Ramekins
- Baking Dish
- Kitchen Torch
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp matcha powder sifted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp granulated sugar for caramelized topping
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds for brittle
- 1/4 cup honey for brittle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place four ramekins in a baking dish and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sifted matcha powder. Heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the warm matcha cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the custards cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over each custard and caramelize using a kitchen torch until golden brown and crisp.
- For the black sesame brittle, toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drizzle honey into the pan and stir until the sesame seeds are well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened, then spread onto parchment paper and let cool until hardened.
- Break the sesame brittle into pieces and serve alongside the crème brûlée.
Notes
- Storage: The crème brûlée can be made a day ahead, but caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best texture.
- Alternative Sweetener: Substitute honey or maple syrup in the custard for a refined sugar-free version.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Nutrition
A Tale of Two Culinary Traditions
The creation of matcha crème brûlée represents a beautiful culinary marriage between cultures. Traditional French crème brûlée, whose name literally translates to “burnt cream,” has delighted diners since the 17th century. This classic dessert features a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar that creates that satisfying crack when tapped with a spoon.
Meanwhile, matcha has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. Originally used in traditional tea ceremonies, this finely ground green tea powder has gained worldwide popularity for its distinctive flavor profile and numerous health benefits. Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants and provides a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters associated with coffee.
The fusion of these distinct culinary elements reflects our growing appreciation for global food traditions. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha powder complement the sweet, creamy foundation of crème brûlée, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new. This combination has helped position matcha crème brûlée as one of the most popular Japanese-inspired desserts in contemporary dining.
I’ve found that introducing friends to this dessert opens conversations about food traditions and cultural appreciation. The vibrant green color often catches people by surprise, but the familiar crème brûlée format makes it approachable for first-time matcha tasters. As one dinner guest told me, “This dessert is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for adventurous foodies.”
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To create this stunning dessert in your own kitchen, you’ll need specific ingredients for both components. Here’s everything required to make the matcha crème brûlée and black sesame brittle:
For the Matcha Crème Brûlée:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Black Sesame Brittle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup roasted black sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Essential equipment you’ll need includes:
- 4-6 ramekins (6-ounce size works best)
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish for water bath
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen torch (or broiler as an alternative)
- Candy thermometer (optional but helpful for the brittle)
The quality of your matcha powder will significantly impact the final flavor. I recommend investing in a good ceremonial grade matcha rather than culinary grade for this dessert. The vibrant green color and smooth taste of higher-quality matcha will make a noticeable difference in your crème brûlée.
Creating the Perfect Matcha Crème Brûlée
Let’s begin with the star of our show—the matcha-infused custard. This process requires some patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps carefully for a silky-smooth matcha custard base:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer around the edges. Don’t let it come to a full boil.
2. While the cream heats, whisk together the matcha powder with about 2 tablespoons of the hot cream in a small bowl to form a smooth paste. This prevents the matcha from clumping when added to the remaining cream.
3. Whisk the matcha paste into the simmering cream until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes to infuse the flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes pale yellow and slightly thickened.
5. Gradually pour the warm matcha cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This technique, called tempering, prevents the eggs from cooking and becoming scrambled.
6. Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of cooked egg or matcha clumps.
7. Divide the custard evenly among your ramekins. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and create a water bath by pouring hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. The internal temperature should reach about 170°F (77°C).
9. Carefully remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Crafting the Perfect Black Sesame Brittle
While your crème brûlée chills, you can prepare the black sesame brittle. This crunchy topping adds both textural contrast and visual drama to the dessert. Here’s how to make it:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook.
3. Monitor the sugar mixture as it bubbles and begins to change color. When it reaches a medium amber color (around 300°F/150°C on a candy thermometer), remove from heat.
4. Quickly stir in the black sesame seeds and salt, working fast as the mixture will begin to harden rapidly.
5. Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a thin layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—the rustic look adds character.
6. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes. Once cooled and hardened, break it into irregular pieces of various sizes.
If you’re interested in exploring more matcha dessert recipes, there are countless ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your baking repertoire.
Finishing and Serving Your Masterpiece
Now comes the exciting part—creating that signature caramelized sugar crust and assembling your dessert. This final step transforms your chilled custards into a true crème brûlée experience:
1. When ready to serve, remove the chilled ramekins from the refrigerator and gently blot any condensation from the surface with a paper towel.
2. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. For the best results, use about 1-2 teaspoons per ramekin and spread it by gently tilting the ramekin in all directions.
3. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving the flame continuously across the surface until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown color. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for about 2 minutes.
5. Just before serving, artfully arrange several pieces of the black sesame brittle atop or alongside each crème brûlée. The contrast between the vibrant green custard, golden caramelized sugar, and dark sesame brittle creates a stunning presentation.
6. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast between the warm, crunchy top and the cool, creamy custard below.
If you discover a love for crème brûlée variations, you might also enjoy trying a gingerbread crème brûlée during the holiday season for another delicious twist on this classic dessert.
Variations and Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with these innovative flavor combinations and presentation ideas:
For a hint of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the matcha custard base. This subtle warmth complements the earthy matcha beautifully and adds another dimension to the flavor profile.
Create a coconut-matcha fusion by substituting half the heavy cream with coconut cream. This tropical twist pairs wonderfully with the matcha and gives the dessert a lighter, more exotic character.
For a stunning presentation, serve your matcha crème brûlée with fresh seasonal berries on the side. The bright acidity of raspberries or blackberries cuts through the richness of the custard and adds a pop of color to your plating.
If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can adapt this recipe to be more inclusive. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. For a lower-sugar option, try using a monk fruit sweetener for the custard base (though you’ll still want real sugar for the caramelized top).
Another delightful matcha dessert worth trying is matcha affogato, which offers a simpler yet equally impressive way to showcase the unique flavor of matcha in a dessert format.
How to Store Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of both components of this elegant dessert. Here are detailed guidelines for keeping each element fresh:
For the matcha crème brûlée without the caramelized top, cover each ramekin individually with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to caramelize the sugar only right before serving to maintain that perfect crackling texture.
If you need to make your crème brûlée further in advance, you can freeze the cooled custards without the sugar topping. Wrap each ramekin tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the sugar caramelization process as normal.
For the black sesame brittle, store it in an airtight container at room temperature with layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, the brittle will stay crisp and fresh for up to two weeks. If the brittle becomes sticky, you can recrisp it in a low-temperature oven (250°F/120°C) for about 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
When storing assembled Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle that has already been caramelized and garnished, consumption within a few hours is ideal. The contrast between the crunchy caramelized sugar and the creamy custard is at its best when freshly prepared, and the moisture from the custard will eventually soften the brittle and caramelized top.
A Cultural Celebration in Every Spoonful
Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle represents more than just a delicious dessert—it’s a culinary bridge between traditions that celebrates the best of both worlds. The French technique of creating a silky custard topped with caramelized sugar meets the Japanese art of matcha cultivation and appreciation, resulting in a dessert that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
What makes this dessert particularly special is its ability to introduce people to new flavors through a familiar format. Many who might hesitate to try matcha in its traditional form find themselves captivated by its complex flavor profile when presented in this approachable dessert. Similarly, those who love matcha but haven’t explored French pastry techniques discover a new appreciation for the art of custard-making.
I encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family, perhaps as the finale to a dinner party or as a special treat for someone who appreciates unique culinary experiences. If you’re looking for local dessert shops that might offer similar treats, consider submitting your favorite local dessert shop to our business directory to help others discover these culinary gems.
Every bite of this Matcha Crème Brûlée with Black Sesame Brittle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the joy that comes from culinary exploration. As you crack through that caramelized sugar crust and experience the contrast of creamy matcha custard with crunchy black sesame brittle, I hope you’ll appreciate the beautiful harmony of these diverse culinary traditions coming together on your spoon.