Purin is a Japanese version of “pudding”. People in Japan love this dessert and we have much variety! This version uses the rich flavor of Matcha green tea, which also makes the purin dark green. It makes a great after dinner sweet or something to go with tea or coffee in the afternoon. A recipe you can make so easily, this Creamy Matcha Green Tea Purin is truly a delight for all!
Purin Basics
Japanese Purin is much thicker than the American version of pudding, more like Mexican flan. This is because it uses gelatin to give shape and solidity to the dessert. There are many different kinds of purin eaten in Japanese food culture including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and even edamame maple purin. Besides regular cooked in a pot on the stove purin, like we make in this recipe, there are also baked (Yaki Purin) and steamed styles (Mushi Purin).
Cooking Matcha
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that is very easy to add to other recipes for color, flavor and even a bit of a caffeine buzz. While this is very popular in Japan – you have probably tried matcha mochi balls – its also becoming a trend in the west too. By adding matcha to American style recipes like white chocolate chip cookies, pound cake, or even a steaming cafe latte, you instantly give the dish a bit of real Japanese flavor!
Cooking Tips
- Matcha tends to get lumpy when mixed with liquid. So please don’t forget to sift it in to keep matcha powder from becoming lumpy.
- Matcha powder itself has a very bitter taste. But this recipe uses just enough amount of sugar and whipped cream to make it just right!

Creamy Matcha Green Tea Purin
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Tbsp Matcha Powder
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Whipping Cream
- ¼ Sugar
- 1 ½ tsp Powdered Gelatin
- ¼ cup Warm Water, for gelatin
Garnishment (Optional)
- Whipped Cream
- Red Bean Paste
- Mint Leaves
- Matcha Powder
Instructions
- Combine milk, whipping cream, and sugar in a small pot. Heat over low heat while whisking with a wooden spoon. Stop the heat once sugar melts completely.
- Sift the matcha powder to the pot. Mix well.
- In a small cup, mix powdered gelatin and warm water. Once mixed, pour into the pot and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl using a strainer. Place the bowl in an ice bath and mix well to remove the heat.
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, pour it into serving cups. Place the cups in the refrigerator to harden.
- Garnish with whipped cream, red bean paste, a mint leaf and sprinkle of matcha powder. Enjoy!