I've got a treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious—this Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe will wow you with its vibrant green color, a satisfyingly crunchy crinkled top, and a rich, fudgy center that’s almost addictive. Trust me, these brownies bring a sweet, earthy twist that you’re going to love.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small square of green baked good with a bite taken out, showing a dense, slightly crumbly texture inside. In the background, on a white plate, there are more similar green squares scattered. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface, and soft natural light highlights the green color and texture of the baked pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell in love with these matcha brownies the first time I tried them. The balance between the earthy matcha and sweet white chocolate is unlike anything else, and the texture? Absolutely perfect.

Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines earthy matcha powder with creamy white chocolate for a complex, delicious taste.
Textural Delight: The crunchy, crinkly tops contrast beautifully with the fudgy interior.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green hue makes them a gorgeous addition to any dessert spread.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and straightforward to combine, making this recipe accessible for any home baker.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting these ingredients just right makes all the difference. When you shop for matcha, I recommend using a good-quality ceremonial grade powder for that vivid color and deep flavor. Freshly sifted flour and good vanilla extract also boost the overall taste and texture of these brownies.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth, bright green matcha powder, a few glossy white chocolate chips loosely scattered beside it, three large brown eggs with clean uncracked shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl holding creamy melted butter, a small white bowl of fine granulated white sugar next to a small white bowl containing rich brown sugar, a tiny white bowl with dark amber bourbon vanilla extract, a small white bowl with fine all-purpose flour dusted lightly on the surface, and a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture while allowing control over the saltiness.
White chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with matcha.
Matcha powder: The star ingredient that gives these brownies their vibrant color and earthy flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that coveted crinkly top.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps keep the brownies fudgy.
Bourbon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and bitter flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help incorporate air for the right texture.
All purpose flour: Creates the foundation of the brownie, ensuring a tender crumb when properly mixed.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Feel free to put your own spin on this Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe! Whether you're tweaking flavors or adapting for special diets, these brownies are incredibly versatile and forgiving.

Variation: For an extra nutty crunch, I sometimes fold in toasted macadamia nuts or sliced almonds right before baking. It adds a lovely texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the fudgy matcha base.
Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use dairy-free white chocolate chips to make these brownies vegan-friendly.
Matcha boost: If you love a more pronounced green tea flavor, try doubling the matcha powder to 4 tablespoons—but be mindful of the earthy bitterness it brings.
Seasonal twist: During holidays, adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger can complement the chewy, crunchy texture and deepen the overall aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe

Three green square bars are stacked on top of each other on white parchment paper. Each bar has a crumbly light greenish-brown crust on top and a moist, dense, and slightly shiny deep green inside. The background has a white marbled texture with more green bars blurred in the distance. The focus is on the textured layers of the squares, showing their soft and slightly crumbly surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, prep an 8x8 inch baking pan by generously coating it with non-stick spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for an easy lift later. This little step saves so much hassle when it's time to slice your brownies!

Step 2: Melt the Butter to Perfection

Melt 1 ¼ sticks of unsalted butter until smooth—microwave in short 1-minute bursts or melt gently on the stovetop. Patience here is key; you want the butter fully melted but not browned. This silky fat is what helps create that luscious fudgy texture in the final brownie.

Step 3: Craft Your Matcha White Chocolate Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of matcha powder. Pour the melted butter over and stir continuously until the white chocolate melts into a smooth, green-hued ganache. It should be lump-free and glossy, promising rich flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, toss together 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar. Crack in 3 large eggs and use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial—the batter will thicken and lighten in color, resembling thick pancake batter, as lots of air incorporates for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Bring It All Together With Vanilla

Pour your matcha white chocolate ganache into the fluffy egg and sugar mix, folding gently to combine. Next, add 3 teaspoons of bourbon vanilla extract to deepen the flavor. This is where the magic starts getting irresistible.

Step 6: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift ¾ cup all-purpose flour along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt directly into the batter. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep your brownies wonderfully tender. It’s a delicate balance but totally worth it.

Step 7: The First Bake and the Secret Tap

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. When that timer dings, carefully remove the pan with oven mitts and gently tap it 2–3 times on your countertop. This simple tapping step is the secret to forming that signature crunchy, crinkly top while keeping the inside fudgy and moist.

Step 8: Final Bake for Perfect Set

Pop the brownies back into the oven for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re set but still soft in the center. This two-step baking ensures that perfect brownie texture with an enchanting top crust.

Step 9: Cooling and the Final Tap

Once out of the oven, give your pan two more gentle taps on the counter before letting the brownies rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This resting time lets flavors meld and texture settle—key for that melt-in-your-mouth fudginess with a crunchy crown.

Step 10: Slice, Serve, and Savor

Using the parchment edges, lift the brownies out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife, remembering to wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. Then, dig in and enjoy every vibrant, earthy, and sweet bite of your homemade Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect texture and flavor for your Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe every single time. Trust me, a little extra care in these steps makes all the difference between good and unforgettable!

Incorporate Air Into the Batter: Be sure to beat the eggs and sugars for a full 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens like thick pancake batter. This creates the signature crunchy, crinkly top while keeping the inside fudgy and tender.
Tap the Pan: Don’t skip tapping the pan on the counter after both the first and second bake. This little trick helps release trapped air bubbles and is key to developing that irresistible crunchy top texture.
Fold, Don’t Mix: When adding the flour and salt, fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined to avoid overmixing. Overworking the batter can lead to tough brownies instead of soft, fudgy ones.
Use Quality Matcha: For a vibrant green color and bold earthy flavor, go for a high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder. It elevates the taste and looks of your brownies spectacularly.

How to Serve Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe

A clear white glass bowl filled with a smooth, shiny dark green liquid mixture with some small darker green specks around the edges, slightly spilling on the outer side of the bowl. A metallic whisk with a dark handle is partially dipped and swirling the green liquid. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple to let the bright green color and texture shine—consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra matcha powder on top for a refined finish. You can also add a few white chocolate shavings to echo the flavors inside, or serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream flavored with vanilla or a hint of citrus zest for freshness.

Side Dishes

These fudgy, crunchy matcha brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing cup of green or genmaicha tea to complement the earthy notes. A fresh fruit salad with berries or sliced kiwi adds a nice contrasting brightness and texture alongside the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Matcha Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the crunchy top while keeping the center moist and fudgy. Make sure they're completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent condensation from making the tops soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to best preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you want to warm your brownies, heat them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will revive that luscious fudgy center and enhance the aroma of matcha and white chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of matcha in this recipe?

While the recipe is designed to highlight the unique flavor of matcha, you could substitute cocoa powder for a chocolate version. However, the signature green color and earthy notes would be lost, resulting in a different type of brownie altogether.

Why is it important to tap the pan during baking?

Tapping the pan helps release air bubbles trapped in the batter, which forms the signature crunchy, crinkly top while ensuring the center stays fudgy. It’s a small step that creates a big textural difference.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Using a blend that includes xanthan gum helps maintain structure.

How do I store leftover matcha brownies to keep the crunchy top crisp?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, let them come back to room temperature before serving to help restore some crunch. Avoid sealing them while they’re still warm to prevent moisture buildup.

Final Thoughts

Making Matcha Brownies with Crunchy Top Recipe is such a rewarding experience—and the vibrant green color coupled with that delicate crunch and fudgy center truly feels like a special treat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these brownies bring something joyful to the table. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to bake confidently and enjoy every delicious bite!