These strawberry cream matcha shortbread bars layer a buttery matcha-infused shortbread base with a silky strawberry panna cotta topping for a dessert that balances earthy, sweet, and fruity flavors in every bite. Made with Senbird Tea matcha green tea powder, this no-fuss recipe requires just 20 minutes of hands-on prep time and yields nine beautiful bars.
WHY MATCHA AND STRAWBERRY WORK SO WELL TOGETHER
Matcha’s earthy umami depth and strawberry’s bright acidity create a natural flavor pairing rooted in contrast. The same principle applies in Japanese wagashi (confections), where matcha is traditionally paired with sweet red bean or fruit-based fillings. The creamy panna cotta layer bridges both flavors, adding richness and a smooth texture that complements the crumbly shortbread underneath. A touch of sea salt in the panna cotta enhances both the matcha and strawberry notes.
STRAWBERRY MATCHA SHORTBREAD BARS RECIPE
Makes: 9 bars (3×3 inches) | Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 18 minutes | Chill: 3–4 hours
INGREDIENTS
For the Matcha Shortbread
- 170 g (¾ cup) salted butter, softened
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Senbird Tea matcha powder
For the Strawberry Panna Cotta
- 2 oz (¼ cup) cold water
- 1 packet powdered gelatin (2¼ tsp)
- 16 oz (2 cups) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp strawberry jelly or seedless jam
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make the Matcha Shortbread
- Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhanging edges to act as a sling for easy removal.
- Cream the butter and sugar. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add dry ingredients. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour and Senbird Tea matcha powder until a soft, green-tinted dough forms. Sift the matcha first to prevent clumps.
- Press into the pan. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom of the lined pan, ensuring it reaches all edges and corners for uniform thickness.
- Bake. Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly browned at the edges. The shortbread will be puffy when removed but will flatten as it cools. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Panna Cotta
- Bloom the gelatin. Place ¼ cup of cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes spongy.
- Heat the cream mixture. In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and strawberry jelly. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the jelly has dissolved. Do not boil.
- Dissolve the gelatin. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour over the shortbread. Remove the chilled shortbread from the fridge (it should be firm to the touch) and gently pour the strawberry cream over the top. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight until the panna cotta is fully set.
- Slice and serve. Use the parchment sling to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 9 squares with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean edges.
TIPS FOR PERFECT MATCHA SHORTBREAD BARS
Use room-temperature butter. Softened (not melted) butter creams properly with sugar, creating a tender, crumbly shortbread texture. Cold butter produces a dense base.
Chill thoroughly. The panna cotta needs at least 3 hours to set fully. Overnight chilling produces the cleanest slices and firmest texture.
Store in the fridge. Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gelatin in the panna cotta will soften at room temperature.
MATCHA SHORTBREAD BARS VS. OTHER MATCHA DESSERTS
| Dessert | Prep + Cook Time | Difficulty | Requires Oven | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matcha Shortbread Bars | ~4.5 hours (incl. chill) | Moderate | Yes | Dinner parties, gifts |
| Matcha Banana Bread | ~1 hour | Easy | Yes | Everyday snack |
| Matcha Popsicles | ~4 hours (incl. freeze) | Easy | No | Summer treats |
| Matcha Cookies | ~30 minutes | Easy | Yes | Quick baking project |
| Matcha Mochi Brownies | ~45 minutes | Easy | Yes | Chewy texture lovers |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jelly?
Yes, but you will need to cook them down first. Simmer 1 cup of fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar until they break down into a thick puree, about 10 minutes. Strain out any seeds before adding to the cream mixture. Strawberry jelly provides the most consistent color and flavor with less effort.
What type of matcha works best for these bars?
Culinary-grade matcha from Senbird Tea is ideal for this recipe. The shortbread contains butter and sugar that complement matcha’s slightly bolder flavor. Ceremonial grade also works but its delicate nuances are less noticeable in a baked dessert.
Can I make these bars without gelatin?
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the powdered gelatin with agar-agar powder. Use 1 teaspoon of agar-agar in place of the gelatin packet. Note that agar sets firmer than gelatin, so the texture will be slightly different—more like a firm custard than a creamy panna cotta.
Why did my panna cotta not set properly?
The most common reason is that the gelatin was not fully dissolved. Make sure the cream mixture is warm (not boiling) when you add the bloomed gelatin, and stir continuously until no granules remain. Also ensure the bars chill for at least 3 full hours before cutting.
How far in advance can I make these?
These bars can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. They actually improve with overnight chilling, as the flavors meld and the panna cotta firms to the perfect sliceable consistency. Cut just before serving for the cleanest presentation.
MORE MATCHA BAKING RECIPES FROM SENBIRD TEA
抹茶乙女
- Regular price
-
$34.99 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
$34.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Our best-selling ceremonial Okumidori matcha with a silky body, mellow cocoa notes, and refined umami, perfect for traditional preparation or refined lattes.
