• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Asian Caucasian Food Blog
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Matcha Holiday Bark Recipe

    December 21, 2022 · Published: December 16, 2019 By: Asian Caucasian 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    vibrant green matcha holiday bark topped with black sesame seeds on top of parchment paper with a chef's knife on the side

    The holidays would not be complete without chocolate bark, am I right? Here's my take on this classic dessert with an Asian twist: Matcha Holiday Bark featuring the key ingredient, Japanese matcha (green tea) powder!

    vibrant green matcha holiday bark topped with black sesame seeds on top of parchment paper with a chef's knife on the side

    This holiday dessert was inspired by a recipe from Food and Wine, but I added a surprise kick 🌶 to the chocolate bark with a "smidge" of cayenne pepper! For an extra crunch add chopped, roasted almonds to the matcha mixture.

    closeup of white chocolate chips

    I used four cups of white chocolate chips and four cups of dark bittersweet chocolate chips, melted in a glass bowl in the microwave in small cooking increments.

    closeup of dark chocolate chips

    How to make Matcha Holiday Bark:

    matcha holiday bark on a tray topped with sesame seeds with bags of chocolate chips and a rubber yellow spatula on the side
    1. Spray a 9x13-inch cookie sheet with cooking spray. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper, with overlap. This way it will be easier to remove from the tray.
    2. In a medium glass mixing bowl, microwave 1 ½ cups of the bittersweet chocolate chips in 30-second increments until melted. Remove bowl from microwave and add in remaining ½ cup chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted. Spread the melted chocolate into the sheet pan in an even layer. Set aside.
    3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, matcha powder, and cayenne powder. Set aside.
    4. In a large glass mixing bowl, microwave 3½ cups of the white chocolate chips in 30-second increments until melted. Remove bowl from microwave and add in the remaining ½ cup of white chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted. Pour the matcha powder mixture into ½ cup of the melted white chocolate chips and mix well.
    5. Using a large rubber spatula, spread large spoonfuls of the matcha chocolate and white chocolate over dark chocolate layer in the pan. Use the tip of a skewer to decoratively make swirls in the chocolate. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top. Break off into uneven bite-sized pieces when ready to serve.
    6. Let sit at room temperature about 2 hours, until firm. The bark can be stored in the refrigerator in a container for 2 weeks. Enjoy!

    TIPS AND TRICKS:

    • Overlapping the parchment paper over the baking sheet allows you to pull out the bark easily once it's set.
    • Sprinkle the black sesame seeds over the bark BEFORE it sets!
    • For an extra crunch add chopped, roasted almonds to the matcha mixture.
    • If you don't want to melt the chocolates in the microwave, you can always use a double boiler.
    • Make this in advance, store it in the fridge or freezer, and pull it out for your holiday guests!

    WANT MORE?

    If you like this recipe, you’re going to love my Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes! Boost your antioxidant levels with these drool-worthy cupcakes!  They are as beautiful as they are delicious!

    frosted matcha green tea cupcakes on a black cooling rack

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on December 17, 2018, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step by step instructions and tips in December 2019.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    vibrant green matcha holiday bark with sesame s

    Matcha Holiday Bark

    ★★★★★

    5 from 12 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Vibrant and delicious, this Matcha Holiday Bark is the perfect gift to bring for the holiday festivities! It's so easy to make!

    • Total Time: 15 min
    • Yield: 12 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • Canola cooking spray
    • 1 ½ teaspoons canola oil
    • 2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
    • 1 tablespoon (Japanese) matcha powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 4 cups white chocolate chips
    • ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds

    Instructions

    1. Spray a 9 x 13-inch cookie sheet pan with cooking spray. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper, with overlap.
    2. In a medium glass mixing bowl, microwave 1 ½ cups of the bittersweet chocolate chips in 30-second increments until melted. Remove bowl from microwave and add in remaining ½ cup chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted. Spread the melted chocolate into the sheet pan in an even layer. Set aside.
    3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, matcha powder, and cayenne powder. Set aside.
    4. In a large glass mixing bowl, microwave 3½ cups of the white chocolate chips in 30-second increments until melted. Remove bowl from microwave and add in the remaining ½ cup of white chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted. Pour the matcha powder mixture into ½ cup of the melted white chocolate chips and mix well.
    5. Using a large spoon, spread large spoonfuls of the matcha chocolate and white chocolate over dark chocolate layer in the pan. Use the tip of a skewer to decoratively make swirls in the chocolate.
    6. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top to decorate. Break off into uneven bite-sized pieces when ready to serve.
    7. Let sit at room temperature about 2 hours, until firm. Can be stored in the refrigerator in a container for 2 weeks.

    Notes

    • Overlapping the parchment paper over the baking sheet allows you to pull out the bark easily once it's set.
    • Sprinkle the black sesame seeds over the bark BEFORE it sets!
    • For an extra crunch add chopped, roasted almonds to the matcha mixture.
    • If you don't want to melt the chocolates in the microwave, you can always use a double boiler.
    • Make this in advance, store it in the fridge or freezer, and pull it out for your holiday guests!

    [Adapted from Food and Wine, December 2016.]

    • Author: Asian Caucasian
    • Prep Time: 15 min
    • Category: Desserts
    • Method: Microwave
    • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: Pieces
    • Calories: 533
    • Sugar: 54.8 g
    • Sodium: 51.1 mg
    • Fat: 30.5 g
    • Carbohydrates: 57.6 g
    • Protein: 7 g
    • Cholesterol: 18.2 mg

    Keywords: matcha bark, easy holiday bark, chocolate bark, tasty holiday bark

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @AsianCaucasianBlog on Instagram and hashtag  #AsianCaucasianEats

    vibrant green matcha holiday bark topped with black sesame seeds on top of parchment paper with a chef's knife on the side this recipe

    More Desserts

    • Matcha chocolate dipped pretzel rods on top of a round black plate with plain pretzel rods on the side, and a small bowl of matcha powder and a glass with a dipped pretzel rod, and a linen napkin on the side.
      Chocolate Matcha Dipped Pretzels
    • A picture collage of pumpkin recipes for a roundup of 20 Delicious Pumpkin Recipes.
      20 Crazy-Delicious Pumpkin Recipes (For Fall and Beyond!)
    • A stack of gluten-free lemongrass coconut squares on a white plate with fresh lemons in the background.
      Gluten-Free Lemongrass Coconut Bars
    • Apple crisps topped with vanilla ice cream in mini cast iron skillets with a spoon and napkin on the side
      Mini Skillet Apple Crisps

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy Dong

      December 23, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      I love, love matcha anything, so this is right up my alley! Love how you used it in this festive holiday bark!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 23, 2019 at 4:02 pm

        I love matcha anything too! At least we can feel good about eating our "greens!" 🙂

        Reply
    2. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      December 22, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      I am obsessed with the colour that the matcha makes in this bark. I have got to try making this for the holidays!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 23, 2019 at 9:11 am

        The green is festive for sure! This bark is always a holiday favorite!

        Reply
    3. Katie

      December 22, 2019 at 5:33 am

      This sounds great, I've got a pot of Matcha in the cupboard so I'll be giving this a try to give away as Christmas gifts!

      Katie xoxo

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 23, 2019 at 9:11 am

        This bark is a great holiday gift! Hope they love it as much as I do!

        Reply
    4. Emily

      December 21, 2019 at 5:23 pm

      This is the prettiest holiday bark I've ever seen! I love the vibrant green color and matcha addition!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 23, 2019 at 9:10 am

        Thank you, Emily! The matcha makes this bark a bit healthier! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Constance Smith

      December 21, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      Oh my goodness, what a great recipe! It's like the Grinch in treat form! Love it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 21, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        That's a great description! But it's sweet, unlike the Grinch ! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jacqui Debono

      December 18, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      This is so pretty! I haven't made bark before, but we are making all edible gifts this year, and I have a friend who loves everything green and a bit of spice, this is perfect for her.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 20, 2019 at 11:08 am

        Eat your greens, right? She will love this bark!

        Reply
    7. Stine Mari

      December 18, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      I love this Asian twist on an American classic! The matcha gives it such a nice color that is perfect for the Holidays!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 20, 2019 at 11:07 am

        Thank you, Stine! The matcha makes it a tad healthier! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Denise Brown

      December 16, 2019 at 10:09 am

      Such a a great twist on the classic bark! My kids will love this!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 16, 2019 at 10:12 am

        This matcha bark is so easy and fun to make! Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

        Reply
    9. Hillary

      January 16, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      So much fun and delicious! Loved making these! Such a great play on holiday bark!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        January 17, 2019 at 10:08 am

        Glad you liked this Asian twist on a holiday bark recipe, Hillary! Chocolate bark is always a winner!

        Reply
    10. Patty

      December 20, 2018 at 9:56 am

      There's nothing I love better than making bark, it's easy and so delicious, they never last with the hub and son. Can't wait to try yours!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 20, 2018 at 11:30 am

        Thank you, Patty! I hope you enjoy this twist on the traditional holiday bark!

        Reply
    11. Caroline

      December 19, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      Matcha is great for giving that festive green. Like the idea of sesame seeds in there too both for decoration and an extra crunch. Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 20, 2018 at 11:29 am

        These do look a lot like Christmas! Easy to make and so festive!

        Reply
    12. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      December 19, 2018 at 9:39 am

      I love the marble swirls on the bark, it's so impressive that it looks professional. I'll have to give this a go as it's a perfect Christmas colour too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 19, 2018 at 10:04 am

        Christmas green! Gotta love that matcha! Hope you enjoy the holiday bark recipe!

        Reply
    13. Amanda

      December 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      What a cool flavor combo! Love keeping healthy bark in my freezer for a sweet snack.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 18, 2018 at 4:22 pm

        It does last a long time in the freezer! I think I still have some from last year, but I should probably throw that out! 😉

        Reply
    14. Beth Neels

      December 18, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Such a fun holiday recipe! It's so bright and cheery! I can't wait to give this a try! Happy holidays!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian

        December 18, 2018 at 4:21 pm

        Happy Holidays to you too! This matcha holiday bark is so fun to give as holiday gifts! Something out of the ordinary.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Lesli Schwartz.

    Hi, I'm Lesli! Welcome to Asian Caucasian, a healthy-ish food blog born out of a passion for home-cooked, Asian-inspired cuisine. I always cook with market-fresh ingredients and prepare simplistic, healthy Asian recipes so you can throw away those take-out menus! Come share my culinary love of beautiful Asian-fusion food, and get cooking in the kitchen! READ MORE!

    Let's Connect

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Reader Favorites!

    Kimchi Grilled Cheese

    A stacked kimchi grilled cheese sandwich on a wooden board with a jar of kimchi and potato chips on the side.

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    A pair of chopsticks on top of a white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef on white rice, with a bowl of Mongolian beef in the background on top of a gray surface.

    Crispy Rice with Ginger and Scallions

    Crispy rice with ginger and scallions topped with a runny fried egg in two small bowls with a pair of brown chopsticks, a linen napkin, and black sesame seeds in a bowl on the side.

    Chocolate Matcha Dipped Pretzels

    Matcha chocolate dipped pretzel rods on top of a round black plate with plain pretzel rods on the side, and a small bowl of matcha powder and a glass with a dipped pretzel rod, and a linen napkin on the side.

    Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

    A large black bowl filled with Chinese chicken salad featuring shredded chicken, shredded carrots, broccoli slaw, scallions, water chestnuts and chow mein noodles, with a pair of brown chopsticks on top and a linen napkin on the side.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Work with Us
    • Featured In

    © 2016-2022 Asian Caucasian

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
    If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT