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!
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.
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.
How to make Matcha Holiday Bark:
- 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.
- 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.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, matcha powder, and cayenne powder. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
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Matcha Holiday Bark
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
- 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
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch cookie sheet pan with cooking spray. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper, with overlap.
- 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.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, matcha powder, and cayenne powder. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top to decorate. Break off into uneven bite-sized pieces when ready to serve.
- 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.]
- 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
Amy Dong says
I love, love matcha anything, so this is right up my alley! Love how you used it in this festive holiday bark!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
I love matcha anything too! At least we can feel good about eating our "greens!" 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I am obsessed with the colour that the matcha makes in this bark. I have got to try making this for the holidays!!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
The green is festive for sure! This bark is always a holiday favorite!
Katie says
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
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
This bark is a great holiday gift! Hope they love it as much as I do!
Emily says
This is the prettiest holiday bark I've ever seen! I love the vibrant green color and matcha addition!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Thank you, Emily! The matcha makes this bark a bit healthier! 🙂
Constance Smith says
Oh my goodness, what a great recipe! It's like the Grinch in treat form! Love it!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
That's a great description! But it's sweet, unlike the Grinch ! 🙂
Jacqui Debono says
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.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Eat your greens, right? She will love this bark!
Stine Mari says
I love this Asian twist on an American classic! The matcha gives it such a nice color that is perfect for the Holidays!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Thank you, Stine! The matcha makes it a tad healthier! 🙂
Denise Brown says
Such a a great twist on the classic bark! My kids will love this!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
This matcha bark is so easy and fun to make! Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!
Hillary says
So much fun and delicious! Loved making these! Such a great play on holiday bark!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Glad you liked this Asian twist on a holiday bark recipe, Hillary! Chocolate bark is always a winner!
Patty says
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!
Asian Caucasian says
Thank you, Patty! I hope you enjoy this twist on the traditional holiday bark!
Caroline says
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!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
These do look a lot like Christmas! Easy to make and so festive!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
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!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Christmas green! Gotta love that matcha! Hope you enjoy the holiday bark recipe!
Amanda says
What a cool flavor combo! Love keeping healthy bark in my freezer for a sweet snack.
Asian Caucasian says
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! 😉
Beth Neels says
Such a fun holiday recipe! It's so bright and cheery! I can't wait to give this a try! Happy holidays!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian says
Happy Holidays to you too! This matcha holiday bark is so fun to give as holiday gifts! Something out of the ordinary.