Matcha Chocolate Truffle Recipe

Valentine’s day in Japan is the day and the “only day” when a girl is allowed to tell a boy how she feels about him … with chocolate, a token of love.  That was true at least when we were young.  The custom has been gradually changing over the years, and some people today exchange chocolate among friends to celebrate their friendship, but the basic idea is still there.  Valentine’s treats have to be chocolate (or chocolate related products like chocolate cakes, chocolate cookies) in Japan, no other candies or flowers are proper gifts.  When we were young and innocent (!), it was hardly noticed, but it does sound like the whole thing is very much commercially driven by the chocolate industry, doesn’t it?

It is still a fun event of the year for girls (and boys) there.  There are a lot of special Valentine’s day chocolate available everywhere, from neighborhood convenience stores to fancy department stores in cities, and you can enjoy shopping experience at nicely themed stores and the festivity itself.  There are so many different types and price ranges of chocolate out there, for secret admirers, best friends, male coworkers and bosses, and even for yourself.  On the one hand, Valentine’s day can be very commercial and superficial, but on the other hand, it’s not a bad day for chocolate lovers, and that’s something almost everyone can enjoy.

Homemade chocolate is a very popular gift for Valentine’s day in Japan.  What we made here is Matcha flavored white chocolate truffle.  It is very easy to make but still is a perfect gift for Valentine’s day.  Matcha is a kind of green tea that is powdered.  It is traditionally used for the Japanese tea ceremony, and it is different from regular green tea leaves.  Matcha tastes rather strong and bitter by itself, but its refreshing flavor goes very well with dairy and sugar.  It has become a common flavor for many drinks and desserts in the US too, such as Matcha Latte or Matcha Ice Cream. Because this is ganache chocolate, mixed with heavy cream, you don’t need to do the difficult chocolate tempering process.  Just don’t heat the chocolate up too high.

You can buy Matcha at Japanese markets or online stores.  It is popular enough that you may be able to find at some local gourmet supermarkets too.  Matcha powder is quite expensive, but its distinctive aroma and flavor are irreplaceable. Also a small amount of Matcha can go a long way.  Matcha Chocolate Truffle is a wonderful ending after Valentine’s dinner, or you can package nicely in a small box and give away to your family and friends.  Hope you all have a happy Valentine’s day!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Matcha Chocolate Truffle Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: chocolate, matcha

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Ingredients

• 5 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp Matcha powder
• 8 oz white chocolate
• Matcha powder for coating and decoration

Instructions

• Line 5″-6″ square mold or container with plastic wrap. Set aside.
• In a medium heat-proof bowl, whisk heavy cream and Match powder well together.
• Add chocolate to the bowl and melt over simmering water at very low heat. Stir to become uniform color.
• Pour chocolate into the mold. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
• Slice off the edges, and cut into 1 1/2″ squares. Coat the chocolate pieces with Matcha powder, and sprinkle some more over with fine mesh strainer for decoration.

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