Matcha Pan: 5 Reasons This Soft & Fluffy Japanese Green Tea Bread is the Best

Say hello to matcha pan, your new favorite green tea bread that’s as dreamy and pillowy as a cloud. This Japanese-style treat is a soft milk bread infused with earthy, aromatic matcha—that vibrant green tea powder we all adore—and baked to golden perfection. Each bite is tender, slightly sweet, and rich with umami. Trust me, whether you’re a matcha lover or just matcha-curious, this one’s a game-changer.

Perfect with your morning latte, stunning enough for a brunch spread, and cozy enough to munch on during a Netflix binge—matcha pan hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Matcha magic: The green tea flavor is gentle, not bitter—perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness.
• Super fluffy texture: Think Japanese milk bread soft—stretchy, light, and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Easy to make: No fancy tools needed—just good kneading and a warm spot to rise.
• Aesthetic AF: That natural green hue? Insta-worthy and oh-so-pretty on your breakfast table.
• Comfort food with a twist: It’s familiar like bread, but with that calm, meditative matcha vibe.

Recipe Snapshot

Feature	Details
Category	Breakfast
Recipe Type	Soft Japanese milk bread
Flavor Profile	Lightly sweet, earthy, umami-rich
Texture	Pillow-soft, airy, fluffy
Time Required	About 3 hours (including rising time)
Best Served	Warm or toasted with butter

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this matcha pan to life (no measurements here—check the recipe card below!):

• Bread flour – For that chewy, springy texture that makes Japanese bread so iconic.
• Matcha powder – Use high-quality ceremonial or culinary-grade for the best earthy flavor and vibrant color.
• Milk – Adds richness and softness; helps create that cloud-like crumb.
• Yeast – For the rise and that lovely, bouncy feel.
• Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the matcha’s depth.
• Butter – Makes the dough tender and flavorful.
• Salt – Just enough to bring out all the other flavors.
• Egg – Enriches the dough and gives the bread a beautiful golden finish.

👉 Psst! You’ll find all the exact measurements and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

How to Make Matcha Pan

Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients—bread flour, matcha powder, sugar, salt, and yeast. Warm your milk and slowly mix it in with the egg and softened butter. Knead the dough until smooth and stretchy—this may take about 10–15 minutes by hand, but it’s worth every second.

Let It Rise (First Proof)

Pop that lovely green dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This should take about an hour. Go make yourself a matcha latte while you wait—vibes only.

Shape the Dough

Once it’s puffed up, gently deflate and divide the dough into equal pieces. You can braid it, roll it into buns, or shape it like a classic loaf—whatever your heart desires.

Second Rise

Place your shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or baking tray and let it rise again until puffy and just about doubled. This gives you that extra soft texture.

Bake to Perfection

Brush the tops with an egg wash for that golden finish and bake until the house smells unreal—earthy, warm, slightly sweet. The bread should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overdo the matcha—too much and it turns bitter. A little goes a long way!
• For extra fluff, knead until the dough passes the “windowpane test.”
• Want a swirl? Roll plain dough with matcha dough for a marbled look.
• Use a thermometer to check doneness: internal temp should be around 190°F (88°C).

Flavor Variations

• Matcha Chocolate Pan – Toss in white or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Matcha & Red Bean – Add a dollop of sweetened adzuki paste inside each roll for that classic Japanese pairing.
• Matcha Coconut – Swirl in coconut cream and shredded coconut for tropical vibes.
• Lemon Matcha – A tiny bit of zest adds brightness and contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• Toasted with butter or honey
• With cream cheese and strawberries
• Alongside a matcha latte or hojicha tea
• As the base for an ultra-aesthetic French toast

Looking for more cozy, protein-packed morning bites? Try these Savory Egg White Breakfast Muffins—they’re quick, healthy, and pair beautifully with a slice of warm matcha pan on the side!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the dough the night before and let it slow-rise in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp before shaping and baking.

Planning a mindful week of eating? Pair your homemade matcha pan with a light, cleansing dish like this refreshing Brazilian Mounjaro Recipe Detox to balance indulgence and wellness beautifully.

Leftovers

Keep leftover matcha pan wrapped in a clean towel or airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp. Warm slices in the toaster for that fresh-baked taste.

Freezing

Yes, this freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temp and reheat to serve.

Reheating

A quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in the toaster will bring it right back to life.

FAQ

What does matcha pan taste like?
Matcha pan is lightly sweet with a subtle green tea flavor—it’s earthy, a little grassy, and incredibly cozy.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less chewy and fluffy. Bread flour is preferred for that authentic softness.

Is matcha pan healthy?
While it’s still a treat, matcha does offer antioxidants and a little caffeine boost! Just go easy on the sugar if you’re watching it.

Why didn’t my bread rise?
Check your yeast—it may be expired or the milk too hot. The dough also needs a warm, draft-free space to rise properly.

Final Thoughts

Matcha pan is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in bread form. It’s cozy, it’s beautiful, and it brings a little ceremony to even the most ordinary mornings. Whether you’re new to matcha or a lifelong fan, this soft green tea bread is about to steal your heart—and maybe even your breakfast routine.