These Matcha Powder Pancakes are a vibrant and flavorful twist on your classic stack, infused with the earthy tones and antioxidant power of matcha green tea. With a light, fluffy texture and beautiful green color, these pancakes are perfect for matcha lovers or anyone looking to energize their morning. Pair with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a picture-perfect brunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1¼ cups milk (or almond, soy, oat milk)

• 1 large egg

• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus more for pan)

• Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or blueberries

• Toppings: Whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar

Directions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat milk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Make Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined (lumps are okay). Avoid overmixing.

4. Add Extras: Gently fold in chocolate chips or blueberries if using.

5. Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter the surface. Pour in ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form (2–3 minutes), flip, and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.

6. Serve: Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Nutrients (per pancake, approx. out of 10 servings)

• Calories: 241 kcal

• Fat: 8g (Saturated: 4g)

• Carbs: 41g

• Sugar: 25g

• Protein: 4g

• Cholesterol: 31mg

• Sodium: 227mg

• Fiber: 1g

What Makes Matcha Pancakes Stand Out

These pancakes are not just pretty to look at; they offer a sensory experience that begins the moment you mix the vibrant green batter. The earthy scent of the matcha mingles with the warm aroma of cooking pancakes, setting the tone for a comforting yet elevated morning meal. The visual appeal of their striking green color makes them especially fun to serve for special occasions—think brunches, birthdays, or even St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Their fluffy texture, thanks to baking powder and a well-balanced batter, is comparable to any classic pancake recipe. What sets them apart is the depth of flavor: matcha introduces a nuanced bitterness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of maple syrup or fresh fruit. You can play up this contrast by adding chocolate chips or blueberries to the batter or layering with whipped cream, coconut yogurt, or a drizzle of honey.

Health Benefits of Matcha in Your Breakfast

One of the biggest draws of incorporating matcha into your morning pancakes is the nutritional payoff. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf—meaning you get all of its nutrients.

Matcha is exceptionally rich in catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant linked to a range of health benefits including reduced inflammation, improved brain function, and enhanced fat burning. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness, balancing the effects of caffeine for a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost. This makes matcha an excellent substitute for coffee, especially for those who experience jitters or crashes from caffeine.

By incorporating matcha into pancakes, you get a nutrient-dense start to your day that supports focus, metabolism, and overall wellness—without needing to sacrifice flavor or comfort.

Customizable for Any Diet or Taste

These pancakes are extremely adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient availability. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond, soy, or oat milk and use a plant-based butter or neutral oil in place of traditional melted butter. Vegans can even replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. The result is still light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

The sweetness level can also be adjusted easily. While a small amount of sugar is used in the batter to complement the matcha’s natural bitterness, you can swap in honey, agave, or maple syrup—or omit it entirely if you plan to use sweet toppings. Some even enjoy these pancakes in a more savory style, topped with herbed ricotta or avocado and sesame seeds, taking advantage of matcha’s versatility.

Add-ins like blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, or white chocolate chips enhance both flavor and texture. The subtle tea flavor of the matcha serves as a flexible backdrop for a variety of creative combinations. This makes the recipe a great base for experimenting with whatever seasonal fruits or pantry staples you have on hand.

Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep

Matcha Powder Pancakes aren’t just for lazy Sunday brunches (though they definitely shine in that role). They’re also a great option for make-ahead breakfasts during the week. Simply cook a batch, allow them to cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the toaster or microwave and top with your favorites for a quick, satisfying breakfast.

They also freeze well. Stack pancakes between sheets of parchment paper, seal in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to a month. This makes it easy to enjoy a gourmet breakfast on even the busiest mornings—just warm them up and you’re good to go.

For brunch spreads, matcha pancakes add an elegant touch. Serve them alongside fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or a matcha latte for a visually cohesive and health-forward menu. They’re also great for impressing guests, adding a pop of color and a conversation-worthy ingredient to your breakfast table.

Tips for the Best Matcha Pancakes

The quality of your matcha matters. Choose a culinary-grade matcha for this recipe—it’s designed for cooking and baking, offering vibrant color and strong flavor at a better price point than ceremonial-grade matcha. Sift the matcha before adding it to your dry ingredients to prevent clumps and ensure even distribution.

Don’t overmix the batter. Like with all pancake recipes, a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour and can result in tough, rubbery pancakes. Mix just until combined and let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to allow the matcha and leavening agents to hydrate fully.

When cooking, keep the heat at medium to medium-low. Matcha can darken if exposed to too much heat, and you want your pancakes to retain that signature green hue. Butter or oil the pan lightly to prevent sticking, and flip when bubbles begin to form and the edges are set.

Conclusion

Matcha Powder Pancakes are a beautiful and nourishing way to switch up your morning routine. With their brilliant green color, earthy yet subtle flavor, and soft, fluffy texture, these pancakes are a treat for all the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe offers a balanced, approachable way to enjoy the benefits of this revered green tea powder.

Beyond their great taste, these pancakes deliver functional benefits too—providing antioxidants, steady energy, and the satisfaction of a homemade meal. Plus, they’re easily customizable, making them perfect for all eaters, from dairy-free to gluten-free to vegan.

So the next time you’re craving something comforting and exciting for breakfast, skip the diner and try these matcha pancakes instead. With their wholesome ingredients, stunning presentation, and health-boosting profile, they’ll quickly become a new morning favorite in your household.