Here’s a recipe for Vegan Matcha Raw Chocolate, featuring matcha — a beloved icon of Japanese ingredients known for its vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
These chocolates melt smoothly in your mouth, offering a rich and bittersweet depth from premium matcha, perfectly balanced with the gentle sweetness of maple syrup. It’s a luxurious treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Matcha may offer health benefits such as anti-aging effects, immune support, and a calming effect. Give this elegant green treat a try!
What is Matcha
It’s mentioned on the Matcha-Flavored Granola page.
The Story Behind This Recipe
In Japan, ocha (tea) is more than just a drink — it holds deep cultural significance and serves as a way to connect people on a heartfelt level.
Even today, it’s customary to offer tea when welcoming guests into your home.
This tradition is influenced by the practice of sado, or the Japanese tea ceremony. In sado, the host prepares and serves matcha through a series of deliberate, graceful movements, expressing hospitality through each gesture. While the tea ceremony may appear formal or ritualistic, its essence lies in the spirit of omotenashi — wholehearted hospitality.
The host thoughtfully prepares everything with the guest in mind, from the sweets and teaware to the flowers and hanging scroll in the tearoom. Every detail is carefully chosen to create a respectful, welcoming atmosphere.
Of course, performing a full tea ceremony in everyday life may be difficult — but how about welcoming guests with a homemade matcha dessert like this one?
It’s a fun and meaningful way to share a bit of Japanese culture — and a great conversation starter, too!
Ingredients
- Cacao butter (chop if using block type) – 3.5 oz / 100 g
- Maple syrup – 5 tbsp / 3.5 oz / 100 g
- Matcha powder – 4 tbsp / 0.7 oz / 20 g
- Coconut milk powder (additive-free preferred) – 1 tbsp / 0.35 oz / 10 g
- Matcha powder (for dusting or adjusting flavor) – as needed
Instructions
| 1 |  |
Place the cacao butter in a bowl and melt it using a double boiler, keeping the temperature below 115°F (46°C). Tip Be very careful not to let any water come into contact with the chocolate — even a small amount of moisture can increase viscosity, cause separation, and ruin the tempering. Avoid splashes during the water bath or when cooling with water. Tip To preserve the natural enzymes, make sure not to exceed 115°F (46°C). |
| 2 |  | Add the maple syrup, sifted matcha powder, and coconut milk powder. Mix until smooth. |
| 3 |  | Place the bowl over an ice bath and lower the temperature to 80°F (27°C). |
| 4 |  | Return the bowl to the warm water bath and bring the temperature back up to 88°F (31°C). |
| 5 |  | Pour the mixture into your favorite molds and chill in the refrigerator until set. |
| 6 |  | Remove the chocolates from the molds. |
| 7 |  | Dust with additional matcha powder if desired — and enjoy! |
Top Spots in Japan We Recommend — Inspired by This Recipe
Wagashi, traditional Japanese confections, are inseparable from Japanese tea culture — especially from the practice of sado, the tea ceremony. At chakai (tea gatherings), wagashi are commonly served alongside matcha, and in fact, the history of wagashi in Japan has long evolved in tandem with tea culture.
One of the most iconic wagashi makers in Japan is Toraya, a renowned confectionery with a history of over 500 years. For generations, Toraya has served the imperial family, court nobility, and samurai households, making it a true symbol of Japan’s wagashi tradition.
Toraya’s confections are praised not only for their delicate taste but also for their elegant appearance and seasonal beauty — qualities that make them a popular choice at tea gatherings. Their deep connection to the world of sado is reflected in their frequent presence at formal tea events. Even in everyday life, Toraya sweets are often chosen when welcoming important guests at home in Japan.
Though Toraya is deeply rooted in tradition, the brand also embraces change. It carries a modern spirit that adapts with the times. One wonderful place to experience both the traditional and contemporary sides of Toraya is Toraya Karyo in Kyoto. This elegant café blends Japanese aesthetics with modern design. Guests can enjoy exquisite matcha and wagashi while gazing out at a serene garden.
For international visitors, joining a formal tea ceremony may feel intimidating — but a visit to this café offers a more accessible way to experience the essence of Japanese tea culture through delicious sweets and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s also the perfect place to take a relaxing break during your travels.
Toraya Karyo 虎屋菓寮
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