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Creamy Shamrock Matcha Cream Cheese Swirl Bars

shamrock matcha cream cheese swirl bars - featured image
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These creamy shamrock matcha cream cheese swirl bars are a quick and easy dessert featuring a buttery base and vibrant matcha cream cheese swirls, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a fresh twist on classic cream cheese bars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade preferred)
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar for dusting, white chocolate drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with mixer or 5 minutes by hand.
  3. Stir in all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. If dough feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon milk.
  4. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
  5. Bake base for 10-12 minutes until set and edges start to turn golden.
  6. While base bakes, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice; mix well.
  7. Scoop out about one-third of the cream cheese mixture into a small bowl. Sift matcha powder over it and fold gently until fully combined.
  8. Pour plain cream cheese mixture evenly over baked base.
  9. Drop dollops of matcha cream cheese mixture randomly on top.
  10. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the matcha dollops into the plain mixture to create a marbled effect.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cream cheese is set but center is slightly jiggly and edges are lightly golden.
  12. Cool bars completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
  13. Slice bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate if desired.

Notes

[‘Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps.’, ‘Sift matcha powder to prevent clumps and ensure smooth swirl.’, ‘Use room temperature egg for better incorporation.’, ‘Do not overbake; center should remain slightly jiggly before cooling.’, ‘Use a light hand when swirling to maintain contrast between green and white.’, ‘Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.’, ‘Store refrigerated in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.’, ‘Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for presentation.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: matcha, cream cheese bars, shamrock, St. Patrick's Day dessert, easy dessert, homemade bars, green tea dessert

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-shamrock-matcha-cream-cheese-swirl-bars-easy-homemade-recipe/