As warming and comforting as a campfire s’mores sounds, it’s almost too sinfully delicious that having that much sugar and chocolate can be leave you feeling a bit too unhealthy. So here at matcha.com, we tried to come up with a better and healthier—but still as tasty—homemade s’mores version. The result: kinako mochi marshmallows with black sesame graham crackers and a matcha green tea spread!
It sounds like a mouthful, and believe me, it's definitely a mouth-full! But each bite will leave you feeling curious, and wanting more at the same time. With the newer and healthier alternatives for our homemade matcha s’mores, there are so many elements, flavors, and textures in this recipe that surprisingly work so well together.
Tying in the Japanese Elements
It’s no marshmallow, but mochi has much more chew and flavor, especially with the kinako powder! If you’re not so familiar with mochi, it is a sweet Japanese rice cake, with a soft and chewy outer layer, and a sweet and sticky inside. Some mochi variations contain some sort of filling, ranging from ice cream to red bean taste among others. All different but all so tasty!
Additionally, kinako is a Japanese condiment made from roasted soybeans. It is typically in Japanese desserts, giving these treats a warm and nutty flavor, similar to that of peanuts. Covering the mochi in kinako powder definitely gives it an added depth. The mochi and kinako elements tie in perfectly with matcha.com’s high quality matcha, making this the perfect inventive, healthy, and delicious Japanese treat.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Here at matcha.com, we’re all about finding healthier alternatives, while still keeping the fun alive! Marshmallows are loaded with sugar, but mochi is naturally gluten-free and contains less sugar than marshmallows. It still gives you that chewy texture that is satisfying without being overly sweet.
Kinako powder is a good source of protein and has multiple health benefits thanks to its soy bean source. It is also a good source of protein, helps absorb fat, and may even promote hair growth. These are just some benefits of kinako powder to name a few.
Black sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Some studies suggest that consuming black sesame seeds may help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and support healthy bones.
To top it all off, the benefits of matcha are abundant. It is a Japanese green tea powder that is overall healthful and good for you. From its mood and energy boosting effects, to its skin and heart health protection, the list of good things matcha can do for you is long. You can read up more on the matcha health benefits, according to science, here.
Now it’s time to get baking!
Matcha Recommendations and Similar Recipes
The matcha in this recipe is simple and straightforward, that’s why using the right matcha is crucial, and can elevate this entire dessert. Here are some high quality Japanese matcha green tea powder only from matcha.com:
- Tenchi Ceremonial Matcha
- First Harvest Matcha
-
Roasted Hojicha Tea Powder
- You can try using our hojicha powder too in this recipe! It’ll add more nuttiness to the recipe on top of the kinako powder.
If you liked this fun and sweet matcha dessert recipe, you can try creating your own healthier desserts with these other recipes:
- Healthy Matcha Basque Burnt Cheesecake
- Ginger “Nice” Cream
- Guilt-free Vegan Matcha Coconut Cupcakes
- No-bake Matcha Yoghurt Bark
The Bottomline
Sweets and treats don’t always have to be sinful and loaded with sugar. With enough creativity, research, and experimentation, you can create healthier and yummier matcha alternatives! But remember, too much of anything isn’t always good. So it’s always better to take things in moderation. Just make sure to enjoy matcha and its benefits altogether.
