This Chocolate Hazelnut Matcha Pudding is the ultimate indulgence—a creamy, earthy matcha pudding layered over a rich, silky chocolate hazelnut ganache.
It’s the perfect balance of bitter matcha, deep chocolate, and nutty sweetness, making every spoonful a luxurious treat.
If you love matcha lattes but want to turn that flavor into a spoonable dessert, this recipe is for you!
The pudding is smooth and creamy, while the ganache layer adds a decadent richness that melts in your mouth. It’s easy to make and perfect for prepping ahead—just chill and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Hazelnut Ganache:
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped (or high-quality chocolate chips)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
For the Matcha Pudding:
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey, agave, or granulated sugar)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca starch)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder (use a high-quality brand for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional but Delicious!):
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Extra dusting of matcha
Pro Tips for the Best Pudding
✅ Sift the matcha before adding it to avoid clumps. A smooth pudding starts with well-mixed ingredients!
✅ Don’t skip the chilling step. The pudding needs time to thicken and set for the best texture.
✅ Whisk constantly when cooking to prevent lumps. Low and slow is the key!
✅ Use high-quality chocolate and matcha. These flavors shine in this simple dessert, so go for the good stuff!
Tools You’ll Need
✔ Small saucepan
✔ Medium saucepan
✔ Whisk
✔ Heatproof mixing bowl
✔ Measuring cups & spoons
✔ Fine-mesh sieve (for matcha)
✔ 4 small jars or ramekins
Substitutions & Variations
✨ Dairy-Free? Use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
✨ No cornstarch? Use arrowroot or tapioca starch instead.
✨ Extra chocolatey? Add an extra ounce of dark chocolate to the ganache layer.
✨ Mild matcha flavor? Reduce matcha to 1 teaspoon.
✨ Crunch factor? Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts or cacao nibs on top.
Make-Ahead Tips
- This pudding tastes even better the next day! Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Keep plastic wrap directly on the pudding’s surface to prevent a skin from forming.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Matcha Pudding
1. Make the Ganache Layer
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just steaming (don’t let it boil). Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy.
2. Divide the Ganache
Pour the ganache evenly into 4 small jars or ramekins. Place them in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set.
3. Prepare the Matcha Pudding Mixture
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, cornstarch, salt, and matcha powder until smooth.
4. Cook the Pudding
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Pudding
Once the pudding has slightly cooled, divide it evenly over the set ganache layer in the jars. Smooth the tops with a spoon.
6. Chill and Serve
Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture. Before serving, top with chopped hazelnuts, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of matcha.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight jars.
- To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface before sealing.
- Freezing? You can freeze it for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Hazelnut Matcha Pudding is the perfect mix of creamy, rich, and sophisticated flavors. The nutty chocolate ganache pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha pudding, making it a dessert worth savoring.
Try it out, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍫💚✨
