Matcha Vanilla Smoothie Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshing blend of earthy matcha green tea and sweet vanilla creates a silky-smooth, nutrient-rich smoothie that balances energizing properties with indulgent flavor.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

2 smoothies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp high-quality matcha powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp hot water (not boiling)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">400ml unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ripe banana, frozen and sliced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp pure vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp almond butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120g plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 cup ice cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">High-powered blender</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bamboo matcha whisk (chasen)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small bowl for whisking matcha</li> </ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place the matcha powder in a small bowl. Add the hot water (80°C/176°F is ideal - hot but not boiling, as boiling water can make matcha bitter) and whisk vigorously with your bamboo whisk in a "W" or "M" pattern until the matcha is completely dissolved and slightly frothy. This traditional whisking technique helps break up any clumps and releases the full flavor of the matcha. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the prepared matcha mixture to your blender, followed by the almond milk, frozen banana slices, vanilla extract, maple syrup, almond butter, yogurt, ice cubes, and salt. The frozen banana provides natural sweetness and creates the perfect creamy texture without needing to add ice cream. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary, then blend again briefly. The smoothie should have a vibrant green color with tiny flecks of matcha visible throughout. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup, or adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk (for a thinner smoothie) or ice (for a thicker smoothie). The perfect matcha smoothie should be silky-smooth without any graininess. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Pour the smoothie immediately into chilled glasses to maintain its cool temperature. If desired, garnish with a light dusting of matcha powder on top. The smoothie is best enjoyed fresh when the flavors are most vibrant and the texture is at its creamiest. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice

🔥 Calories: 385 calories

🥑 Fat: 23 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 28 g

🍭 Sugar: 2 g

🍗 Protein: 18 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 95 mg

🧂 Sodium: 480 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Is ceremonial or culinary grade matcha better for smoothies?

While both types work, ceremonial grade matcha offers a smoother, less bitter taste ideal for smoothies. Culinary grade is more affordable and still provides health benefits, but may have a stronger, more astringent flavour profile. For the best-tasting smoothie, invest in at least premium culinary grade matcha.

Can you make a matcha smoothie without banana?

Absolutely! Replace banana with half an avocado for creaminess, frozen mango for sweetness, or half a cup of frozen cauliflower (surprisingly neutral in taste). For sweetness without banana, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey, or include a few pitted dates.

What are the health benefits of drinking matcha green tea smoothies?

Matcha smoothies provide sustained energy without the coffee crash thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine. They're packed with antioxidants (particularly catechins), boost metabolism, enhance focus, and support detoxification. Unlike coffee, matcha delivers nutrients that help calm the mind while increasing alertness.