Japanese Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons matcha green tea powder sifted
• 3 packages cream cheese softened
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
2. 2 Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. 3 In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. 4 Add the sifted matcha powder to the cream cheese mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
5. 5 Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
6. 6 Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. 7 Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
8. 8 Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
9. 9 Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
10. 10 Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.