Japanese Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 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 cup sour cream

Method

1. 01
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
2. 02
   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. 03
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. 04
   Add the sifted matcha powder to the cream cheese mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
5. 05
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
6. 06
   Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. 07
   Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
8. 08
   Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
9. 09
   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.