When I think of desserts that can take you straight to flavor heaven, leche flan is always at the top of the list. It’s a staple in every Filipino celebration—Christmas, fiestas, family parties—you name it. But today, I’m giving this classic dessert a twist by adding matcha, that earthy green tea powder I love so much. And because I’m all about balance, I’m pairing this creamy flan with crunchy, caramelized honey butter brioche toast. Trust me, it’s next-level good.
Growing up, leche flan was a must-have at every family gathering, and I’ve got plenty of memories tied to my grandmother’s recipe. But I have to give credit where it’s due—this matcha version comes courtesy of my wife’s genius. I just added my own flair with the honey butter toast because, honestly, what’s better than that warm, golden crunch paired with the silky flan?
Ingredients for 4-5 Servings:
For the Matcha Leche Flan:
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder (sifted to remove lumps)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar (for the caramel)
For the Honey Butter Toast:
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup soft brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Thick slices of brioche (crusts removed)
Step 1: Make the Honey Butter Toast
Let’s start with the honey butter toast because, honestly, it’s dangerously good on its own, and you’ll want it warm when you serve it with the flan.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and salt until you have a smooth, creamy mix.
- Cut your brioche into thick, even slices, and remove the crusts.
- Spread the butter mixture generously on both sides of the bread, including the edges.
Now, you can either bake or air-fry these beauties:
- For the Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want a light, caramelized golden color.
- For the Air Fryer: Line the rack with parchment paper and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once they’re golden brown, transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Leche Flan
This is where we take the classic leche flan up a notch with matcha. The combination of creamy, rich custard and that earthy green tea flavor is a game-changer.
- Start by making the caramel. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, and add about ¾ cup of sugar. Stir continuously as it melts and turns a golden brown. Once it’s melted, carefully pour the caramel into your ramekins or molds. Let it cool and set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth. Sift in the matcha powder to avoid any lumps, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the condensed milk while whisking, then pour in the evaporated milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until everything is smooth.
- Pour the matcha mixture over the caramel in your ramekins or molds.
Step 3: Cook the Flan
There are two ways to cook your matcha leche flan—steam or bake. Both methods work, but keep an eye on them because flan is delicate!
Steaming: If you’re steaming, make sure to cook on low heat to ensure even cooking. Check around the 12-15 minute mark for individual-sized ramekins. The center should still be a bit jiggly but set when touched.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set up a water bath by placing the flan molds in a roasting pan with some water. Bake for about 50 minutes, checking towards the end to make sure the center is just set but still jiggly.
Let the flan cool completely before serving.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Once your matcha leche flan is perfectly set, it’s time to plate this beauty. Run a knife around the edges of the ramekins to loosen the flan, then carefully invert it onto a plate. You’ll see that lovely caramel topping spill over the flan—it’s pure magic.
Serve your flan with a couple of slices of the honey butter toast on the side. The crisp, caramelized toast pairs so well with the smooth, creamy flan. It’s like dipping biscotti in tea but way more decadent. Each bite is the perfect balance of earthy matcha, rich custard, and that buttery, crunchy toast.
Why Matcha Works So Well
This matcha leche flan with honey butter toast is the ultimate dessert mashup. It’s rich and indulgent yet balanced by the fresh matcha flavor and crunchy toast. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to impress.
Matcha’s earthy flavor is the perfect complement to the sweetness of leche flan. It cuts through the richness just enough to keep things balanced, while still giving you that creamy, custardy texture you want from a good flan. If you’re new to matcha, this is a great way to introduce it into your dessert lineup—it’s subtle but adds a unique twist.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Trust me, once you’ve had this, you’ll never go back to plain leche flan.