The Little Epicurean

cooks. bakes. travels.

Matcha Azuki Cupcakes

by Maryanne on September 20, 2011, 4 comments

Green tea and red bean go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Delicious on their own but even better when paired together.  The great depth of flavor in this cupcake can be attributed to the slight bitterness of green tea and the sweetness of red bean. 
Beans as part of a dessert?  It is used more often than you would think.  The azuki or adzuki red bean is quite popular and frequently used in Asian foods, especially in Chinese and Japanese cuisine.  Sweetened red bean paste is used as a filling in cakes, pastries, and baked bread buns.  Azuki beans are also made into soups and teas.  And its made into one of my all times favorites– red bean ice cream. 
Green tea powder is simple to add into your favorite baked goods– cupcakes, pound cakes, breads and pastries.  See my post on Matcha Swirl Tea Cakes; its a great way to introduce newbs to green tea powder.  
There is a large selection of green tea powders available online.  They can be quite pricey depending on the quality and grade of the powder.  Taste and color also varies.  I have some powders that are bright green and others that are dark forest green.  I suggest shopping around and visiting any nearby Asian markets (I find lots of great baking goodies at Mitsuwa and 99 Ranch Market).   Try out different brands and find one that suits your liking.  

These cupcakes make a great afternoon snack or a nice little pick me up anytime of the day.  I love the frosting.  I can eat it all by itself because it reminds me of red bean ice cream.

Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes with Azuki Red Bean Buttercream
makes one dozen cupcakes


Matcha Cupcakes, adapted from Billy’s Vanilla, Vanilla Cupcakes


Ingredients


3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp cake flour, sifted

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 Tbsp matcha powder

1/2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes, room temperature

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

Method


1. Preheat over to 325 degrees F.

2.  Combine flours, sugar, matcha powder, baking powder and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment.  Mix on low until combined.  Add butter cubes and mix until just coated with the dry ingredients.

3.  In a large measuring cup, whisk together eggs and milk.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry in three additions while the mixer is on medium speed.  Scrape down sides of bowl before each addition.  Mix until all ingredients are incorporated but make sure not to overbeat.

4.  Divide batter among lined cupcake pan, filling a little over 2/3 full.  Bake 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5.  Transfer to wire rack to cool.  Once cupcakes have cooled, stamp out center with a small round cutter.  Then fill and top with red bean buttercream.

Azuki Red Bean Buttercream, adapted from Buttercream of my lemon raspberry layer cake


Ingredients


8 oz sugar

2 oz water

1/2 cup egg whites

12 oz unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons

sweetened red bean paste, to taste

Method


1. Follow directions from link Buttercream 

2.  Once you have buttercream ready, add about 1/4 cup sweetened red bean paste.  You can add more if you’d like a stronger red bean taste.  You can use smooth red bean paste or use one that have some whole red beans like I did.  If you use whole red beans make sure to use a large enough piping tip to allow the beans to pass.


4 thoughts on “Matcha Azuki Cupcakes

  1. These are stunning-love the colors. I have never used matcha or red beans in a baked good but your post has inspired. I will keep an eye out for the matcha powder. Thanks for sharing the recipe for these lovely cupcakes!

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