The Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) is a lavish Japanese twist on the beloved Viennese coffee, reinvented with vibrant matcha and a cloud of sweetened cream. This drink is equal parts silky, creamy, and outrageously beautiful—perfect for treating yourself or impressing a friend with something café-worthy, yet effortlessly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Luxurious Texture: The velvety cream floats atop the matcha, creating café-style layers and the loveliest mouthfeel in every sip.
- Vibrant Flavor Fusion: Earthy matcha and sweetened cream come together to create a balanced, irresistible flavor contrast you just can’t put down.
- Stunning Visuals: The distinctive two-tone presentation makes it feel special before you even take a sip—hello, Instagram dream!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Reward: Just a handful of pantry staples transforms into a treat that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how the most basic ingredients—when paired with care—create the sophisticated magic of a Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top). Each element is essential, bringing out iconic color, dreamy texture, and the full-bodied flavor that make this drink so unique.
- Heavy cream: This is the star of the “cream top”—it whips up thick and luscious, creating that signature floating layer that melts so perfectly into every sip.
- Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance the earthy matcha and create a decadent dessert-like vibe.
- Milk (for cream): A splash helps loosen the cream slightly, so it pours beautifully without losing its luxurious body.
- Matcha powder: Choose the best culinary or ceremonial grade you can find—this sets the vivid color and depth of flavor at the heart of any Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top).
- Water: Used to whisk the matcha into a smooth, frothy base that’s rich and vibrant.
- Milk (for the latte): Adds body and a creamy finish to the drink—use your preferred dairy or plant-based alternative.
- Ice: Essential for that ultra-refreshing, café-style experience. Trust me, the chill highlights all the flavors.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) is how easy it is to make it your own—swap in your favorite milk, adjust the sweetness, or experiment with fun flavor infusions. The possibilities are nearly endless, so don’t be afraid to play!
- Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and oat, almond, or soy milk in the matcha base for a silky, plant-based twist that’s just as indulgent.
- Honey or Maple-Sweetened: Use your favorite liquid sweetener instead of sugar in the cream for a nuanced, slightly floral flavor.
- Warm & Cozy: Make it a hot Einspanner by gently heating the milk and matcha latte before assembling—perfect for chilly afternoons.
- Flavor Play: Add a drop of vanilla extract to the cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, for a cozy new note.
How to Make Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top)
Step 1: Whip Up the Einspanner Cream
In a chilled bowl, add your heavy cream, sugar, and a splash of milk. Whip by hand, with a milk frother, or even a small electric whisk—stop once it’s doubled in size and looks like loose yogurt (you want it soft and pourable, not stiff like whipped cream). This dreamy topping is absolutely central to the Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) experience—it’s what sets this drink apart!
Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Latte Base
Add the matcha powder and water to a bowl. Whisk briskly using a matcha whisk, milk frother, or shake it up in a jar until everything’s totally smooth and you see a lovely foam across the top, with no clumps—this brings out matcha’s signature brightness and aroma.
Step 3: Assemble & Layer
Fill your favorite glass with ice. Pour in the frothy matcha latte (matcha and milk) first for that swoony green base. Next, take your silky cream and gently float it on top—it helps to use the back of a spoon for an even layer. Take a moment to admire those stunning layers before giving it a taste!
Step 4: Sip, Savor, and Stir
The best way to enjoy? Drink your Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) by sipping the vibrant matcha through the pillowy cream for a true Viennese-style introduction, then mix it all together and experience the difference. The combination of textures and flavors—before and after mixing—will make you a total convert.
Pro Tips for Making Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top)
- Cream Consistency Matters: Whip your cream just until it thickens to the texture of yogurty ribbons—it needs to be thick enough to float, but loose enough to pour and mingle with every sip.
- Quality of Matcha Makes a Difference: Always use fresh, high-quality matcha for the deepest color and flavor—older or lower grade powders can make your drink look dull and taste bitter.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling for that extra refreshing, café-style feel and longer-lasting cream top.
- Layer Like a Pro: Gently pour the cream over the back of a spoon for the most distinct and show-stopping layers every time.
How to Serve Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top)
Garnishes
This drink loves a finishing touch. Try a dusting of extra matcha powder, chocolate shavings, or a few cacao nibs scattered over the cream. For something playful, a sprinkle of edible dried flowers or a drizzle of honey on the cream top adds color and elegance—it’s the kind of detail guests remember!
Side Dishes
The Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) shines beautifully as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up paired with buttery shortbread cookies, petite matcha financiers, or a slice of light sponge cake. The creamy, sweet, and grassy notes of the drink play off delicate, subtly sweet pastries and snacks like a dream.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by serving in clear double-walled glasses to show off those gorgeous layers, or petite mason jars for a cute, café-at-home effect. Top with a mini swirl of cream or set the glass on a decorative saucer for extra style points. For brunch, try serving in small tasting glasses as a pre-dessert “mini drink course.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top), store the cream and matcha latte base separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply reassemble right before serving for best flavor and the most dramatic visual effect.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the cream, as its airy, delicate texture may break down and become watery after thawing. However, you can freeze pre-mixed matcha latte in ice cube trays for fun, matcha-flavored ice to use in future drinks!
Reheating
Since Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) is meant to be served cold (unless you’re making the warm version), there’s no need for reheating. If you want a cozy version, gently warm the matcha and milk (not the cream) in a small saucepan, then assemble as usual.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?
For best results, whip your own cream—the texture is key to the authentic Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) experience. Store-bought whipped cream tends to be too light and airy, so it won’t make that gorgeous, creamy float.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream (chilled and whipped) in place of heavy cream, and any non-dairy milk such as oat or almond for the matcha latte. Adjust sweetener to taste and enjoy an equally luscious treat.
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What’s the best matcha to use for this drink?
Ceremonial or high-quality culinary matcha will give your Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) its vibrant green color and balanced taste. Avoid brands labeled as “cooking” or “baking” matcha, as they can be bitter and dull.
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Can I double or triple the recipe for a group?
Definitely! Simply scale up each component, whip the cream in a larger bowl, and use a pitcher to mix the matcha latte base. Assemble individual glasses right before serving for maximum wow-factor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) at home! It’s such a fun way to elevate your daily matcha—simple enough for weekdays, but so gorgeous and decadent you’ll reach for it to celebrate the smallest joys, too. Let yourself savor every creamy, vibrant, dreamy sip.
Print
Matcha Einspanner (Cream Top) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful and refreshing Matcha Einspanner, a unique beverage that combines the rich creaminess of Einspanner cream with the earthy notes of matcha latte. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a relaxing treat.
Ingredients
Einspanner Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tsp sugar
- 1 splash milk
Matcha Latte
- 1.5 tsp matcha powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Making Einspanner Cream: Whip heavy cream, sugar, and milk together until it doubles in size and fluffy. It should have the consistency of loose yogurt or a smoothie.
- Making the Matcha Latte: Whisk matcha powder and water until a foam covers the surface of the matcha and there are no visible clumps. Add ice and matcha latte in a cup, then top with the sweetened cream. Mix and enjoy!
Notes
- First, drink the matcha through the cream, then mix it together. When sipped separately, the cream and matcha give a really nice taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 8g
- Sodium: Approx. 50mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 12g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 30mg
