Bring a burst of color and flavor to your baking with our Matcha and Black Sesame Swirl Bread, an Asian-inspired baking creation from Delights Bakery. This vibrant loaf combines the earthy, grassy notes of matcha with the nutty richness of black sesame, creating a stunning swirl effect that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a unique gift, this artisan bread is a must-try for adventurous bakers. Join us in exploring this swirl bread recipe and elevate your baking recipes!

Why Matcha and Black Sesame Swirl Bread?

This loaf is a showstopper for any occasion:

• Vibrant Aesthetics: Green and black swirls make every slice Instagram-worthy.
• Unique Flavors: Matcha’s earthy notes pair perfectly with nutty black sesame.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy as toast, with butter, or in sandwiches.
• Health Benefits: Matcha offers antioxidants, while sesame adds healthy fats.
• Impressive Yet Doable: Looks complex but is achievable for home bakers.

A Personal Inspiration

During a trip to Kyoto, our head baker at Delights Bakery was enchanted by the vibrant matcha desserts and nutty sesame treats at local markets. Inspired to combine these flavors, we created this swirl bread to bring a taste of Asia to our bakery. The first loaf, with its mesmerizing swirls, became an instant hit with our customers, and we’re thrilled to share it with you!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 1.5 hours

Bake Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: ~2 hours

Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade)
• 2 tbsp black sesame paste (or ground black sesame seeds)
• 2 tbsp water (for matcha dough)
• 2 tbsp milk (for sesame dough)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Base Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide Dough: Split dough into two equal portions.
4. Flavor Doughs: For matcha dough, mix one portion with matcha powder and 2 tbsp water until evenly green. For sesame dough, mix the other portion with black sesame paste and 2 tbsp milk until evenly gray.
5. First Rise: Place both doughs in separate greased bowls, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
6. Shape Swirls: Roll each dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Stack matcha dough on sesame dough, then roll tightly from the long side into a log. Place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, seam-side down.
7. Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
9. Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Nutrition (per slice): ~180 calories, 5g protein, 28g carbs, 5g fat, 1g fiber, 3g sugar.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Recipe Timeline

Make It Your Own

• Add Sweetness: Brush with honey glaze after baking for a shiny finish.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped almonds into sesame dough.
• Flavor Swap: Try white sesame paste for a milder taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free bread flour blend, adjusting liquid as needed.

Baking Tips

• Use Culinary Matcha: Culinary-grade matcha ensures vibrant color and flavor.
• Grind Sesame Fresh: Freshly ground black sesame seeds enhance nutty taste.
• Knead Thoroughly: Ensure dough is smooth for a soft, even texture.
• Check Rise: Dough should double in size for a light loaf.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overkneading: Knead just until smooth to avoid tough bread.
• Skipping Rise: Inadequate rising leads to dense loaves.
• Low-Quality Matcha: Poor matcha can dull flavor and color.
• Uneven Rolling: Roll doughs evenly for consistent swirls.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Toast: Toast and spread with cream cheese or butter.
• Tea Pairing: Serve with green tea or jasmine tea for harmony.
• Gift Idea: Wrap in parchment for a stunning homemade gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Find Black Sesame Paste?

Look for it in Asian markets or grind black sesame seeds into a paste.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a gluten-free bread flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.

Why Use Bread Flour?

Bread flour’s higher protein content creates a chewy, structured loaf.

How Do I Store the Bread?

Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Our Matcha and Black Sesame Swirl Bread is a vibrant, flavorful addition to your baking recipes, blending Asian-inspired artistry with artisan baking. At Delights Bakery, we love creating unique loaves that inspire awe. Bake this bread, share your swirly slices in the comments, and tell us how you enjoyed it—your feedback might shape our next creation!