High-Protein Strawberry Matcha Latte
After seeing matcha cloud drinks everywhere on Instagram, I KNEW I had to put my own twist on this trend! This fun drink features a whipped matcha topping that sits on top of coconut milk or a similar liquid, but in this case we’re adding a protein focus along with fresh strawberries to take things up a notch.
Inspired by both the viral matcha cloud drink and my favorite Starbucks strawberry matcha latte, this version combines a creamy, lightly sweet strawberry “cloud” with a smooth vanilla matcha base. However, instead of using a traditional whipped topping, I use cottage cheese to create a thick, fluffy texture that blends super well and adds a boost of protein without overpowering the flavor. And honestly, it’s shockingly good!
The drink is refreshing, slightly earthy from the matcha, and perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of strawberries. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home. I’ve been enjoying one every morning alongside oatmeal date breakfast cookies or oatmeal breakfast bars for a quick, easy breakfast that makes me feel like I’m in a café!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better-For-You – Unlike store-bought matcha drinks that tend to be overly sweet and loaded with unnecessary sugars and additives, this strawberry matcha latte comes together with just a handful of wholesome ingredients and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Strawberry Matcha Flavor – The combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries creates the perfect balance of tastes, and the vanilla adds depth, giving the drink a little extra oomph.
- Texture – The strawberry “cloud” is smooth, thick, and fluffy, layering beautifully over the iced matcha for a creamy, café-style drink.
- Protein Boost – Made with cottage cheese, a single serving provides 7 grams of protein, leaving you feeling full, satisfied, and caffeinated without being overly jittery.
RELATED: 5-Minute Iced Green Tea Matcha Latte
Ingredients
Strawberry Cloud
- Fresh Strawberries – Use ripe strawberries for the base of the cloud topping. I don’t recommend substituting frozen strawberries, as the taste and texture won’t be the same.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberries – These are optional, but I love to include them for a brighter pink color and a bolder, sweeter, fruity flavor.
- Cottage Cheese – Whole milk cottage cheese works best for the creamiest consistency and a richer flavor, more similar to what you’d get with heavy cream. If you’re not feeling the cottage cheese twist, you could use coconut milk or heavy cream instead!
- Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness. Substitute honey if preferred.
Matcha
- Matcha Powder – Use any brand you like best.
- Hot Water
- Cold Milk – Substitute any regular or plant-based milk.
- Vanilla
- Maple Syrup – Sweetens the matcha base. Honey or raw sugar also work great!
How to Make a High-Protein Strawberry Matcha Recipe
If you’ve never made matcha at home, don’t worry! I know it can seem intimidating, but I promise the process is super simple. All you need is a blender, a whisk, a bowl, and two glasses for serving. Here’s how to make strawberry matcha:
- Blend the strawberry cloud – Combine all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth and fluffy.
- Prepare the matcha – Whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth.
- Create the base – Next, whisk the matcha mixture with milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
- Layer – Pour the matcha into glasses with ice. Then, gently spoon or pour the strawberry cloud on top, and enjoy!
Tips
- Use high-quality matcha. A good ceremonial or high-quality culinary matcha will give you a smoother, less bitter flavor and a more vibrant green color.
- Blend the strawberry cloud well. Let the blender run a little longer than you think is needed. This helps fully smooth out the cottage cheese, eliminating any lumps for a creamy, mousse-like consistency.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Depending on how ripe your strawberries are, you may want to add a little more or less maple syrup. Taste and tweak as you go!
- Use cold milk for layering. Cold milk (or your milk of choice) helps keep the layers distinct and refreshing, especially over ice.
- Whisk matcha thoroughly. Use a matcha whisk or small frother to avoid clumps and get a smooth, even mixture.
RELATED: Matcha Banana Smoothie Bowl
Variations
- Omit the cottage cheese. If you don’t have it on hand or aren’t a fan, you can replace the cottage cheese with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream for a more traditional “cloud” topping. Just make sure to whip it until fluffy!
- Add even more protein. Include a scoop of vanilla or strawberry protein powder in either the strawberry cloud or matcha base, adding milk as needed for a smooth consistency.
- Swap the strawberries. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend instead of strawberries for a slightly different taste.
How to Store
Once combined, this strawberry matcha latte recipe is best enjoyed right away. However, you can prep the separate components ahead of time, if needed.
To store the strawberry cloud, combine the ingredients as usual. Then, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Next, whisk the matcha ingredients until smooth, and transfer the liquid to a jar with a lid. The matcha portion will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To serve, whisk the matcha base and pour it over ice. Then, stir or blend the matcha cloud, and spoon it on top.
My Favorite Pairings
I love to enjoy a strawberry matcha latte in the morning with a filling breakfast like cottage cheese pancake bars, sheet-pan breakfast burritos, or peanut butter chocolate healthy donuts.
However, it’s also the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Especially when paired with a sweet treat like my cottage cheese chocolate chunk cookies, Ferrero Rocher chocolate bites, or frozen banana Snickers!
Morning Drinks to Try
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
- Maple Pecan Pie Latte
- Everyday Vanilla Latte Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
- Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai
- Easy Vanilla Coconut Cold Brew Coffee
Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes
- Healthier Lemon Posset
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Protein Soufflé Pancakes
- Cookie Dough Cottage Cheese Bites
- Cranberry Orange Cottage Cheese Muffins
- Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cottage Cheese Brownies
Looking for more? Find 35+ cottage cheese recipes!
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Strawberry Matcha Latte
Video
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 2 Drink Glasses
Ingredients
Strawberry Cloud (makes 2 servings)
- 1 cup fresh ripe strawberries (tops cut off)
- 1-2 Tablespoons freeze-dried raspberries (optional, but adds extra color and flavor)
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons cottage cheese (see notes)
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (to taste)
Matcha (need to make 2)
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ice to fill your glass
Instructions
- Add the fresh strawberries, freeze-dried raspberries (if using), cottage cheese, and maple syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth, creamy, and lightly fluffy.
- Whisk the matcha powder with the hot water until smooth. Pour in the milk, vanilla, and maple syrup, whisking until combined.
- Pour the matcha into two glasses filled with ice.
- Gently spoon or pour the strawberry cloud over the tops of each matcha.
- Stir and enjoy or leave in two separate layers!
Notes
- Feel free to double the cloud topping and have extra saved in the fridge for the next day.
- If you don’t want to use the cottage cheese, feel free to swap it for 3 Tablespoons of heavy cream instead!
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