# Components:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits, finely crushed
02 - 3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10 - 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
11 - 2 tablespoons water (for blooming gelatin)
→ Matcha Swirl
12 - 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha green tea powder
13 - 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling)
→ Snowdrift Topping (Optional)
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
15 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
# Directions:
01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
02 - Evenly distribute the crust mixture into 8 cupcake liners or small jars, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
03 - Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Incorporate vanilla extract and lemon juice thoroughly.
05 - Whip 1/2 cup cold heavy cream to soft peaks and fold gently into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
06 - Warm bloomed gelatin gently until fully dissolved without boiling. Allow to cool slightly before mixing quickly and evenly into the cheesecake batter.
07 - Whisk matcha powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water until smooth and lump-free.
08 - Split the cheesecake filling into two equal parts. Fold the dissolved matcha mixture into one half until uniformly green.
09 - Spoon alternating dollops of plain and matcha batter atop the crusts. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the mixtures for a marbled appearance.
10 - Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 3 hours until firmly set.
11 - Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks, then pipe or spoon onto chilled cheesecake cups. Garnish with a light dusting of matcha powder if desired.
