Easy Matcha Cake Recipe (Green Tea-Flavored Cake)

Matcha Cake (Green Tea-Flavored Cake)

A matcha cake is a green tea-flavored cake made with matcha powder, giving it a bright green color and a unique, mild earthy taste. The cake is usually soft and fluffy, often layered with light frosting like buttercream or whipped cream cheese. The cake itself can come in various forms, such as a sponge cake, chiffon cake, or even a cheesecake, with matcha infused into the batter or frosting. Fresh strawberries are often added on top for a colorful and tasty touch.

This matcha cake is perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or for a fresh dessert in the spring. This cake can be baked in a small pan and stacked to create a simple, elegant dessert that’s easy to make and enjoy.

What Is Matcha

Matcha is a special type of green tea made from leaves that are grown in the shade before they are harvested. This process gives the leaves a bright green color. After picking, the leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder. Matcha has a mild, grassy flavor and is packed with antioxidants, making it very healthy. Matcha is used in drinks like tea and lattes and can also be added to cakes, cookies, and other foods for flavor and color. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it popular for both drinks and baking.

Why Matcha Cake is So Special

Matcha cake is loved for its unique flavors and textures, making it a favorite for special occasions or everyday treats. Here’s why it’s so popular:

Unique Flavor: Matcha gives the cake a rich, slightly bitter taste, similar to the calm feeling of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This distinct flavor adds depth to the sweetness of the cake, making it unforgettable.
Bright Green Color: The vibrant green color of matcha cake is not only beautiful but also a sign of its natural ingredients. The green shade comes from the chlorophyll in tea leaves, adding elegance to any dessert table.
Health Benefits: Besides its great taste, matcha is known for its health benefits. It’s full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, providing a healthy boost while satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoying this cake means you can treat yourself without feeling guilty, as it’s good for both body and soul.
Versatility: Matcha cake can be made in many different styles, offering endless options for creativity. Whether you like a light sponge cake, a rich cheesecake, or a moist pound cake, there’s a matcha dessert for every taste and occasion.

Ingredients Needed for Matcha Cake

For Cake

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup buttermilk
Fresh strawberries (optional, for decoration)

For Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Tools for Baking

Electric Mixer: An electric mixer, either hand-held or stand mixer, can make mixing the cake batter faster and easier.

Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is useful for spreading frosting evenly over the cake layers.

Square Baking Pan: Use an 8-inch square baking pan to bake the matcha cake. Make sure it’s properly greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

Matcha Green Tea Powder: Choose a vibrant green, high-quality culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor. Encha is a recommended brand, but feel free to explore and find one that suits your taste preferences.

How to Make this Matcha Cake

For Cake

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the sides of the pan with cooking spray.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together matcha powder, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only moist crumbs.

Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice Cake: Once cooled, slice the cake in half horizontally to create two rectangles.

For Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Cream Butter: In a bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Add Heavy Cream: Gradually add heavy cream until desired consistency is reached, and the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Assembling the Cake

Frost Cake: Spread a layer of frosting on top of one rectangle.
Stack Cake: Stack the other rectangle on top, then use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
Decoration: Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
Serve: Slice and serve your delicious matcha cake!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of matcha cake with a piping hot cup of green tea for a truly indulgent tea time experience.
Garnish your matcha cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Pair your matcha cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Storage and Freezing Tips

1. Room Temperature Storage: If not consuming immediately, store the matcha sponge cake in an airtight container or cake keeper at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake fresh and stops it from getting dry.

2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

3. Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze the matcha cake for later enjoyment, follow these steps:

Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely after baking and frosting.
Wrap Well: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss.
Storage Container: Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag for added protection.
Labeling: Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freezing: Place the container in the freezer and freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months.

4. Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.

5. Reheating (Optional): To revive the freshness of the thawed cake, you can briefly reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

6. Decorating after Thawing: If decorating the cake with fresh fruit or whipped cream, wait until after thawing to add these toppings for the best appearance and texture.

Baking Tips for Success

Use high-quality matcha powder for the best taste and color. Look for bright green powder with a nice smell and smooth texture.
Sift the matcha powder and flour together to mix them well and avoid clumps in the batter.
Let your eggs and other cold ingredients warm up to room temperature before baking. This makes them blend better and gives your cake a smoother feel.
When you mix the egg whites with the batter, gently fold them in. This keeps the air in the batter and makes your cake light and fluffy.
Let your cake cool down completely before cutting or frosting it. This helps it keep its shape and texture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a unique flavor that is slightly sweet, earthy, and a bit grassy. It’s richer and more concentrated than regular green tea. Some people say it has a bit of a savory taste too, which balances out the sweetness in desserts.

How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?

To check if your matcha cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake the cake for a few more minutes and test again.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will make the cake thinner and bake faster, while a smaller pan will make it thicker and take longer to bake. Keep an eye on the cake and use a toothpick to check if it’s done.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can use this matcha cake recipe to make cupcakes. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake the cupcakes at the same temperature, but reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check if they are done.

Why is my cake not as green as I expected?

The color of your matcha green tea cake depends on the quality and freshness of the matcha powder. High-quality, fresh matcha is bright green. If your cake is not as green, it could be due to using lower quality matcha or matcha that is not fresh. Also, using baking soda instead of baking powder can make the cake color duller.

Can I make the cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the cake dairy-free. Replace the butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. You can use dairy-free milk options like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Keep in mind that these changes might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cake.

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