This Matcha cake recipe offers a delightful combination of the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of Japanese green tea powder with the soft, airy texture of sponge cake.
Often topped with a smooth layer of whipped cream or light icing, this cake offers a balanced sweetness that complements the matcha’s distinctive taste. Whether you’re a dedicated matcha fan or simply seeking a unique treat, this matcha cake recipe will guide you to make a soft, moist, and flavorful cake from scratch.
Why Choose Matcha?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about matcha. This finely ground green tea powder comes from specially grown tea leaves and offers a rich, deep flavor and a bright green hue. Matcha is also known for its high antioxidant content, making it a healthier alternative to many artificial flavorings used in desserts.
For baking, it’s recommended to use culinary-grade matcha. This variety provides the perfect balance of flavor and price. While ceremonial-grade matcha is more vibrant and flavorful, it’s not essential for this cake, so you can save it for more traditional tea ceremonies or high-end uses.
Ingredients for the Matcha Cake
For the Sponge Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder (adjust based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup (120ml) milk (full-fat works best)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream (Optional Topping):
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Matcha Cake recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly, lining with parchment paper, and sprinkling a small amount of flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Continue to mix on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Gradually add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
add dry ingredients gradually to wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a whisk to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. The batter should have a smooth texture with a slightly thick consistency.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, . Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this could cause the cakes to deflate.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove cakes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. . It’s important that the cakes are fully cooled to avoid any melting or sliding of the frosting.
Making the Whipped Cream Topping
For the whipped cream, begin by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes. In the chilled bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whisk on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be cautious not to overwhip, as the cream can turn into butter if whipped too long. If you want to enhance the flavor, sift a small amount of matcha powder into the cream and gently fold it in.
Assembling the Matcha Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled, it’s time to put everything together:
- Place the first layer of cake in a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the first layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and smooth more whipped cream over the top and sides for a clean, finished look.
To decorate, you can sift matcha powder over the top or add fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for an extra burst of color.
Tips for a Perfect Matcha Cake
- Use Fresh Matcha: Matcha can lose its potency and vibrant color over time.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter too much can cause the cake to become dense. Only mix until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Check Cake Doneness: Every oven varies, so make sure to test your cake by inserting a toothpick into the center around 25 minutes into baking.
- Chill the Cake: After assembling, chill the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and makes cutting easier.
Creative Variations and Add-Ons
- Matcha Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a tangy twist, use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream. Mix softened cream cheese with butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of matcha powder for a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Matcha Marble Cake: For a beautiful visual effect, swirl plain vanilla batter with matcha-infused batter to create a marbled look.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free alternative, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sweetened Matcha? For this recipe, it’s better to use unsweetened matcha powder. Sweetened matcha might affect both the flavor and texture of the cake.
How Should I Store the Matcha Cake? Store your Matcha cake in in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a little while before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Prepare the Cake in Advance? Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers the day before, then wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature. you can frost the cake the same day you plan to serve it.
Why Make This Matcha Cake recipe ?
Baking matcha cake from scratch might seem like a challenge, but the result is worth every step. The earthy flavor of matcha combined with the soft texture of the sponge cake creates a dessert that is both visually striking and delicious. It’s perfect for occasions like tea parties, birthdays, or whenever you want to indulge in a special treat.
Final Thoughts
Matcha cake is a beautiful way to enjoy the unique flavor of green tea in dessert form. With its soft layers and vibrant color, this cake is just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a perfect matcha cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ready to begin? Gather your ingredients and start baking! Your delightful matcha cake is just a few steps away.