There’s a certain comfort that comes with baking, especially when you’re creating something as delightful as a Matcha Cake. The moment I unseal that vibrant green matcha powder, the earthy aroma fills the kitchen, transporting me to a serene Japanese tea garden. This cake is not just an ordinary dessert; it’s a beautiful blend of tradition and modern baking—a treat that captures the essence of tea time in every bite.
Imagine cutting into a moist slice of this cake, the rich, green hue inviting you to savor each mouthful. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just exploring new flavors, this cake promises a delightful experience, pairing perfectly with a light cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you opt for a single layer or double, it’s ideal for any occasion—from quiet afternoons to festive celebrations. Let’s dive into this light yet indulgent recipe and bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!
Why is Matcha Cake a Must-Try?
Irresistibly Moist: This cake is known for its light, fluffy texture that’s incredibly moist, making it a favorite for those who enjoy baked goods that melt in your mouth.
Unique Flavor Profile: The earthy notes of matcha combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting create a delightful contrast, ensuring each bite is a flavorful experience.
Versatile Options: Whether you choose a single layer or double-layer cake, this recipe allows for creativity and adaptability, perfect for any occasion.
Crowd Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress friends and family, capturing hearts and taste buds at brunches, parties, and everyday afternoon teas.
Looking to explore matcha further? Check out my guide to the health benefits of matcha for an added boost!
Matcha Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to bake a delicious Matcha Cake!
For the Cake
- Cooking Spray – Prevents the cake from sticking to the pan. Use vegetable or canola oil spray if preferred.
- Butter (2 sticks, softened) – Adds moisture and richness to the cake. Unsalted butter can be substituted for controlled salt levels.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light texture. Consider using coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- Large Eggs (3) – Gives structure and moisture to the cake. For a vegan alternative, use flax eggs or applesauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The main structural ingredient. Gluten-free flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp) – Leavening agent to create lightness. Ensure it is fresh for optimal rise.
- Cornstarch (2 tsp) – Contributes to the cake’s texture. Can be omitted for a denser cake if desired.
- Food-Grade Matcha Powder (2 Tbsp) – Infuses the cake with vibrant green color and matcha flavor. Quality matters; opt for ceremonial grade for best results.
- Water (2 Tbsp) – Hydrates the matcha and helps blend it with the batter. Can be replaced with milk for a richer taste.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese (6 oz, softened) – Forms the base of the frosting, adding creaminess. Mascarpone can be used for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup, for frosting) – Sweetens the frosting. Powdered sugar can create a smoother finish.
- Pinch of Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor. Use a finer salt if kosher is unavailable.
- Cold Heavy Cream (2 cups) – Whipped to create a fluffy frosting texture. Non-dairy whipped cream alternatives can be used for vegan options.
- Powdered Sugar (2 Tbsp) – For additional sweetness in the frosting. Sift before adding to avoid clumps.
- Food-Grade Matcha Powder (1/2 tsp, for frosting) – Adds flavor and color to the frosting. Ensure it is well mixed for even color distribution.
How to Make Matcha Cake
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking. Prepare a springform pan by greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
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Incorporate Eggs: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. You want a silky batter that holds together beautifully.
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Sift and Mix: Now, sift together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and matcha powder. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain the cake’s lightness.
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Add Water: Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and mix until everything is just combined. This helps to hydrate the matcha, enhancing its flavor in the batter.
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Bake Cake: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Place it in the oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and prevents crumbling.
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Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add softened cream cheese and sugar until fluffy and smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder for an extra kick of flavor.
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Frost and Serve: Finally, frost your cooled cake generously with the creamy matcha frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of crushed matcha powder on top for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Matcha Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful Matcha Cake; there are countless ways to personalize it to your taste!
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Chocolate Twist: Replace matcha powder with cocoa powder for a luscious chocolate cake. This variation remains just as moist and rich, perfect for chocolate lovers.
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Fruit Layering: Add a layer of your favorite fruit preserves between cake layers for a tangy twist. Strawberry or raspberry preserves contrast beautifully with the earthy matcha.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, into the batter. This adds a pleasant crunch and enhances the texture, making each bite delightful.
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Flavored Extracts: Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to bring a new dimension to your cake. Just a teaspoon can elevate the taste profile beautifully.
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Coconut Delight: Swap out some of the granulated sugar for shredded coconut. This tropical touch adds a lovely flavor and slightly chewy texture that pairs well with matcha.
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Spiced Option: Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warming twist. These spices complement the matcha’s earthiness, creating a cake that’s comforting and unique.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into your batter for a fresh, bright flavor. The citrus cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast.
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Vegan Version: For a simple vegan alternative, use flax eggs and replace the cream cheese frosting with a coconut whipped cream. It remains indulgently delicious while accommodating vegan diets.
What to Serve with Matcha Cake?
Indulging in a flavor-packed matcha cake deserves the perfect complimentary treats to create a memorable meal experience.
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Green Tea: A classic choice that amplifies the earthy matcha flavor of the cake, enhancing the whole tea time experience.
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Light Fruit Salad: Fresh, juicy fruits like strawberries and kiwi provide a bright contrast, balancing the dense sweetness of the cake beautifully.
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Fluffy Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the cake’s moist crumb, making each bite feel indulgent.
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Mochi Ice Cream: The chewy texture of mochi adds an exciting dimension to the dessert spread, pairing wonderfully with the matcha theme.
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Dark Chocolate Truffles: The rich, bold flavor of dark chocolate provides a luxurious counterpoint to the light sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful flavor combination.
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Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of bergamot in Earl Grey offer a sophisticated twist, making it an elegant drink pairing for your dessert.
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Scones with Jam: Light and buttery scones with a dollop of sweet jam can elevate your dessert experience, providing a lovely texture contrast alongside the cake.
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Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and balances the rich flavors of the matcha cake, making it a perfect end to your meal.
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Matcha Latte: For those who can’t get enough matcha, serving a creamy matcha latte with the cake deepens the flavor experience and keeps the theme consistent.
Make Ahead Options
These Matcha Cake preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and can help streamline your meal planning! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance; just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to preserve its moisture (this also helps to enhance the flavor). The cream cheese frosting can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply pull out the cake and frost it shortly before enjoying for a fresh and delicious treat. This method not only saves you time but also ensures your cake remains just as scrumptious!
How to Store and Freeze Matcha Cake
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Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. For optimal flavor, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
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Fridge: Store leftover Matcha Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents the flavors from fading.
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Freezer: Wrap the cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
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Reheating: If desired, reheat your slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back its moistness, but watch it closely to avoid overheating!
Expert Tips for Matcha Cake
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Quality Matcha: Use ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color in your matcha cake. Lower-quality matcha can taste bitter.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This aids in proper emulsification, resulting in a lighter cake.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, detracting from the cake’s moist quality.
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Checking Doneness: Start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as ovens may vary. A toothpick should come out clean.
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Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
Matcha Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What kind of matcha powder should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for ceremonial grade matcha powder. It has a vibrant green color and a richer flavor compared to culinary grade. The quality of matcha greatly affects both the taste and appearance of your Matcha Cake, so investing in a good quality powder pays off deliciously.
How should I store my leftover Matcha Cake?
You can store any leftover Matcha Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain its moist texture and prevent it from drying out. Make sure to cover it well or place a piece of parchment paper in between slices if you’re stacking them to keep the frosting intact!
Can I freeze the Matcha Cake?
Very! To freeze your cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep your cake fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and it will be as delightful as fresh!
What if my cake is too dense?
If your Matcha Cake turns out too dense, there are a few things to check. Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a heavy texture. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh and has not expired; if it’s old, it won’t provide the rise needed for a light cake. Lastly, giving your batter enough time to aerate after adding the eggs is crucial!
Are there any dietary considerations with the ingredients?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan option, and choose gluten-free flour for gluten sensitivities. For the frosting, consider using non-dairy cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives. This makes the Matcha Cake a delicious option for everyone to enjoy!
What can I do if the frosting is too runny?
If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, try using a couple of strategies to thicken it. First, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. If it remains too loose, gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. Another option is to whip up additional cold heavy cream and fold it in to help stabilize the mixture!
Moist Matcha Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a springform pan by greasing it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and matcha powder, then gradually blend into the wet ingredients.
- Pour in water and mix until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the matcha powder for flavor, then frost the cooled cake generously.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!