Love matcha? Craving a delicious and fluffy cake that brings the earthy flavor of green tea to life? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a mouthwatering matcha cake recipe that’s easy to follow and rewards you with a moist, fluffy texture and a lightly sweet, tea-infused flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie with a mixer, this post is packed with helpful tips, frosting ideas, and flavor notes you need to create your best matcha cake yet.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Matcha Cake and Why Everyone’s Baking It?
Matcha cake is a vibrant, fluffy dessert made with ceremonial grade matcha or culinary grade matcha powder, giving it that signature green color and subtle bitterness. The fusion of cake and matcha creates a rich, aromatic dessert loved by tea enthusiasts and sweet-tooth fans alike.
Unlike your usual cake recipe, a matcha cake recipe provides an antioxidant-rich, earthy twist that pairs beautifully with creamy frostings and even fruits. If you’ve ever tried matcha lattes, then imagine that comforting taste, but wrapped up in a soft, sweet cake.
This cake is also perfect for gifting, tea parties, or just indulging on a chill afternoon. When baked right—with the correct matcha powder, flour, and frosting, you’ll get a moist, fluffy crumb that’s hard to resist.
If you want your matcha cake recipe to rise high and stay tender, these steps will help.
How to Make This Matcha Cake Fluffy and Moist
The Secret Ingredients to Fluffiness
To achieve that fluffy and light texture, you’ll want to use cake flour, which has less protein than all-purpose flour. Combine that with baking powder and just the right amount of whole milk and unsalted butter at room temperature, and you’ve got the base for a perfect batter.
Using an electric mixer or stand mixer to whip your egg whites until stiff peaks form will help trap air in the batter. That’s key to making a cake rise evenly and stay fluffy.
Moisture Locking Techniques
Want to keep it moist? Add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil. It helps lock in moisture without making the cake heavy. Also, don’t overbake—check for moist crumbs on your toothpick instead of waiting for it to come out dry.
Using the right matcha can make or break your matcha cake recipe. Let’s compare your options.
What Ingredients Do You Need for a Great Matcha Cake Recipe?
Crafting the perfect matcha cake recipe starts with choosing high-quality, balanced ingredients. From dry pantry staples to rich dairy components, each element contributes to the cake’s flavor, texture, and signature green hue.
Below is a breakdown of both dry and wet ingredients used in this fluffy, moist, and flavorful green tea cake recipe.
Core Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|
| Cake Flour | Ensures a soft, delicate crumb and a fluffy texture. |
| Matcha Powder | Use ceremonial grade matcha for a strong, vibrant matcha flavor and rich green color. |
| Baking Powder | Adds lift and structure, helping the cake rise evenly. |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetens and balances the earthy bitterness of matcha. |
Tip: Always sift your dry ingredients before mixing to ensure a lump-free batter.
Essential Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role in Moisture and Structure |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Separate the whites and yolks to create volume and stability. |
| Heavy Cream | Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel. |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances and softens the bold matcha flavor. |
| Whole Milk | Helps create a creamy, cohesive batter. |
| Vegetable Oil | Locks in moisture without making the cake greasy or heavy. |
All wet ingredients should be brought to room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending and a consistent cake batter.
Want to Make It Vegan?
This matcha cake recipe is easy to adapt for plant-based baking. Here’s how:
- Eggs → Replace with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Milk → Use almond, oat, or soy milk
- Cream → Swap in full-fat coconut milk
- Butter (if used) → Use vegan margarine or oil
This way, you can enjoy a light, fluffy vegan matcha cake with all the same great flavor.
What Kind of Matcha Should You Use for Baking?
Ceremonial vs. Culinary Grade Matcha
When making a matcha cake, choosing the right matcha powder is crucial. Use culinary-grade matcha if you’re baking a larger cake and want a milder taste. For an intense green color and bold matcha flavor, opt for ceremonial grade matcha.
Pro Tip: Don’t use old or oxidized matcha—it’ll make your cake taste bitter and lose that stunning green hue.
Step-by-Step Matcha Cake Recipe Instructions
Prep Your Cake Tools
Use two 8-inch round pans. Grease and line them with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Make the Batter
- Sift together 1 ½ cups of cake flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of ceremonial matcha.
- In a separate bowl, beat 3 egg whites with ¼ cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form using an electric mixer.
- In another bowl, mix yolks, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the egg whites.
Bake
Pour into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool at room temperature before frosting.
No matcha cake recipe is complete without the perfect frosting to match the bold green tea notes.
Best Frosting Recipe to Complement the Matcha Flavor
Whipped Cream Matcha Frost
This frosting recipe combines 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp ceremonial matcha. Whip using a mixer until you get a smooth buttercream frosting.
Spread the frosting evenly across the top of the cake and around the edge of the cake using a spatula.
How to Frost Your Cake for a Smooth, Creamy Finish
Start by placing one cake layer on a stand. Add a layer of frost, smooth it with a spatula, and stack the second cake layer. Continue to frost your cake, applying a thin crumb coat first.
Chill the frosted cake in the fridge for 15 minutes, then add a final layer of frosting for a clean finish. Want it to shine? Garnish with green tea leaves or a sprinkle of culinary matcha.
Tips to Store Your Cake and Keep It Moist
- Fridge: Store your cake in the fridge in an airtight container. Keeps it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Room Temperature: If unfrosted, you can store at room temperature for 2 days.
- Leftovers: Wrap slices in plastic wrap to retain moisture.
What Does Matcha Taste Like in Cake?
The matcha taste like grassy, nutty green tea with a sweet aftertaste. When baked into a cake, it softens and blends into the frosting, delivering a rich and balanced dessert experience.
It’s perfect for those who love green tea and want a less sugary dessert than traditional cakes.
FAQs About Matcha Cake Recipe
Why Is My Cake Rubbery?
A rubbery cake usually means the batter was overmixed or too much flour was used. Always mix just until combined and use cake flour for a tender texture.
How Long Does This Cake Last?
Your matcha cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze matcha cake. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Why Did My Sponge Cake Deflate?
Sponge cakes deflate if the egg whites weren’t beaten properly or the batter was overmixed after folding. Also, opening the oven too early can cause collapse.
How Long Does This Cake Last?
Your matcha cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes and Popular Matcha Desserts You Should Try
- Matcha Cupcakes: Single-serve delight with creamy tops.
- Vegan Matcha Muffins: Plant-based and guilt-free.
- Matcha Roll Cake: Swirled cake and frosting perfection.
Looking for inspiration? Try pairing this matcha cake recipe with pistachio butter for an extra earthy twist.
Summary – What to Remember When Making This Matcha Cake
- Use ceremonial grade matcha or high-quality culinary grade for the best green color and taste.
- Whip egg whites to stiff peaks to keep the batter airy and the cake fluffy.
- Don’t overbake; check with a toothpick for moist crumbs.
- Frost with whipped cream or buttercream frosting to complement the earthy tones.
- Store your finished matcha cake recipe in an airtight container or fridge to preserve its moisture and flavor. When made correctly, a matcha cake recipe delivers a rich, fluffy dessert that lasts several days.
Whether you’re making this matcha cake recipe for a celebration or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, it’s one you’ll return to over and over again. Save or print this matcha cake recipe so it’s always at your fingertips when the craving hits.
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Matcha Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy, moist, and packed with earthy green tea flavor, this matcha cake is the perfect sweet treat for tea lovers and dessert fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cake flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp ceremonial matcha powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for egg whites)
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ceremonial matcha (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and 2 tbsp ceremonial matcha in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites with ¼ cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the yolk mixture with the sifted dry ingredients until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped egg whites until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cakes cool completely at room temperature before frosting.
- To make frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp matcha until thick and spreadable.
- Frost the top of one cake, stack the second, and cover the entire cake evenly with the whipped matcha cream.
Notes
Use ceremonial grade matcha for best color and flavor. Don’t overbake—check with a toothpick for moist crumbs. For a cleaner finish, chill cake before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: matcha cake, green tea dessert, fluffy cake, Japanese dessert, tea cake
