Name: Matcha Green Tea Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk

Jump to Recipe

This Matcha Green Tea Cake is a soft, fluffy, and delicately flavored dessert that showcases the vibrant earthiness of matcha powder. With its beautiful green hue and subtle sweetness, this cake is perfect for tea lovers and anyone seeking a unique and elegant treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake stands out not only for its striking appearance but also for its delightful balance of flavors. The matcha provides a gentle bitterness that complements the cake’s sweetness, creating a refined taste profile. It’s an excellent option for afternoon tea, special occasions, or when you’re simply craving something different from the usual vanilla or chocolate desserts. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires just a few ingredients that highlight the matcha flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Matcha green tea powder
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream before serving.

Servings and timing

This Matcha Green Tea Cake yields approximately 8–10 servings. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time ranges between 30–35 minutes, making the total time around 50 minutes.

Variations

Matcha Cream Filling: Slice the cake in half and add a layer of matcha-infused whipped cream or mascarpone.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, a vegan butter substitute, and egg replacements such as flax eggs.
Cupcake Style: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
White Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet contrast.
Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest can brighten up the earthy matcha flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store the Matcha Green Tea Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you’d like to reheat a slice, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to refresh its texture. You can also freeze the cake (wrapped well) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What kind of matcha should I use for baking?

Use culinary-grade matcha powder for baking. It’s more affordable than ceremonial grade and is specially made for cooking purposes.

Can I make this cake without a mixer?

Yes, a hand whisk or spatula can be used, though it may require more effort to cream the butter and sugar properly.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much matcha can lead to a dense texture. Be sure to mix just until combined.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Absolutely. A light matcha glaze, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting pairs well with the flavor of the cake.

Is this cake very sweet?

No, it has a subtle sweetness to allow the earthy notes of matcha to shine through.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

How do I prevent the cake from browning too much?

Cover the top loosely with foil if it starts browning before the cake is fully baked.

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk or other non-dairy milks can be used as a substitute.

Does matcha cake have caffeine?

Yes, matcha contains caffeine, though the amount per slice is relatively small.

What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs wonderfully with green tea, jasmine tea, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Matcha Green Tea Cake is a unique and elegant dessert that highlights the natural beauty and flavor of matcha. Whether served plain or with a topping, it brings a sophisticated touch to any occasion. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.