Matcha cake has gained immense popularity in recent years as a delicious and unique dessert. This Japanese-inspired cake is made with high-quality green tea powder, giving it a vibrant green color and a rich, earthy flavor. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just looking to try something new, my matcha cake recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What Does Matcha Cake Taste Like?
Moist and fluffy matcha cake offers a wonderful flavor profile. Matcha is a unique and versatile ingredient that can add depth and richness to a variety of dishes. Its mellow vegetal grassy notes remind of the freshness of greenery, while its natural sweet nuttiness adds a pleasant complexity to the overall flavor. However, the preparation method and quality greatly influence matcha taste, and sometimes it can leave a bitter aftertaste.
When combined with sweeteners in desserts or milk in lattes or other matcha recipes, the sugars usually balance out any hint of bitterness, creating a truly delightful and satisfying experience. Matcha’s complex flavor profile makes it a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
Different Types of Matcha
There are two types of matcha: ceremonial and culinary. The highest quality matcha, ceremonial grade matcha, is traditionally used in tea ceremonies. It is more refined in flavor than culinary matcha. Ceremonial-grade matcha powder is an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly catechins. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body against free radicals that can damage cells and cause various diseases. According to research, matcha has approximately 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.
However, ceremonial matcha is pricier compared to other grades because it’s produced from the finest leaves and involves a very detailed manufacturing process. For culinary purposes, a lower-grade matcha is often used instead of a ceremonial matcha.
Culinary matcha is further divided into five subtypes: premium, café, ingredient, kitchen, and classic. Premium is the most popular type of culinary matcha and is slightly less refined than ceremonial matcha but still high in quality.
In matcha tea, matcha lattes or other matcha drinks premium grade or ceremonial matcha is used. Ceremonial matcha is quite expensive and cannot be used regularly – therefore, I’ve used premium-grade culinary matcha in this matcha green tea cake.
How to Choose the Right Matcha Powder for Cake?
Choosing the right matcha powder is crucial to end up with a perfectly moist and creamy matcha cake. Please consider the following when buying matcha powder:
Quality of Flavor: Good-quality matcha powder delivers a vibrant, well-balanced flavor profile with a pleasant balance of sweetness, bitterness, and umami. On the contrary, if you use lower-quality matcha, it may lack complexity or have unpleasant bitter notes that can negatively impact the taste of the cake.
Texture and Color: Premium matcha powder typically has a finer texture and brighter green color, which contributes to a smoother batter and a more vibrant green hue in the finished cake. This will improve the visual appeal and quality of the cake.
Origin: Matcha powder from Japan, particularly from regions like Uji or Nishio, is highly regarded for its quality and flavor. Japanese matcha tends to have a smoother, more delicate taste compared to matcha from other regions.
Smoothness: Fine-grained matcha powder blends more smoothly into the cake batter, ensuring an even flavor distribution throughout the cake. This contributes to a creamy texture and prevents any gritty or grainy mouthfeel in the green tea cake.
Packaging: Choose matcha powder that is stored in airtight packaging to preserve freshness. Avoid matcha that is exposed to light or air, as it can degrade over time.
Once you know what characteristics to look for in the matcha powder, the next question is where to purchase it. Specialty tea shops and Japanese/Asian grocery shops can be good sources of reliable matcha products.
Specialty tea shops often carry a variety of high-quality matcha powders sourced from reputable suppliers. These shops may offer tasting samples and knowledgeable staff who can guide on selecting the right matcha for baking. Many Asian grocery stores stock a selection of matcha powders, especially those with a focus on Japanese products. Look for stores that carry imported Japanese matcha for authentic flavor and quality.
Matcha Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8 x 3-Inch Cake Pan When baking a cake, it's best to use a plain aluminum tin without any non-stick coating. This allows the batter to stick to the sides of the cake tin and rise properly.
- 1 Parchment Paper To make it easier to remove the layers of your green tea cake, it is essential to place parchment paper at the bottom of the cake pans.
- 1+1 Large and medium-sized bowls For mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
- 1 Whisk For mixing the batter until smooth and creamy and to beat the egg whites and egg yolks. An electric mixer or stand mixer can make the job easier, but a hand whisk works fine too.
- 1 Sifter To sift the dry ingredients, especially the matcha powder, to ensure there are no lumps.
- 1 Offset Spatula To fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones gently.
- 1 Decorating Tools (Optional): To decorate your matcha cake, you might need piping bags, tips, and other cake decorating tools.
Ingredients
- 2 pcs Eggs
- 7 tbsp Unsalted Butter (100 grams) in a softened state for the cake
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar (200 grams)
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (5 ml) to enhance the flavor of the matcha powder in this cake.
- Matcha Powder Matcha is finely ground whole green tea leaves that are super concentrated. For this cake, you can use culinary-grade matcha powder, but make sure it has a bright green color.
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour (120 grams)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder instead of baking soda to make perfect matcha sponge cake
- 1/3 Cup Low-fat Buttermilk (80 ml)
To Prepare Buttercream Frosting
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter allow it to soften at room temperature
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar (260 grams) sifted powdered sugar for the vanilla buttercream topping
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (7 ml)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (30 ml) to make the fluffy frosting
- Fresh Strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C). Put parchment paper on the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan. Spray cooking spray lightly on the exposed sides of the lined pan.
- Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter and sugar to it, and mix them for 1-2 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Then add eggs, matcha green tea powder and vanilla extract in it. Thoroughly mix everything together to achieve a uniform consistency.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder using a whisk. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and well incorporated before adding them to the wet ingredients. Whisking the flour and baking powder together helps to aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter and more uniform texture in green tea cake.
- Add half of this mixture into the previous bowl and stir. Next, add all the buttermilk and stir again. Lastly, add the remaining half of the flour mixture and stir until the batter is free of flour streaks, but do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake it in the middle rack for approximately 30-33 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the cake, which should come out with only moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- After taking the pan out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the cake to separate it from the pan. Finally, transfer the cake onto a cooling rack to cool down entirely. After the cake has completely cooled, cut it into layers for stacking with frosting between them.
Prepare Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
To make the vanilla buttercream frosting, begin by blending together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the ingredients together on medium-high speed for at least 3 minutes, or until the frosting is fluffy and light in texture.
Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter and tangier frosting option, you can opt for a double cream cheese frosting. This type of frosting pairs wonderfully with matcha cakes and offers a slightly tangy flavor profile that complements the earthy notes of the matcha. Follow your favorite cream cheese frosting recipe to prepare it.
Layer cake into similar-sized stacks and spread vanilla buttercream frosting between each layer. Crumb coat the cake with frosting. Use the leftover buttercream, a little powdered sugar and strawberries to decorate the best matcha cake ever! Make 5 or 6 small slices and enjoy your delicious treat!
Storage Tips To Keep Matcha Cake Fresh
Matcha cake should be consumed within a day or two. However, if you have any leftovers – it is advised to keep them in the refrigerator as the frosting contains butter. The unfrosted cake layer can be stored at room temperature after tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap.
Matcha cake, or other frosted cakes, can be stored in the refrigerator (4°C) for up to a week or in the freezer (-17°C) for up to a month. However, freezing a frosted cake can sometimes affect the texture and appearance of the frosting. The buttercream preserves moisture, which ultimately keeps the cake fresh and flavorsome. Therefore, if you have some leftover cake, cover the cut section with the remaining frosting to retain its moistness and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Moreover, you can store leftover frosting. Put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Important Point: To get the consistency back to smooth, give it a good stir once it thaws. If you have a refrigerated cake, let it sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes before serving to slightly soften it.
Creative Variations In Matcha Cake Decoration
Matcha cake can be a delightful addition to various types of parties and gatherings, thanks to its unique flavor and vibrant green color. Whether it is for a tea party, a birthday celebration or other gatherings – here are some creative decoration ideas for your matcha cake:
Whip up a matcha-infused ganache by adding matcha powder to your favorite ganache recipe. Pour it over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decadent finish.
Create elegant swirls on the surface of the cake using a toothpick or a skewer dipped in matcha powder mixed with a little water. Drag the toothpick gently through the surface to create beautiful patterns.
Decorate the top of the cake with edible flowers like pansies, lavender, or rose petals for a delicate and sophisticated touch that complements the earthy flavor of matcha.
Whip heavy cream with a bit of matcha powder and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe dollops of matcha whipped cream around the edges of the cake and garnish with grated white chocolate or matcha powder.
Matcha Cake Baking Tips and Tricks
Follow my tips and tricks to bake a matcha sponge cake perfectly smooth. I’ve described the minor key details in the preparation steps that significantly influence the outcome:
- Be cautious not to overbeat the egg whites and egg yolks – as it can cause the cake to have large air bubbles which will result in a lumpy texture.
- Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. You can tell that the egg whites have reached stiff peaks when the tip of the meringue stands straight up and slightly droops over after removing the whisk.
- Whip the egg yolk mixture until it turns pale yellow. You can determine when to stop by lifting the electric mixer and creating ribbons with the batter that hold for at least 2-3 seconds.
- You can tell that the matcha cake is ready when it has a raised center, a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- It is best to let the cake cool completely before slicing, as this will result in smooth, even matcha cake layers without any tearing.
- Make Gluten-free Matcha Cake: Many Gluten- free flour blends are commercially available. These contain a combination of different flours and starches such as rice flour and potato starch. Coconut flour and almond flour are also used as gluten-free alternatives, these add subtle almond or coconut flavor to the green tea cake.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Choose a beautiful serving platter or cake stand to showcase the matcha cake. Opt for one that complements the colors and theme of the cake for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Serve the matcha cake with toppings such as a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Pair the matcha cake with a freshly brewed cup of matcha tea or Matcha latte to enhance the overall matcha experience. The tea’s earthy flavors will complement the cake’s delicate sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Matcha Powder and Green Tea Powder Same?
Green tea leaves and matcha are two distinct types of green tea. While green tea is commonly found in tea bags, matcha comes in a powdered form. Matcha is produced by grinding 100% green tea leaves into a fine powder, which results in a more concentrated version of green tea. When preparing matcha, you only need to use ½ to 1 teaspoon of powder per cup.
What Flavours Go with Matcha?
Matcha has a distinctive flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of other flavors, both complementary and contrasting. Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that complements the earthy and slightly bitter notes of matcha. White chocolate has a creamy and sweet flavor that balances the bitterness of matcha. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can provide a sweet and tart contrast to the earthy flavor of matcha. They also add a pop of color and juicy texture to the cake, making it visually appealing. Coconut pairs well with matcha, adding a tropical twist to the cake.
Does Matcha Have Caffeine?
Yes, matcha does contain caffeine. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, which retain their caffeine content. Matcha typically contains more caffeine than steeped green tea because when you drink matcha, you consume the entire powdered tea leaf, whereas, with steeped tea, you only consume the water infused with the tea leaves. The exact caffeine content can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the matcha, how it’s prepared, and the serving size, but generally, matcha contains around 35-70 milligrams of caffeine per teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha powder.
What Is the Difference Between a Matcha Sponge and a Matcha Chiffon Cake?
Matcha chiffon cake and matcha sponge cake are two distinct variations of matcha-flavored cakes, each offering its unique texture and characteristics. A matcha chiffon cake has a rich and fluffy texture, achieved through the incorporation of baking powder and oil into the batter. The addition of baking powder provides leavening, aiding in the cake’s rise, while oil contributes to its moist and tender crumb. In contrast, a matcha sponge cake is renowned for its light and spongy texture, achieved solely through the use of beaten eggs. Unlike chiffon cakes, sponge cakes usually do not contain butter or baking powder. Instead, they rely on the air trapped in the beaten eggs for leavening, resulting in a delicate crumb that melts in the mouth.
How Do I Prevent My Matcha Cake From Turning Brown?
Using fresh, high-quality matcha powder can help preserve its green color during baking. Stale matcha powder may have already started to oxidize, resulting in a duller color. Overmixing the batter can introduce too much air, which can accelerate oxidation and cause the matcha cake to turn brown. Mixing the batter gently and only until the ingredients are just combined can help minimize this risk. You can also try adding a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to the batter, as the acidity can help preserve the green color.
Can I Make a Vegan or Dairy-Free Matcha Cake?
Yes, you can make a vegan or dairy-free matcha cake. Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These alternatives provide moisture and richness to the cake while keeping it dairy-free. Replace dairy butter with vegan butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil, or coconut oil. Instead of using eggs, opt for vegan-friendly alternatives like flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg called for in the recipe.
Which Frosting is Best For Matcha Cake?
Matcha-flavored dessert lovers often prefer less sweet cake frostings. I love my matcha cake with buttercream frosting but some might find it too sweet. Swiss meringue frosting is often a fantastic alternative for those who prefer a lighter, less sweet option. Swiss meringue frosting offers a fluffy texture and a delicate sweetness that complements the earthy taste of matcha without overpowering it. Its smooth and silky consistency adds elegance to the cake while allowing the matcha flavor to shine through. Cream cheese frosting is another delicious option- it adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to your matcha cake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authentic Japanese matcha cake recipe is a unique and flavorful dessert that combines the delicate taste of green tea with the sweetness of cake. It is not only easy to make, but anyone who loves to bake cakes will get it done in no time. Make sure that you choose a high-quality matcha powder when making green tea cake to achieve the best color and flavor.
I’ve used the ingredients in this recipe that are easily available, and also the preparation process is straightforward. In this article, I’ve shared time-tested tips and tricks to help you make a beautiful, yummy matcha cake at home. By following this recipe, you can surprise your guests with a delicious and authentic Japanese dessert that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Matcha cake is indeed a delightful choice for various occasions, offering a unique flavor and vibrant green hue that can enhance the festive spirit of events like Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. Decorating it with fresh berries adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness while serving it with whipped cream or buttercream provides a creamy contrast to the earthy notes of matcha. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with baking tips or recipe variations, feel free to ask!
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