If you’ve ever sipped a velvety matcha latte and wondered how that vibrant green magic would taste in a slice of cake, you’re in for a treat. A matcha cake blends the earthy, slightly sweet depth of Japanese green tea powder with the comfort of a tender, moist crumb.
It’s a dessert that feels both refined and homey, perfect for impressing guests or savoring with an afternoon cup of tea. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes matcha unique in baking, walk through a foolproof recipe, and share tips for keeping that stunning color and flavor intact from the first bite to the last crumb.
Table of Contents
Matcha Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Sift together the flour, matcha powder, and baking powder in a bowl to ensure even distribution of matcha and prevent clumps.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently to combine without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
- For the best color and flavor, use fresh, high-quality culinary-grade matcha powder.
- Be careful not to overbake as this can cause the green color to dull.
- Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a show-stopping treat.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Matcha Cake Recipe – From Texas kitchens to Japanese tea fields
I grew up in San Antonio, where family meals meant cast iron skillets, smoky BBQ, and recipes passed down at the dinner table. Matcha wasn’t something you’d find in our pantry. That changed the day I stopped at a little café in Austin and ordered a matcha latte on a whim.
The sip was a revelation—smooth, earthy, with a touch of natural sweetness. I immediately imagined those flavors baked into a cake, something that could merge the comfort of my Southern kitchen with the elegance of Japanese tea traditions.
Why matcha cake stands out
A matcha cake isn’t just visually striking with its vibrant green crumb—it’s a balanced marriage of flavors. The subtle bitterness of quality culinary-grade matcha offsets sugar’s sweetness, creating a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly rich.
It’s also versatile: serve it plain for an afternoon treat or dress it up with whipped cream and fresh fruit for special occasions. The first time I baked one, I paired it with matcha chia seed pudding for a complete green tea dessert spread, and it was an instant hit with family and friends.
The Matcha Cake Recipe Step-by-Step
Ingredients & preparation
Before you start, gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to let the matcha shine. For this matcha cake recipe, you’ll need:
- Culinary-grade matcha powder – bright color and smooth flavor
- All-purpose flour – for a tender crumb
- Granulated sugar – balances matcha’s natural bitterness
- Eggs – provide structure and moisture
- Unsalted butter – adds richness
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise evenly
- Milk – keeps the texture light and moist
- Strawberries – fresh strawberries for sweet flavor
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor
Preparation tips:
- Sift the matcha with flour to prevent clumps and keep the green vibrant.
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Line and lightly grease your pan to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
If you want to explore complementary flavors, pair your cake with drinks like guava matcha latte for a fruity twist, or try a drizzle inspired by caramel matcha latte for extra indulgence.
Baking process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, sugar, and sifted matcha.
- Cream butter and eggs – beat until pale and fluffy.
- Combine wet and dry – alternate adding milk and dry mix, blending gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour into pan – smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, checking with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
- Cool completely before frosting or slicing.
Baking with matcha means working with a delicate flavor and color—avoid overbaking, as heat can fade that signature green. In the next section, we’ll cover storing and serving matcha cake so every slice stays as fresh and flavorful as the first.
Creative serving ideas
- Fresh fruit accents – pair slices with strawberries, raspberries, or mango for color and natural sweetness.
- Light whipped cream – adds creaminess without masking the earthy matcha flavor.
- Tea pairings – offer alongside jasmine, genmaicha, or an iced matcha bubble tea for a cohesive theme.
- Layered presentation – transform sponge slices into parfait layers or assemble as a trifle for a show-stopping dessert.
For an extra matcha experience, consider serving a slice with a chilled matcha smoothie bowl. The pairing enhances the flavor profile and gives guests a visually striking green-on-green plate. Proper storage and thoughtful presentation ensure that every serving is as impressive as the first.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for a Perfect Matcha Cake Recipe
Baking with matcha powder
Working with matcha in baking can be simple once you know how it behaves. The fine powder is sensitive to heat and light, which can affect both its flavor and its signature green hue.
To protect it, always store matcha in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, and avoid baking at overly high temperatures. Overbaking is one of the quickest ways to lose both color and taste. Aim for even heat and check the cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Enhancing flavor and color
- Use fresh, culinary-grade matcha – it should have a bright green color and a delicate aroma.
- Sift with dry ingredients – this ensures even mixing and prevents dark green streaks in the batter.
- Balance sweetness – matcha’s natural bitterness pairs well with mild vanilla or creamy frostings.
- Avoid strong competing flavors – they can overwhelm the earthy tones of the matcha cake recipe.
If you notice a dull, brownish-green crumb, the matcha may have been old, low quality, or baked too long. A vibrant result starts with fresh ingredients and mindful handling.
Drawing inspiration from drinks like iced matcha latte or layered treats like strawberry matcha latte can help you experiment with complementary flavors while keeping matcha at center stage.
Handled with care, this matcha cake recipe rewards you with a moist, colorful, and uniquely flavored dessert every time.
Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a matcha cake taste like?
A matcha cake has a delicate balance of flavors—smooth, earthy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of umami. The natural bitterness of matcha powder keeps the cake from being overly sugary, making it a refined and satisfying dessert.
How do you add matcha to a cake?
Sift the matcha powder with the dry ingredients before mixing to prevent clumps and ensure an even distribution. This method also helps preserve the vibrant green color and prevents streaking in the crumb.
Can you bake with matcha powder?
Yes, matcha powder works beautifully in baking. Use culinary-grade matcha for its bright color and mild flavor. Be mindful of bake times, as overbaking can dull the hue and reduce the aroma.
How long can matcha cake last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, matcha cake will stay fresh for 3–4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture and full flavor.
Conclusion : Final Slice
A well-crafted matcha cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the first glimpse of its vibrant green crumb to the balanced flavor of sweet, earthy matcha in every bite, it offers something truly unique. Whether you’re baking it for a casual afternoon treat or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, this matcha cake recipe delivers on both taste and presentation.
Using fresh, culinary-grade matcha powder is key to achieving the best flavor and color. By following the right techniques—sifting matcha with dry ingredients, balancing sweetness, and avoiding overbaking—you can ensure your matcha cake recipe turns out perfect every time. Pair it with complementary treats, like a matcha smoothie bowl or matcha bubble tea, to create a full green tea experience.
With this matcha cake recipe in your collection, you’ll have a dessert that blends elegance and comfort, impresses guests, and keeps them coming back for another slice.
