Matcha Butter Cake

Short Description

Matcha Butter Cake is a delicate, moist, and subtly flavored cake that highlights the unique earthiness of matcha green tea powder. This cake combines rich butteriness with the vibrant taste of finely ground green tea, making it a perfect treat for tea lovers and those seeking a refined dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Matcha Butter Cake offers a perfect balance between rich buttery texture and the slightly bitter, aromatic flavor of matcha. It is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and yields a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether served with tea or enjoyed on its own, this cake brings a sophisticated and calming touch to any occasion.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Matcha powder (high quality)
• Baking powder
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
6. Add vanilla extract and gently mix until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields one 8-inch round cake, serving approximately 8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes

Variations

• For a lighter texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Add white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the matcha’s earthiness.
• Incorporate a matcha glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Use almond flour instead of some of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and moist crumb.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Matcha Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
To reheat, warm slices gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the moist texture.

FAQs

What is matcha powder, and where can I buy it?

Matcha powder is finely ground green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It can be purchased in most supermarkets, specialty tea shops, or online. Choose culinary-grade matcha for baking purposes.

Can I substitute matcha powder with green tea leaves?

No, matcha powder is much finer and more concentrated than green tea leaves. Using leaves will not yield the same flavor or texture in the cake.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt content in the cake. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can make this cake gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid exposure to air to prevent drying.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Yes, matcha buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar complements the cake well.

What is the best way to measure matcha powder?

Use a fine, level teaspoon or a kitchen scale for accuracy. Too much matcha can make the cake bitter.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Traditional recipes contain butter and eggs, but you can experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce, though texture and flavor may differ.

Conclusion

The Matcha Butter Cake is an elegant and flavorful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of butter cake with the distinctive taste of matcha. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it suits various occasions, from casual teatime to more formal gatherings. With its moist crumb and delicate green tea aroma, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy both matcha enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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