Matcha cake is more than just a cake with a green tea flavor. It combines the subtle taste of green tea with the sweetness of a cake, resulting in a unique and delicious treat. In this blog, you will discover how to make this rich Matcha cake at home and what makes it so special.

What Makes Matcha So Unique?

Matcha stands out distinctly from other tea variants. This green tea powder, made from specially cultivated tea leaves, is packed with antioxidants and is known for numerous health benefits. Unlike regular green tea where you discard the leaves after steeping, with Matcha, you consume the whole leaf in powder form. This not only provides an intense flavor but also a deep green color. The quality of Matcha can vary significantly, so it is crucial to choose a good variety. High-quality Matcha offers a rich and earthy taste experience that is unmatched. It is an experience in itself, both in drinks and in culinary creations like cake.

Recipe for Rich Matcha Cake

To start with your rich Matcha cake, you need a few basic ingredients. Of course, the star of the show is Matcha powder. Make sure to purchase high-quality Matcha, as the taste can vary greatly depending on the quality. Besides Matcha, you will also need flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, butter, and a pinch of salt. The combination of these ingredients results in a fluffy and moist texture, which is perfect for this cake.

Ingredients

• 100g butter (room temperature)
• 80g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 100g cake flour
• 3g baking powder
• 5g Matcha powder (I use our Nippon-matcha)
• 1 tablespoon milk

How to

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C. Put the butter in a bowl and whip it until it becomes soft. Then add sugar and mix well. Beat the eggs and add them bit by bit to the butter mixture, beating well each time. Sift all dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Add milk and mix thoroughly. Pour the batter into a mold and smooth the surface. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Then let it cool on a rack.

How do you get the perfect texture for your cake?

Achieving the perfect cake texture is an art. It requires precision, the right balance of ingredients, and a few baking secrets. Start with sifting your dry ingredients, such as flour and baking powder, to prevent lumps and add airiness. The butter should be at room temperature so that it mixes well with the sugar. This combination, also known as “creaming,” is essential for a soft cake.

Add eggs one at a time, making sure they are well integrated before adding the next. Gently mixing your batter is crucial; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Also, use the correct baking pan; a pan that is too large or too small can affect baking time and texture.

The oven temperature is also of great importance. An oven that is too hot can cook the outside too quickly while the inside is not done. And finally, do the ‘skewer test’ with a toothpick to make sure your cake is perfectly baked inside. By following these steps, you are guaranteed to have a cake with a smooth, airy texture every time.

How do you combine Matcha with other flavors?

Matcha, with its distinctive earthy taste, offers an interesting palette to experiment with in the kitchen. Combining Matcha with different flavors can give your dishes an extra dimension.

White chocolate is a favorite combination for many. The creamy sweetness of chocolate contrasts beautifully with the slightly bitter notes of Matcha, creating a harmonious balance. Steffi made this combination before in her oatmeal and her Matcha Affogato. For a fruity twist, consider strawberries, raspberries, or even mango. These fruits provide a sweet-sour note that blends deliciously with the green tea.

Vanilla and Matcha is also a classic combination; the soft, sweet aromas of vanilla enhance the rich depth of the tea. Nuts like almonds or cashews can also go well with Matcha, adding a crunchy texture and extra flavor dimension to dishes.

Feeling more adventurous? Try combining Matcha with savory flavors such as seaweed or sesame. The most important thing is to experiment and find out which flavor combinations suit your taste buds best. With Matcha as a base, you can discover countless culinary creations.

Why Does My Matcha Cake Sometimes Turn Brown?

This is a question I often hear. The color of your Matcha cake can vary depending on the quality and freshness of your Matcha powder. If your Matcha cake turns brown, it could be due to the oxidation of the tea powder. To prevent this, make sure to store your Matcha powder in a cool, dry place and use it as quickly as possible. Another tip is to bake the cake at a lower temperature to prevent overheating.

The Perfect Icing for Your Matcha Cake

Now that your cake is ready, you probably want to finish it with a delicious icing. A simple Matcha icing can be made with powdered sugar, Matcha powder, and a little milk or cream. Stir everything together until you have a smooth paste and spread it over your cooled cake. For an extra touch, add some toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade rich Matcha cake!