Matcha Layer Cake Recipe

Looking for your next showstopper dessert? This Matcha Layer Cake Recipe is a stunning blend of vibrant color, earthy matcha flavor, and soft, cloud-like textures. Each bite is a delightful harmony of creamy whipped filling and rich, green-hued sponge, all wrapped in a luscious matcha cream cheese frosting. If you love matcha or just want to impress at your next celebration, this cake delivers big flavor, bold color, and that irresistible balance of sweet and slightly bitter notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe such a dazzling cake is made with such straightforward ingredients. Each component in this Matcha Layer Cake Recipe works its magic to create the ultimate texture, flavor, and unmistakable look that make this cake so memorable.

• Cake flour (1 ½ cups/190 g): Provides a tender, light crumb that helps the matcha’s color and flavor shine.
• Matcha powder (2 tbsp, culinary grade): The star of the show, ensuring each bite pops with vibrant green color and earthy taste.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives the cake a perfect lift for those beautiful, fluffy layers.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Works with the baking powder to add extra lightness and a tender bite.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the matcha.
• Eggs (4 large, room temperature): Add richness and structure for a sponge that holds together but stays soft.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup/200 g): Sweetens every layer perfectly and helps create that soft, moist crumb.
• Milk (½ cup/120 ml, room temperature): Moistens the batter for a delicate texture and even baking.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup/120 ml) or melted butter: Brings ultimate moisture and a tender crumb—choose your favorite for flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances both the cake and the filling.
• Heavy whipping cream (2 cups/480 ml, cold): Whips up fluffily for a decadent yet light filling between layers.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup/30 g for cream, 2 cups/250 g for frosting): Blends smoothly and sweetens without grit.
• Cream cheese (1 ½ cups/340 g, softened): Brings all the tang and creaminess you want in a dreamy frosting.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup/115 g, softened): Adds richness and helps frosting whip up beautifully.
• Matcha powder for frosting (1 tbsp): Multiplying that matcha flavor so every component sings with green tea goodness.
• Heavy cream (2–3 tbsp for frosting): A splash to get that perfect, easy-to-spread frosting consistency.
• Optional: Fresh herbs, matcha drizzle, edible flowers: These little extras add fresh flair and just the right finishing touch.

How to Make Matcha Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grab two 8-inch round cake pans, grease them well, and line with parchment for easy removal. This step keeps your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe looking clean and professional when it’s time to assemble.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is your best friend here—it not only prevents lumps but also makes sure that the vibrant matcha color is perfectly even in every layer.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together. Mix for about 5 minutes until you get a pale, fluffy mixture—this ensures the cake is super light and airy, a signature trait of a good Matcha Layer Cake Recipe.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Slowly pour in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing gently just until everything is smooth. You want to maintain that light texture, so don’t overmix.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Divide the vibrant green batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling—this prevents the filling from melting and keeps your layers neat.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Filling

While your cakes cool, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will be your not-so-secret weapon for creamy, light layers inside the cake.

Step 7: Prepare the Matcha Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and matcha powder, then whip again until fluffy. If the frosting feels thick, drizzle in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Layer and Build

Carefully slice each cooled cake in half to create four thin layers. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top, and repeat with the remaining layers. Once you’re stacked up, frost the outside with your vibrant matcha cream cheese frosting, creating swoops and swirls for a dreamy finish.

Step 9: Decorate and Chill

Add your choice of garnishes—fresh herbs, a dramatic matcha drizzle, or colorful edible flowers. Let the assembled cake chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before slicing—this helps all the components set up beautifully and makes slicing clean and easy. Serve and savor your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe!

How to Serve Matcha Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake truly deserves to be adorned. A simple dusting of matcha powder, a few sprigs of fresh herbs (I love mint or thyme), or edible flowers will elevate your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe to bakery-window status. A matcha drizzle can also provide eye-catching contrast and a little extra earthy punch.

Side Dishes

For a touch of extra indulgence, serve each slice with seasonal berries, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla or yuzu ice cream. If you’re hosting, a pot of hot green tea or a delicate jasmine tea pairs perfectly and accentuates the unique flavors in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re baking for a party, try showcasing individual slices on small plates with a tiny mound of berries and a dusting of matcha. For special occasions, stack mini versions as a gorgeous tiered centerpiece, or create “naked cake” sides for a rustic, modern twist. The Matcha Layer Cake Recipe adapts beautifully to your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep slices buttery-soft and fresh, store leftover Matcha Layer Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days—just make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent the cake from absorbing other fridge flavors.

Freezing

This cake freezes very well before or after frosting! Wrap individual slices or whole unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and freshness.

Reheating

While you don’t really “reheat” layer cake, you can let chilled cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the texture and bring out the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the cream filling and frosting.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! Your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe will still be soft and moist if you use all-purpose flour. Just make sure to sift well, and the cake will stay light and delicate.

How do I know when my whipped cream is ready?

It’s done when stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape on the whisk. Over-whipping can turn your cream into butter, so stop as soon as you get thick, billowy peaks for your filling.

Does the type of matcha powder matter?

Yes, using high-quality culinary grade matcha makes a world of difference. It provides the vibrant color and the right balance of earthy, slightly sweet notes in your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Just check that it’s a 1:1 substitute and is suitable for baking cakes.

Is the cake very sweet?

This recipe is designed to be balanced: the earthy matcha and tangy cream cheese offset the sweetness, making it pleasant but not overwhelming. If you prefer it a little less sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the whipped cream or frosting slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a dessert that’s elegant, unique, and guaranteed to impress, this Matcha Layer Cake Recipe needs a spot on your baking list. Its gorgeous color and incredible layers are sure to spark joy, whether you’re sharing it at a celebration or just enjoying a slice with someone you love. Take a leap, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the magic of matcha cake!

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