Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further: the Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is a total showstopper. Bright green layers flecked with delicate, bittersweet matcha are sandwiched together and swirled with fluffy matcha whipped cream, creating a cake that’s subtly sweet, creamy, and earthy. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating with friends, or just want to bake something truly special, this cake brings a little bit of calm luxury to any table. The magic lies in the soothing flavor of matcha, which pairs perfectly with vanilla and a tangy creaminess. Trust me, if you’re a matcha fan—or even just cake-curious—this is a must-bake treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the elegant appearance: the ingredients for this Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake are simple and easy to find! Each one plays a special role, from the vibrant matcha powder that gives the cake its personality, to the cozy richness of butter and cream. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few pro baker’s tips.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s tender structure and allows the matcha color to shine.
• Matcha powder (high-quality, culinary grade): Go for the best matcha you can—its fresh, green flavor is the heart of the cake.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The dream team for giving the cake its delicate rise and airy crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch deepens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds lovely richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and highlights matcha’s subtle notes.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the cake and adding moistness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth for both the cake and frosting.
• Milk: Brings moisture and helps blend all the flavors together.
• Sour cream or yogurt: The secret to an ultra-soft, slightly tangy, and tender crumb.
• Heavy whipping cream: The base for your luscious, cloud-like matcha frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and dissolves easily for a smooth finish.
• Optional: Mascarpone or cream cheese: A couple of tablespoons give the frosting extra stability and richness.
• Decorations: Matcha-dusted white chocolate cubes, matcha truffles, whipped cream, rosemary, or extra matcha powder make this cake look as amazing as it tastes.

How to Make Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 8-inch (20cm) cake pans and grease them thoroughly, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This simple step guarantees your beautiful matcha layers will pop right out when baked, making assembly a breeze later on!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the matcha ensures no lumps, so you get a lovely, even green color throughout the cake. This dry mixture is the backbone of your Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake’s signature tenderness and hue.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until they’re pale, fluffy, and creamy—this is when air gets whipped in for that delicate, soft crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, letting each fully mix in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix together the sour cream (or yogurt) with milk, creating a rich, silky mixture. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to your butter-and-sugar bowl, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your layers might turn dense instead of dreamy!

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing out the tops. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma of freshly baked matcha is irresistible!

Step 6: Whip Up the Matcha Cream Frosting

While your cakes cool, pour heavy cream into a chilled bowl. Beat it with powdered sugar, vanilla, and matcha powder until medium peaks form—light, but sturdy enough to hold shape. For more stability and a slightly tangy edge, add a few tablespoons of mascarpone or cream cheese. This frosting is airy, just sweet enough, and perfectly balanced by matcha’s gentle bitterness.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of matcha cream frosting over the top, then gently position the second cake layer, pressing lightly. Cover the top and sides with more frosting, swirling it elegantly for visual appeal. Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is starting to look like a work of art!

Step 8: Decorate to Impress

Finish with a light dusting of extra matcha powder on top for drama and flavor. Pipe soft clouds of whipped cream around the edges, and crown each slice with a matcha-dusted white chocolate cube or a plush truffle. A sprig of rosemary or a few fresh herbs make the whole presentation pop. Your Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is ready for its spotlight!

How to Serve Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake

Garnishes

The finishing touches are what make this cake truly magical. A dusting of vibrant matcha powder over the top not only adds a sophisticated flair but also intensifies the aroma. For extra indulgence, decorate with piped swirls of whipped cream, bite-sized matcha truffles, or crisp white chocolate cubes rolled in matcha. Even a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint embraces the cake’s natural, earthy vibes and adds a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake shines brightly on its own, but you can elevate your dessert table by serving it alongside dainty, fresh fruit—sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even a citrus salad. A simple pot of Japanese green tea or floral jasmine tea accentuates the cake’s flavor and turns any gathering into an elegant affair. For something decadent, pair slices with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling whimsical, serve individual mini-cakes by cutting layers out with a biscuit cutter and assembling petite towers of cake and frosting. Another fun idea: layer cubes of Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake and frosting in glass jars for a playful trifle. For a bold, modern presentation, garnish with geometric matcha-dusted chocolates or edible gold leaf for that wow factor at your next celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is a dream to keep! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store the whole cake in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors often deepen after a day, making for an even more delightful treat when you sneak a slice the next morning (I highly recommend it with your first coffee—or matcha—of the day!).

Freezing

If you’d like to save the cake for a future celebration, you absolutely can. Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. You can also freeze the fully assembled and frosted cake, but make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake—Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake tastes best cool or at room temperature, which helps the frosting stay fluffy and light. If you do prefer a softer bite, let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute the matcha powder with green tea bags?

Unfortunately, green tea bags won’t provide the same vibrant color or concentrated flavor as matcha powder. For the true taste and look of this Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake, stick to culinary grade matcha powder.

Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

You can swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check for blends that include xanthan gum for best results, but expect a slightly different texture—still delicious, just a bit more crumbly.

What kind of matcha should I use?

Opt for a high-quality, culinary grade matcha that’s bright green and fragrant. Avoid very affordable powders as they can be bitter or dull in color; the better your matcha, the better your cake!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead and store them tightly wrapped in the fridge. Frosting and decorating right before serving keeps everything tasting fresh and looking stunning.

How do I prevent the cake from turning out dry?

Avoid overbaking and be gentle when mixing the batter—the sour cream or yogurt, along with precise baking times, will keep your Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake moist and tender every time.

Final Thoughts

This cake is pure joy in every bite, and I truly hope you treat yourself to the Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake soon. Whether you’re new to matcha or already a fan, you’ll fall in love with its delightfully light flavor and great looks. Happy baking!

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