Name: Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: ⅞ cup cake flour; 2 Tablespoons matcha powder (See Note 1); ⅞ cup white sugar (divided); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional); 6 eggs (whites and yolks separated); ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 2 Tablespoons water; 2 teaspoons honey; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking to add a special touch of elegance and a burst of unique flavor to your dessert repertoire, this Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its delicate crumb, subtle earthy sweetness, and beautiful green hue, this cake beautifully balances traditional Japanese matcha with a light, airy texture that will charm every guest at your table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy afternoon tea or a celebration, this Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several white bowls and a few brown eggs arranged neatly. There are six brown eggs placed in the lower left corner. Surrounding the eggs are six small white bowls; one contains a clear liquid, another has a light brown liquid, one filled with a bright green powder and white flour, one with white granulated sugar, one with a pale yellow liquid, and one with a small amount of white powder. A white and green checkered cloth is folded and placed on the upper right side. The overall setup looks clean and organized, perfect for baking or cooking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe calls for simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its exceptional flavor, texture, and appearance. From the vibrant matcha powder to egg whites whipped to perfection, these essentials come together with ease.

Cake Flour: Provides a tender, delicate crumb essential for a light structure.
Matcha Powder (green tea powder): The star ingredient that gives the cake its signature vibrant color and gentle earthiness—make sure it’s high quality for the best flavor.
White Sugar: Divided to help stabilize the egg whites and sweeten the batter perfectly.
Baking Powder: A small lift agent to ensure the cake rises just right without overpowering the texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Cream of Tartar (optional): Adds stability to the egg whites, making your batter extra airy and light.
Eggs: Whites and yolks separated—egg whites for volume and yolks for richness.
Vegetable Oil: Gives moisture and tenderness, making the cake satisfyingly soft.
Water: Helps create a smooth batter and lightens the texture.
Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that beautifully complements the matcha flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the taste, rounding out the flavors with warmth and complexity.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Egg Whites

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Then, using a stand or hand mixer, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar on high speed until they begin to foam. Gradually add one-third of the sugar and continue beating until the egg whites reach firm peaks that gently bend at the tips – this gives your cake that wonderfully airy lift it needs.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a separate large bowl, beat together the egg yolks with the remaining sugar, salt, water, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns fluffy and pale yellow. When you lift the whisk, the batter should fall in ribbons that last 3 to 4 seconds, signaling just the right consistency for folding in your whipped egg whites.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Oil

Sift the cake flour, matcha powder, and baking powder together carefully to avoid clumps, as matcha tends to lump. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the egg yolk mixture in three batches, maintaining a light touch for a tender crumb. Next, blend the vegetable oil with a few spoonfuls of the batter before folding it in—this step helps prevent oil separation and keeps the texture perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Remaining Egg Whites

Finally, fold in the remaining half of the whipped egg whites gently to keep as much volume as possible in the batter. The air trapped during this step results in a soft and fluffy Matcha Cake, with just the right balance of lightness and structure.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper on the sides and bottoms, then pour in the batter evenly. Give each pan a careful bang on the countertop twice to release any large air bubbles. Bake for about 27 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden with a slight dome, signaling it’s perfectly baked.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the parchment and gently transfer the cakes onto a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to maintain moisture and prevent cracking when slicing. For smooth, even slices, use a cake leveler or serrated knife. Serve it as is, or layer with whipped cream and fresh fruit for extra indulgence.

How to Serve Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe

The image shows a single thick, round sponge cake with a golden brown color. The cake has one visible layer and stands tall on a metal wire cooling rack. Its surface looks slightly uneven with a soft texture, and the sides have a uniform light brown shade. The background is a white marbled texture with some blurred kitchen items and a green plant in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Matcha Cake is how well it pairs with simple garnishes. Think fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the slight bitterness of the matcha. Edible flowers or white chocolate shavings also add a delicate and photogenic touch.

Side Dishes

Light and refreshing sides bring out the best in your matcha cake. Serve slices alongside green tea or a citrusy yuzu sorbet to brighten the palate. For a truly Japanese-inspired experience, match it with red bean paste or fresh mochi on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this cake into a layered masterpiece by stacking with layers of cream cheese frosting or matcha-infused whipped cream. You can also cut it into bite-sized cubes for stylish party platters or assemble it as a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for a fun twist. The vibrant green always catches the eye, so don’t be shy with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about four days without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake layers (unfrosted) carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Stored this way, it can last up to a month. Thaw refrigerated overnight before serving, so it regains its perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently by placing them in a warm oven (around 300° F) for a few minutes or popping them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes the cake, bringing back that soft delicacy that makes it so irresistible.

FAQs

What kind of matcha powder is best for this cake?

For baking, a culinary-grade matcha powder works wonderfully; it offers a robust flavor and beautiful color without the higher cost of ceremonial grades. Look for a vibrant green powder with a fresh aroma for best results.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

While butter adds richness, vegetable oil helps keep this cake extra moist and tender with a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the matcha. If you must use butter, melt it and cool before carefully folding it in to avoid deflating the batter.

Why do the egg whites need to be beaten separately?

Whipping egg whites separately helps incorporate air into the batter, creating the fluffy, light texture essential for a perfect Matcha Cake. It also ensures the cake rises properly without becoming dense or heavy.

Can I make this Matcha Cake gluten-free?

Substituting cake flour for a gluten-free blend requires careful selection. Use a gluten-free flour mix designed for cakes that includes xanthan gum or similar binders, but note texture and rise may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to serve this cake for a special occasion?

For celebrations, try layering this Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe with whipped cream and fresh berries or sweetened azuki red bean paste. Garnish with matcha dusting and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the unique flavors of green tea in a light and elegant form. It’s a wonderful treat for any occasion, easy enough to make for a weekday dessert, yet impressive for guests. I hope you enjoy every bite of this gorgeous cake as much as I do—happy baking and even happier eating!

Matcha Cake (Green Tea Cake) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need