Matcha Birthday Cake

This Matcha Birthday Cake is a beautifully elegant dessert that brings a modern twist to traditional celebration cakes. With its soft green hue, floral decoration, and subtly earthy flavor, it’s a memorable treat perfect for green tea lovers and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The natural bitterness of matcha is balanced with sweet cake layers and creamy frosting, offering a refined flavor profile. Its striking color and delicate floral design make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert. It’s also surprisingly versatile—easy to pair with white chocolate, citrus, or floral elements.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Matcha green tea powder (culinary grade)
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or cream cheese (for frosting)
• Powdered sugar
• Optional: white chocolate
• Edible flowers (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three round cake pans.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder together.
3. Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese or whipping cream with powdered sugar until light and spreadable. Optional: Fold in melted white chocolate.
7. Assemble layers with frosting between, then cover the whole cake.
8. Decorate with edible flowers and optional matcha drizzle.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 1.5 hours

Variations

• Lemon Matcha: Add lemon zest to the batter or frosting.
• White Chocolate Ganache Drip: Use for extra sweetness and elegance.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and egg substitute.
• Filled Cake: Add a layer of strawberry jam or sweet red bean paste.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months before frosting.

FAQs

What kind of matcha should I use?

Culinary grade matcha is best for baking. Avoid ceremonial grade due to cost and subtlety.

Can I make the cake layers ahead?

Yes, you can make and freeze the layers, then thaw and frost later.

Will the matcha flavor be too strong?

Not if measured properly—it adds subtle earthiness.

Can I use buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, a matcha or vanilla buttercream works beautifully.

Are the flowers necessary?

No, but they add a stunning finish. Use only food-safe, edible flowers.

Can I use this batter for cupcakes?

Yes. Adjust bake time to 18–20 minutes.

Can I use almond flour?

Not in equal substitution—it would need a specific recipe.

How do I get vibrant green color?

Use high-quality matcha and avoid overbaking, which dulls the color.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can serve it with powdered sugar or a glaze instead.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Not as written, but can be adapted using 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Conclusion

The Matcha Birthday Cake is a delightful celebration dessert that combines flavor and finesse. Its gentle matcha taste, tender crumb, and stunning presentation make it a standout choice for any special day.

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