Matcha Pound Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Matcha Pound Cake is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha green tea. It’s moist, tender, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re a matcha lover or new to its delicious taste, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress.

A slice of green matcha cake is shown on a white plate, with the cake having a soft, airy texture and a few cracks on the top surface. Behind the cake is a glass filled with light green matcha latte topped with white foam and sprinkled with matcha powder. Both items are placed on a white marbled surface, with green leaves in the background adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons matcha powder (culinary grade or higher for best flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (at room temperature)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly, ensuring no lumps remain from the matcha powder.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully mixing each before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently to avoid overmixing.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use high-quality culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
  • Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
  • For a nutty twist, fold in chopped white chocolate or toasted almonds before baking.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up of a rectangular green matcha cake with a smooth top cracked in the middle, showing a soft and fluffy inner texture. The cake is placed on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a tall clear glass filled with light green matcha milk topped with white foam and sprinkled with matcha powder. Some green leaves are scattered around on the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any preferred milk alternative, but keep in mind slight changes in texture and flavor.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Print

Matcha Pound Cake Recipe

This Matcha Pound Cake is a delightful fusion of traditional pound cake richness and vibrant, earthy matcha flavor. Moist, tender, and beautifully green, it’s perfect for an elegant tea-time treat or a unique dessert. The cake is softened with butter and enhanced by the subtle bitterness of matcha powder, balanced with vanilla and a light dusting of powdered sugar or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

  • Author: Naya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons matcha powder (culinary grade or higher for best flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (at room temperature)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, culinary grade matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to combine and eliminate any lumps from the matcha powder for a smooth batter.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars. Beat on medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor and a smooth finish.
  5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk—beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing, which could make the cake dense.
  6. Bake: Pour the finished batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. If the top of the cake browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack. Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar for added sweetness and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • Use culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor and color intensity.
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for smooth batter and better rise.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
  • If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • Matcha is naturally bitter, so adjust sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter cake.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: matcha pound cake, green tea cake, Japanese dessert, baked matcha cake, easy pound cake recipe

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