Name: Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1¾ cups cake flour; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 2 tablespoons matcha powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup neutral flavor oil (such as avocado or light olive oil); ⅔ cup whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; ⅓ cup shortening, softened at room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon matcha powder (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 34 reviews

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If you have a soft spot for vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, the Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with the earthy, slightly grassy notes of matcha beautifully balanced by the sweet, silky green buttercream frosting. It’s moist, tender, and packed with the unique charm of Japanese green tea powder, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a luxurious afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round cake with two visible layers is covered smoothly in green and white swirled frosting, giving a soft, cloudy effect all around the sides and top. The cake sits on a piece of white parchment paper placed on a white round board, all set on a white marbled surface. Around the cake are a few delicate white flowers with dark stems, adding a natural touch. In the background, there are two clear glass containers filled with white powder and a stack of white plates, all with soft lighting and a white marbled backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is all you need to create this enchanting cake. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender crumb given by the cake flour to the vibrant color and unmistakable flavor provided by the matcha powder.

Cake flour: Ensures a delicate, fine crumb perfect for soft cakes.
Fine salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake just the right lift and texture.
Matcha powder: The star ingredient delivering that beautiful green hue and earthy flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the cake.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a velvety texture to the batter and frosting.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
Greek yogurt: Contributes tanginess and extra moisture for a tender crumb.
Neutral oil (like avocado or light olive): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
Shortening: Combined with butter in the frosting for stability and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the buttercream that glossy finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, comforting depth.

How to Make Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your pans and dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 340°F (170°C) and greasing your cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, fine salt, baking soda, baking powder, matcha powder, and granulated sugar until well combined. The dry mix lays the foundation for the cake’s texture and subtle matcha flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate the butter into the dry mix

Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and work it in until the mixture resembles coarse sand. This step is essential for creating a tender crumb and evenly distributing the butter’s richness throughout the cake layers.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, and neutral oil until smooth. This combination keeps the cake moist and adds a velvety texture that complements the earthy notes of matcha.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then add the milk and mix gently until the batter is smooth—be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake. A light hand here ensures a fluffy, tender texture.

Step 5: Bake the cake layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 23 to 25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cakes rest in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which will make frosting easier.

Step 6: Level the cakes

Once fully cooled, trim the domed tops with a serrated knife to create flat, even layers for stacking. This step helps your cake look professional and makes the layers more stable.

Step 7: Make the green buttercream frosting

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and shortening until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar in increments, beating well after each addition for the smoothest, creamiest frosting. Stir in salt and vanilla to balance the sweetness.

Step 8: Create two shades of green frosting

Divide your vanilla buttercream into three portions. Add half a teaspoon of matcha powder to one bowl for a pastel green, and the remaining matcha powder to the second bowl for a deeper green tone. This contrast makes decorating your cake fun and visually stunning.

Step 9: Assemble the cake

Place your first cake layer on a turntable or serving plate, spread about half a cup of vanilla or light matcha buttercream evenly over the surface, then layer on the next cake. Repeat with remaining layers and crumbs. Once stacked, cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat and chill if needed before final frosting.

Step 10: Decorate with a watercolor effect

Dollop the two shades of matcha buttercream and vanilla buttercream randomly around the cake. Using a spatula and a rotating cake turntable, smooth the sides so the colors blend into a beautiful watercolor effect. This creative touch elevates the cake from simple to showstopper.

How to Serve Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A slice of three-layer green cake sits on a white plate with the green outer frosting smooth and shiny. Each layer of the cake is dark green and separated by two thick white cream layers. The slice is placed on a white marbled surface with a vintage fork to the right. In the background, a whole cake with the same green and white layers is visible on a white marbled cake stand, along with some small light pink flowers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra layer of elegance by garnishing with edible flowers, a light dusting of matcha powder, or white chocolate shavings. These finishing touches complement the cake’s delicate flavor and vibrant green hues beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a lightly brewed jasmine tea or a refreshing yuzu sorbet for a refreshing contrast. The lightness of these options balances the buttery richness and showcases the earthy matcha notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical look, serve the cake on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh berries or powdered sugar-dusted mint leaves around it. Alternatively, slice it into petite squares for a charming tea party spread or box individual pieces as homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your matcha cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. The chilled environment preserves the delicate buttercream and keeps the layers moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers without frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Instead, allow refrigerated slices to sit out for 30 minutes before serving to soften the buttery frosting and bring out the full flavor of the matcha.

FAQs

What type of matcha powder works best in this recipe?

Use culinary-grade matcha, which has the perfect balance of flavor and vibrancy for baking. It delivers earthy complexity without overpowering bitterness, resulting in a beautifully flavored cake and frosting.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

Absolutely! You can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to Greek yogurt. Each adds moisture and acidity that help keep the cake tender and moist, but Greek yogurt offers a nice tang and richness that complement matcha well.

How can I make the buttercream frosting more stable for warmer climates?

Using a combination of butter and shortening, as in this recipe, helps the frosting hold up better in heat. Additionally, keep the cake refrigerated until serving and avoid direct sunlight or warm environments.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

While this specific Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe calls for dairy and eggs, vegan substitutions like flax eggs and plant-based butter can work with some adjustments. Be prepared for slight texture and flavor differences.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes! The batter and frosting translate beautifully into cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes and frost once they’re fully cooled for a delightful single-serving treat.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Cake with Green Buttercream Frosting Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate any occasion, combining stunning color, delicate texture, and a sophisticated flavor that always impresses. Whether you’re making it for friends, family, or just because you crave something special, I encourage you to give it a try. You’ll love the way the gentle, earthy matcha pairs with the creamy buttercream, creating a cake that’s both memorable and utterly delicious.

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