Say hello to show-stopping flavor, vibrant color, and sheer joy with this Matcha Layer Cake Recipe! Each bite is a harmony of fluffy green tea sponge, dreamy whipped cream, and silky matcha frosting, all stacked high for a glorious celebration. Whether you’re crafting this for a special occasion or just because, the earthy elegance of matcha, paired with creamy layers, is sure to make any moment extra memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a few straightforward ingredients to unlock bakery-level magic at home! Each component plays a key part: the matcha brings earthy depth and color, the airy cake makes every forkful soft, and the dreamy creams create luscious layers you’ll want to dive into.
- Cake Flour (1 ½ cups/190 g): Brings tender, fluffy texture—use all-purpose flour if needed, just make sure to sift for lightness.
- Matcha Powder (2 tbsp; culinary grade): The star of the show! Give your cake vibrant color and subtle earthy notes—culinary grade matcha is perfect here.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Essential for a lofty, well-risen sponge.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp): Works with the baking powder for the ideal crumb and soft bite.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch balances the sweet and enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs (4 large, room temp): The foundation for structure and rich texture—room temperature eggs blend in more smoothly.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup/200 g): Sweetens everything and helps lock in moisture.
- Milk (½ cup/120 ml, room temp): Makes the cake tender and moist—room temp means the batter blends evenly.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup/120 ml, or melted butter): Oil keeps things ultra-moist, but melted butter can be swapped for a richer flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and balances the green tea notes beautifully.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (2 cups/480 ml, cold): Stay chilled for the loftiest whipped cream filling.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup/30 g for filling; 2 cups/250 g for frosting): Fine, sweet, and perfect for dissolving smoothly into cream and frosting.
- Cream Cheese (1 ½ cups/340 g, softened): The secret to that tangy, decadent matcha frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup/115 g, softened): Lends creaminess and body to the frosting.
- Matcha Powder (1 tbsp for frosting): Further intensifies color and matcha flavor in your rich outer layer.
- Heavy Cream (2–3 tbsp, for frosting): Adjusts your frosting to just the right silky consistency.
- Optional Decorations (fresh herbs, matcha drizzle, edible flowers): For a final flourish of beauty and flavor, bring out your inner pastry artist!
How to Make Matcha Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
Set yourself up for a win! Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F), then grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes will release easily and bake up with perfectly even layers—no sticking, no crumbling.
Step 2: Mix and Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting prevents lumps and incorporates air, making sure your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe rises beautifully with an irresistible, cloud-like texture.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In another mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar until they’re pale, thick, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). This step is all about building volume and creating that signature lightness every great layer cake needs.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Slowly drizzle in the oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Mix gently and just until incorporated—overmixing can collapse all your hard-earned fluffiness, so a delicate touch works wonders.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Before Baking
Carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—think gentle swoops with a spatula, preserving as much air as possible. Divide the pale green batter evenly between your prepared pans, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let those beauties cool completely!
Step 6: Slice and Prepare for Assembly
Once cooled, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create 4 even layers. Take your time! A long, serrated knife does the trick and gives you professional-looking layers perfect for a showpiece Matcha Layer Cake Recipe.
Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Filling
Grab a chilled bowl and beat your heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high until stiff peaks form. This lush, pillowy cream is the ultimate cloud between each cake layer—keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 8: Prepare the Matcha Frosting
In a fresh bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Add your powdered sugar and matcha powder, then whip until light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with a splash or two of heavy cream—it should be thick but spreadable. The result? A dreamy, green-hued frosting that sets the Matcha Layer Cake Recipe apart.
Step 9: Assemble the Layers
Now comes the fun part! Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of whipped cream filling on top, and repeat with the remaining layers. Once stacked, slather the whole cake with your vibrant matcha cream cheese frosting, using a spatula to create rustic swirls or smooth elegance.
Step 10: Chill and Decorate
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 to 2 hours to help it set and slice cleanly. Right before serving, go wild with decorations—dust with a sprinkle of more matcha, sprinkle on fresh herbs or edible flowers, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a truly unforgettable Matcha Layer Cake Recipe finish!
How to Serve Matcha Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Embrace the beauty of matcha’s green hues by topping your cake with a flurry of edible flowers, fresh mint or thyme sprigs, and a light sifting of matcha powder. These small touches not only add elegance and color, but they highlight the earthy essence that makes this Matcha Layer Cake Recipe irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a simple cup of green tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The subtle sweetness and earthy notes shine even brighter alongside refreshing, uncomplicated sides—letting your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe be the star it’s meant to be.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off each gorgeous green layer by slicing through the center and displaying the pieces on their side. Or, for a dramatic effect, stack mini cakes, layer in contrasting fillings, or serve with matcha drizzle in delicate teacups—it’s all about celebrating the artisan beauty of your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe with playful, personal flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist, and the flavors deepen with time—just another excuse to sneak an afternoon treat!
Freezing
Freeze undecorated or frosted cake layers by wrapping tightly in plastic and foil, then storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the freshest results; a chilled Matcha Layer Cake Recipe is a delight even after freezing!
Reheating
For best flavor, serve the cake at room temperature rather than reheating. Simply take out your slice 30 minutes before enjoying; this softens the cake and brings out matcha’s complexity and the cream’s dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
It’s best to use culinary grade matcha powder for both vibrant color and that unmistakable earthy flavor. Regular green tea powder doesn’t provide quite the same effect and may taste bitter when baked.
How do I keep my whipped cream filling from deflating?
Whip your cream in a cold bowl with cold beaters until stiff peaks form. Chill the bowl and cream beforehand for best results, and don’t overbeat—this keeps the filling billowy between your layers!
Can I make the Matcha Layer Cake Recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the flour. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum, so the cake holds together beautifully.
What’s the best way to slice the cake into even layers?
Use a long, sharp serrated knife and keep the cake steady by rotating it as you cut. Take your time and let the knife do the work—you’ll get gorgeous, bakery-worthy layers every time.
Can I color the whipped cream filling with matcha too?
Totally! Sift in a small amount of matcha powder while whipping up the cream for a dreamy green layer and a subtle boost of earthy flavor—the perfect addition to your Matcha Layer Cake Recipe!
Final Thoughts
From its frosted layers to every luscious bite, this Matcha Layer Cake Recipe promises to steal the spotlight at any table. If you’ve never baked with matcha, this is your moment—invite some color, creativity, and big green tea flavor into your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!