Craving a delightful and airy dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further than matcha green tea cake recipes! This Japanese-inspired treat combines the delicate flavors of matcha with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating a matcha chiffon cake that’s soft, light, and bursting with matcha goodness. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this matcha cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at any event or celebration.
Indulge in the rich matcha chiffon layers and the whipped matcha ganache frosting that make this green tea cake a true delight for your taste buds. With its customizable options, you can easily tailor this matcha cake to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and beloved dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
In creating a delightful matcha green tea cake, the recipe requires a few key ingredients divided into two main components: the Cake Base and the Matcha Frosting.
Cake Base
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 cups (260 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7 mL) vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) heavy cream
- Fresh strawberries (optional for garnish)
- Japanese matcha powder
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries (optional)
These ingredients come together to produce a soft, light, and airy matcha green tea cake that is both visually appealing and delicious in taste.
Required Equipment
When preparing a delightful matcha green tea cake, having the right equipment is essential to ensure a successful baking experience. Here are the tools you’ll need to create this airy and flavorful treat:
1. 6-Inch Cake Pans:
- For baking the matcha chiffon cake layers, you’ll need two 6-inch cake pans. Make sure to line them with parchment paper for easy removal of the cakes later.
2. Parchment Paper:
- Use parchment paper to line the cake pans, preventing the cake from sticking to the sides and ensuring a smooth release.
3. Cake Leveler:
- A cake leveler comes in handy for achieving even and uniform cake layers when slicing the cooled matcha sponge cake. It helps in creating a professional look for your final dessert presentation.
- After baking the matcha cake layers, allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack. This helps in maintaining the cake’s texture and prevents condensation from forming on the bottom of the cakes.
By having these essential pieces of equipment ready, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on the journey of creating a stunning matcha green tea cake that will impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Preparation Steps
Creating a delightful matcha green tea cake involves a few essential steps to ensure a successful outcome.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Begin by preheating the oven to 160C fan forced.
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch cake tin with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vegetable oil, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Sift in the flour and matcha powder, whisking until just mixed.
- Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the bubbles.
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake tin.
- Fill a larger baking tray with 1cm of boiling water and place the cake tin in the tray.
- Bake the cake for approximately 70 minutes or until it springs back when touched.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, run a knife around the edge of the cake tin and invert the pan.
- Wrap the cake in cling wrap and refrigerate it until ready for assembly.
Frosting Preparation
Whipping up the perfect frosting is the cherry on top of a delightful matcha green tea cake. The creamy texture and subtle matcha flavor will elevate your cake to the next level.
Mixing the Ingredients
To create the luscious frosting, start by softening a stick of unsalted butter at room temperature. Add in sifted powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, and heavy cream for a rich consistency. For added flair, consider garnishing with fresh strawberries.
Application of Frosting
Once the frosting is ready, use a small serrated knife to trim the cooled matcha cake layers if needed. Place your first cake layer on a turntable and generously spread the frosting on top. Layer diced strawberries on the frosting before adding the next cake layer. Repeat this process for each layer, ensuring even coverage. Finally, frost the top and sides of the cake for a beautiful finish. refrigerate the cake to set the frosting and enjoy the delightful flavors of your matcha green tea creation.
Assembly and Decoration
Let’s move on to the exciting part of assembling and decorating our matcha green tea cake to make it visually stunning and even more irresistible!
Layering the Cake
- Stack and frost cake layers on a greaseproof cake board using a dab of frosting to help stick the first cake layer to the board.
- Add an even layer of buttercream on top of the first cake layer and continue stacking and frosting the remaining cake layers.
- Spread a thin coat of frosting around the cake to fully cover the layers.
- Use a bench scraper to smooth the frosting, then chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes until the frosting is firm to the touch.
- Add a second thicker layer of buttercream frosting to the cake and chill it again in the fridge for 20 minutes or in the freezer for 5 minutes until the frosting is firm to the touch.
- Use a spoon to add the white chocolate matcha ganache drips around the cake.
- Place the remaining frosting into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe dollops around the top of the cake, dusting with a bit of matcha powder for an extra touch.
Adding Final Touches
Enjoy the final step in adding the finishing touches to your matcha green tea cake by garnishing it with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and a delicious contrast to the earthy matcha flavor. This simple addition not only enhances the look of the cake but also provides a delightful burst of fruity sweetness with each bite.
Storage and Preservation
After creating and enjoying your delicious matcha green tea cake, it’s essential to know how to store and preserve it to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are the steps to ensure your cake stays at its best:
- Cooling Down: Allow your matcha green tea cake to cool completely after baking. This step is crucial for preserving the texture and taste of the cake.
- Covering: Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the cake from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store the matcha green tea cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it away from foods with strong odors to maintain the purity of the matcha flavor.
- Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 1-2 months frozen.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps retain the moisture and texture of the cake.
By following these storage and preservation steps, you can enjoy your matcha green tea cake for an extended period while ensuring it tastes just as delicious as when it was freshly baked.
Conclusion
Creating matcha green tea cakes is a delightful way to incorporate the unique flavor of matcha into a light and fluffy dessert. From the initial preparation to the final decoration, each step contributes to a harmonious balance of taste and texture. By following the recommended storage tips, you can enjoy the freshness of your matcha green tea cake for an extended period. Experiment with different variations and toppings to customize your cake to suit various occasions and preferences. With a blend of creativity and precision, you can master the art of making matcha green tea cakes that will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds. Dive into the world of matcha baking and savor the delicious results of your culinary endeavors.