A stunning two-layer matcha cake with smooth matcha buttercream, elegantly displayed on a white ceramic cake stand, surrounded by fresh raspberries, a bamboo whisk, and a dusting of matcha powder, captured in soft natural light with a blurred background of tea leaves and a ceramic tea bowl.

Matcha Green Tea Birthday Cake: A Celebration of Flavor and Tradition

Quick Facts

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 slices
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Can be adapted

Essential Equipment

Ingredients

Cake Base
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2-3 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Matcha Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons matcha powder
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Preparation Method

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
    • Grease and line cake pan
    • Ensure all ingredients are room temperature
  2. Sift Dry Ingredients
    • Combine flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt
    • Sift thoroughly to remove lumps
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar
    • Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
    • About 3-4 minutes with electric mixer
  4. Add Eggs
    • Add eggs one at a time
    • Mix until fully incorporated
    • Scrape down sides of bowl
  5. Combine Wet and Dry
    • Alternate adding flour mixture and milk
    • Mix on low speed
    • Stop mixing as soon as combined
  6. Bake
    • Pour batter into prepared pan
    • Bake 30-35 minutes
    • Test with toothpick – should come out clean
  7. Cool Completely
    • Remove from pan after 10 minutes
    • Cool on wire rack

Close-up of hands sifting bright green matcha powder into a white bowl of cake flour, with sunlight creating a soft atmosphere; fine powder particles catching the light, measuring spoons and fresh eggs in the background on a marble countertop.

Buttercream
  1. Whip Butter
    • Beat until pale and creamy
    • About 3 minutes
  2. Add Matcha and Sugar
    • Gradually add powdered sugar
    • Incorporate matcha powder
    • Mix until smooth
  3. Adjust Consistency
    • Add cream as needed
    • Should be spreadable but firm

Professional overhead view of silky, jade-green matcha buttercream frosting being applied to a layered cake, surrounded by a piping bag and fresh berries, all elegantly arranged on a vintage cake stand.

Pro Tips

  • Matcha Quality Matters
    • Use ceremonial grade for best flavor
    • Cheaper grades can taste bitter
  • Prevent Dry Cake
    • Don’t overmix batter
    • Check oven temperature
    • Use room temperature ingredients

Serving and Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving
  • Freeze unfrosted layers up to 1 month

Variations

  • Vegan Option: Use plant milk, egg replacer
  • Gluten-Free: Swap cake flour for GF blend
  • Less Sweet: Reduce sugar, add fresh berries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing batter
  • Using low-quality matcha
  • Overbaking
  • Not letting ingredients reach room temperature

Matcha powder is the star of this cake. Invest in high-quality powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.

Nutritional Insight

  • Rich in antioxidants from matcha
  • Moderate sugar content
  • Provides energy from eggs and flour

Pro Tip: This cake isn’t just delicious – it’s a conversation starter that brings a touch of Japanese culinary elegance to any celebration!

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