If you love the delicate earthiness of matcha combined with the bright, fresh sweetness of strawberries, then this Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. This cake perfectly balances the vibrant green of matcha powder with juicy strawberries folded right into the batter, resulting in a moist, fragrant cake topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. It’s a stunning dessert that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for celebrations or a special afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that work harmoniously to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the matcha powder delivering that signature, grassy punch of green tea.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing tender crumb and structure.
- Matcha powder: Adds vibrant color and a gentle, earthy matcha flavor that’s truly unique.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that make the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Brings moisture and richness when creamed with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure while making the cake tender.
- Milk: Adds liquid for moisture and helps dissolve dry ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the matcha.
- Mashed strawberries: Incorporated into the batter to infuse natural fruit flavor and moistness.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped for topping, adding a burst of color and freshness.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into cream for a luscious, airy topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without grit.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Kick off this baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake lifts out easily once baked, setting you up for success from the very first step.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures that the matcha is evenly distributed, so each bite has that perfect hint of green tea flavor and color.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into your batter, giving the cake a tender and airy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Next, add the eggs slowly—one at a time—beating well after each addition. This helps emulsify the batter and ensures it remains smooth and well combined, enhancing the cake’s crumb.
Step 5: Mix in Milk and Vanilla
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything comes together in a silky smooth batter. The milk provides moisture, while the vanilla rounds out the flavors with its sweet aroma.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the last traces of flour vanish. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cake tender and soft.
Step 7: Fold in Mashed Strawberries
Now, gently fold in the mashed strawberries. This step adds natural moisture and bursts of strawberry flavor inside the cake, giving it delightful tang and juiciness.
Step 8: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Even spreading means your cake bakes uniformly, ensuring a perfect rise and consistent texture throughout.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking and preserve moistness.
Step 10: Cool the Cake
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely is important to prevent the whipped cream topping from melting.
Step 11: Prepare Whipped Cream
While the cake cools, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This light and sweet topping will balance the earthiness of the matcha and the freshness of the strawberries beautifully.
Step 12: Assemble the Cake
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the cooled cake, then beautifully arrange the chopped fresh strawberries on top. This final touch adds freshness, texture, and a stunning presentation to your creation.
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, a sprinkle of matcha powder dusted over the top adds extra color and a gentle bitterness that pairs well with the sweet cream. Fresh mint leaves also bring a refreshing pop and a lovely aroma.
Side Dishes
This cake is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a light green tea or a berry compote can elevate the experience. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering slices of the Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe with alternating layers of whipped cream and additional strawberries for a show-stopping cake parfait. Individual mini cakes or cupcakes using this same batter also make for charming party treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and decorated, store any leftover Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream topping keeps best chilled, and this will keep the cake moist and fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze, it’s best to wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. You can freeze the plain cake for up to one month. Whipped cream topping is best applied fresh after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake after freezing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating with whipped cream topping on to preserve its delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s one formulated for baking to retain the right texture. The cake might be slightly denser, so monitor the baking time closely.
Is matcha powder easy to find?
Matcha powder is widely available in grocery stores or specialty tea shops. Look for culinary-grade matcha for baking purposes to get the best flavor and color.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can be used for the mashed part in the batter, but fresh strawberries are best for topping to maintain texture and aesthetic appeal.
What is the purpose of both baking powder and baking soda in this recipe?
Using both helps balance the cake’s rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with the natural acidity of strawberries, while baking powder ensures even leavening throughout the batter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both fresh and elegantly sophisticated, you owe it to yourself to try this Strawberry Matcha Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring a touch of Japanese-inspired flavor to your kitchen and impress your friends with something truly special. Once you try it, I have a feeling it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
