If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel both indulgent and refreshingly unique, then this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is just for you. It perfectly balances the rich, buttery goodness of a classic pound cake with the vibrant, earthy notes of matcha green tea powder. Every bite brings a subtle sweetness paired with that unmistakable bright green hue, making it as pleasing to your eyes as it is to your taste buds. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed pound cake without that lovely hint of matcha in it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing tenderness, flavor, or that signature pop of green color. Let’s take a closer look at these simple yet essential ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This creates a rich, moist base for the cake and ensures a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the earthiness of matcha.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): They help bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s firm, moist texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The main structure builder for this dense, yet fluffy dessert.
- Matcha green tea powder (2 tablespoons): This is the magic ingredient that gives the cake its vibrant color and unique flavor.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises beautifully for that classic pound cake height.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the matcha and butter stand out even more.
- Whole milk (¼ cup): Adds slight moisture and richness without weighing down the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a gentle sweetness and warmth.
How to Make Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure your pound cake comes out perfectly without sticking. This simple prep step makes all the difference in your finished cake’s texture and appearance.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the cake a delicate crumb and buttery flavor you will absolutely adore.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow incorporation helps keep the batter smooth and prevents it from curdling, resulting in a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your matcha is evenly distributed, which is crucial for that consistent vibrant color and flavor throughout the entire cake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients for the best mixing results. Stir just until combined to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract and Final Mix
Fold in the vanilla extract gently. This subtle addition layers in warmth and depth, bringing all the flavors together beautifully without overpowering the matcha.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely so you can slice perfectly without crumbling.
How to Serve Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Matcha Pound Cake Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream complement the cake’s earthiness and make every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
A cup of hot green tea or a creamy matcha latte pairs wonderfully with this cake, creating a harmonious flavor experience. For a heartier treat, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into petite squares for a tea party platter or stacking thick slices layered with sweetened cream cheese frosting for an elevated dessert. The cake’s distinct green color also makes it a showstopper for any occasion, so don’t be shy to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Matcha Pound Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or dessert on the go.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, slice it and freeze the pieces in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Frozen pound cake keeps well for up to a month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them briefly. The warmth brings out the buttery flavor and revives the delightful matcha aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Using cake flour could make it too delicate, while whole wheat flour will change the texture and color significantly.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can substitute whole milk with an equal amount of cream, half-and-half, or even a plant-based milk like almond milk for a slightly different richness, but whole milk is preferred for the best flavor and texture.
How do I get a stronger matcha flavor?
If you want your Matcha Pound Cake Recipe to be more intense, simply increase the matcha powder to 3 tablespoons. Just keep in mind that adding too much might make the cake a bit bitter, so balance with a little extra sugar if needed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Swapping out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend can work, but results may vary. Choose a blend designed for baking and consider adding a bit of xanthan gum to improve texture and structure.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature when stored properly. After that, it’s best to freeze slices to maintain moistness and flavor for longer periods.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is a gem that brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite, blending rich, buttery cake with the beautiful and unique flavors of matcha. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a special celebration, this cake’s lovely green hue and balanced taste will definitely impress your friends and family. Give it a go—once you try it, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes!
Print
Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Matcha Pound Cake is a delightful fusion dessert combining the rich, buttery texture of a classic pound cake with the unique, earthy flavor of culinary-grade matcha green tea powder. Perfectly moist and tender, this cake offers a subtle sweetness balanced by the vibrant green tea notes, making it a standout treat for tea lovers and cake enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder (culinary grade)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full integration and a uniform texture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the matcha and leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract gently until it is just blended into the batter, enhancing the flavor without over-mixing.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Notes
- For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder to 3 tablespoons.
- Consider dusting the cake with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container wrapped tightly at room temperature; consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
