If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delicious, then this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake brings together the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha green tea with the buttery richness and tender crumb that pound cakes are famous for. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for cozy afternoons or elegant tea time, and it’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or a pound cake lover looking for a twist, this recipe effortlessly marries two classics into one unforgettable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful green hue. From rich butter for tenderness to matcha powder for that signature color and earthy taste, every component pulls its weight.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides luscious richness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cake, providing substance and crumb.
- Matcha green tea powder (1 tbsp): The star ingredient that imparts a lovely emerald color and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise just enough without losing its dense pound cake characteristic.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the matcha flavor.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness without weighing the cake down.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a comforting, aromatic depth to complement the matcha.
- Optional garnishes—powdered sugar or white chocolate drizzle: For a finishing touch that elevates presentation and sweetness.
How to Make Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, which ensures your beautifully baked cake will come out effortlessly without sticking. This initial prep sets the stage for success!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps, and that the matcha is evenly distributed, giving your cake that consistent color and flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for creating that tender crumb in your pound cake. The air you beat in now translates to a soft, irresistible texture later.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition helps the batter stay smooth and prevents it from curdling. Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract to bring warmth and complexity to the flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add half of the sifted dry ingredients to your wet batter, mixing on low speed just until combined. Follow this by pouring in the whole milk, again mixing gently. This alternating addition keeps the batter from becoming too dense, ensuring your pound cake stays tender without collapsing.
Step 6: Finish Mixing the Batter
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing now can lead to a tougher cake, so be gentle and stop as soon as you see a uniform batter.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with a gentle, inviting aroma as the cake rises to a beautiful golden-green color. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test doneness – it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this initial rest helps it set so it won’t break apart. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling properly ensures the crumb finishes setting and the flavors fully develop.
Step 9: Optional Garnishing
Once cooled, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a lovely, sweet contrast to the matcha’s earthiness. These finishing touches transform your cake into a show-stopping centerpiece.
How to Serve Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serve this cake with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate to add sweetness and contrast to the subtle bitterness of matcha, making every bite more balanced and enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This Matcha Pound Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries. These sides add freshness and creaminess that complement the cake’s rich texture and unique flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a tea party or special occasion, slice the cake into elegant rectangles and arrange on a decorative plate with edible flowers or a sprinkle of matcha powder for extra flair. You can also serve it alongside a steaming cup of green tea or jasmine tea to enhance the flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cake is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Freezing
If you want to savor your Matcha Pound Cake Recipe longer, slice it before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw slices at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To refresh the flavor and texture of your cake, warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, buttery texture and reawakens those amazing matcha notes.
FAQs
What grade of matcha should I use for this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe?
For the best flavor and vibrant color, use culinary grade matcha or higher. Higher grades yield a smoother, less bitter taste, which perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.
Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?
Butter is essential here for the tender crumb and rich flavor typical of a pound cake. Substituting oil may change the texture and flavor significantly, so it’s best to stick with butter for this recipe.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting is highly recommended to prevent lumps, especially with matcha powder, and to ensure even distribution of ingredients. It guarantees a smooth batter and consistent texture.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This Matcha Pound Cake Recipe relies on eggs, butter, and milk, so it’s not naturally vegan or dairy-free. However, you might experiment with vegan butter, plant-based milk, and egg substitutes, though results may vary.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done. Also, the top should be slightly springy to touch and starting to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. With its gorgeous color, balanced flavor, and tender crumb, it’s a treat that’s sure to brighten any day or occasion. I encourage you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every luscious bite that makes matcha and pound cake such an irresistible combination.
Print
Matcha Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Matcha Pound Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert infused with earthy matcha green tea powder. With a tender crumb and a subtle sweetness balanced by the rich butter and vanilla, it makes a perfect treat for tea time or any occasion. The cake is baked to golden perfection and can be garnished with powdered sugar or a white chocolate drizzle for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp matcha green tea powder (culinary grade or higher)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and matcha throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the batter, mixing on low speed. Next, add the whole milk and mix again on low to combine smoothly without overmixing.
- Finish Mixing Batter: Add the remaining dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake sets properly and prevents sogginess.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Use culinary grade or higher matcha powder for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; check the cake at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Use eggs at room temperature to help the batter emulsify better.
- Let the cake cool completely before applying any garnish to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
