Ingredients
Matcha Cake
- 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tbsp (8 g) ceremonial grade, bright green, matcha powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
Matcha Latte Soak
- 2 tsp (2.5 g) ceremonial grade, bright green, matcha powder
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup (150 g – 225 g / 120 ml – 180 ml) sweetened condensed milk, depending on sweetness preference
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
- 2 1/2 cups (325 g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (25 g) freeze dried strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175 ℃). Grease a 9×9 inch pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 10 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 3 room temperature eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is pale and smooth, roughly 1 minute.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and 1 cup buttermilk to the creamed mixture on low speed, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, scraping the sides with a spatula as needed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper and cool completely on the wire rack.
- Make the Matcha Latte Soak: Sift 2 tsp matcha powder into a small bowl. Whisk in 2 tbsp water until smooth. Add 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust sweetness to preference). Whisk until combined.
- Prepare Strawberry Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 8 oz cold cream cheese on high speed until fluffy, 1-2 minutes.
- Grind Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Pulse 1 cup freeze dried strawberries in a food processor until finely ground. Sift through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
- Mix Frosting Sugar and Strawberries: Add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and ground strawberries to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low until combined, then increase to high speed and beat until light and fluffy.
- Prepare Cake Surface: Once cake is cooled, slice a thin layer off the top to allow better soak absorption. Transfer to a serving plate. Poke small holes all over the top using a wooden stick or spoon handle.
- Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the matcha latte soak evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually through the holes.
- Frost the Cake: Using an offset spatula, spread a thick layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the soaked cake.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 16 servings and enjoy this vibrant, creamy, and flavorful treat!
Notes
- Use ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best vibrant green color and authentic flavor.
- Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for improved mixing and texture.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the soak according to your preferred sweetness level.
- The thin top layer is removed to help the soak penetrate better but save it to serve alongside or as crumbs.
- Freeze dried strawberries add natural flavor and a subtle crunch to the frosting without extra moisture.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the soak and frosting to prevent melting or sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-inspired dessert)
- Diet: Vegetarian