This Matcha Pound Cake is a perfect balance of earthy matcha flavor and a rich, buttery texture. The cake is topped with a silky, vibrant matcha glaze that adds both sweetness and a beautiful green color, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift, this cake is sure to impress with its elegant look and irresistible taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons matcha powder (culinary grade)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature

For the matcha glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust to achieve desired consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the matcha glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, matcha powder, and milk. Add more milk as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
8. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the matcha glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 159
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 81mg
Sodium: 215mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 7g

What Makes Matcha Pound Cake So Special?

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from young green tea leaves, is known for its distinct flavor that is both earthy and slightly sweet, with a smooth texture. In this pound cake, matcha elevates the flavor and adds a vibrant green color, transforming the classic pound cake into something extraordinary. The rich, buttery base of the cake combined with the delicate flavor of matcha creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and sophisticated.

One of the standout features of this cake is its texture. The classic pound cake is known for being dense and moist, and the addition of matcha enhances this quality without overpowering the other ingredients. The cake has a fine crumb with just the right amount of richness, while the glaze adds a touch of sweetness and brightness. This contrast in textures and flavors makes the matcha pound cake a truly memorable dessert.

A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

The beauty of the Matcha Pound Cake lies in its versatility. It’s simple enough to enjoy on a casual afternoon with a cup of tea, but elegant enough to serve at a special event like a birthday party, wedding, or holiday gathering. The cake’s neutral flavor profile, combined with the earthy matcha, makes it a perfect match for a variety of beverages, from traditional teas to sparkling wines or even coffee.

For those who are more adventurous, this cake can be customized with different additions. For example, fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries can be added to the top for a pop of color and additional flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor, or even infuse the glaze with different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.

Health Benefits of Matcha in This Pound Cake

While matcha is often associated with health benefits due to its high antioxidant content, adding it to a pound cake might not immediately seem like a healthy choice. However, matcha provides several health advantages even in this dessert form. The antioxidants found in matcha, particularly catechins, are known for their ability to reduce oxidative stress and support heart health. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and can help counterbalance the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Incorporating matcha into a dessert like this pound cake also allows you to enjoy these benefits in a delicious and indulgent form. While not a low-calorie treat, the addition of matcha offers a more health-conscious way to indulge, making the Matcha Pound Cake a great choice for those who want to enjoy their dessert with a side of health benefits.

The Simplicity of Preparing Matcha Pound Cake

Despite its sophisticated flavor and appearance, Matcha Pound Cake is surprisingly easy to make. The basic process of preparing a pound cake involves mixing the dry ingredients, creaming the butter and sugar, and then alternately adding the wet ingredients. The addition of matcha powder to the dry mix ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter, while the eggs and milk contribute to the moistness of the cake. The matcha glaze, while optional, is an easy addition that enhances the cake’s visual appeal and adds a complementary layer of sweetness and flavor.

This recipe also lends itself well to being made in advance. Once baked, the cake can be stored for several days, and the flavors will continue to develop over time. The glaze can be added just before serving, ensuring that it maintains its vibrant color and silky texture. This makes Matcha Pound Cake an ideal option for prepping ahead of time for events or gatherings, as it can be baked, glazed, and served with minimal last-minute effort.

How to Make the Perfect Matcha Pound Cake

While the recipe itself is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure that your Matcha Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use High-Quality Matcha: The flavor of matcha is central to this cake, so it’s important to use high-quality, culinary-grade matcha. The quality of the matcha will impact both the flavor and the color of the cake. Look for matcha that is vibrant green and has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor with minimal bitterness.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When making the cake, be sure to mix the batter gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is something you want to avoid. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

• Allow the Cake to Cool Properly: After baking, allow the cake to cool for a bit before applying the glaze. If the cake is too hot, the glaze may melt too much, losing its smooth texture. Letting the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes ensures that the glaze will set properly.

• Customize the Glaze: The matcha glaze is what makes this cake truly special. While the recipe calls for just matcha powder, powdered sugar, and milk, you can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less milk. You can also experiment with different flavors or colors of glaze to suit the occasion, whether it’s adding a bit of lemon juice for a citrusy note or using natural food coloring to make the glaze pop.

Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Dessert

In conclusion, Matcha Pound Cake is an elegant and indulgent dessert that blends the earthy flavors of matcha with the richness of a classic pound cake. The combination of matcha in both the cake and the glaze creates a harmonious flavor profile, while the vibrant green color makes it a stunning addition to any table. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

The simplicity of the recipe combined with the health benefits of matcha makes this dessert a win for both flavor and nutrition. So, whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or simply looking for a new twist on the traditional pound cake, this recipe is a perfect way to indulge in a sweet and slightly healthy treat. The next time you need a show-stopping dessert, consider baking this Matcha Pound Cake—it’s sure to become a favorite!