This Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful fusion of Japanese matcha and classic strawberry shortcake. Featuring a light and fluffy matcha chiffon cake layered with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. The slight bitterness of matcha complements the sweetness of strawberries, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor. This shortcake is simple to make and incredibly impressive!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3 egg yolks
30g granulated cane sugar
30g avocado oil (or any light vegetable oil)
30ml whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
45g cake flour, sifted
15g matcha powder, sifted
3 egg whites (room temperature)
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar or lemon juice
30g granulated cane sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (36% MF or higher)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced and patted dry

Directions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a 9″ by 13″ baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 30g of sugar. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Sift the cake flour and matcha powder into the egg mixture and fold gently to combine. Set aside.
- In a clean stand mixer, beat the egg whites on low speed until foamy. Gradually add in the remaining sugar and cream of tartar (or lemon juice) and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Fold ⅓ of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to loosen it. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and tap it lightly to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- While the cake is cooling, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake:
- Slice the cooled cake in half width-wise.
- Place one layer of cake on parchment paper and spread a thin layer of whipped cream over it.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream, then add another dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Place the second cake layer over the cream and strawberries. Trim the edges with a sharp serrated knife.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the top and pipe additional cream for decoration. Garnish with more strawberries and a sprinkle of matcha powder.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 311 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 54mg
Potassium: 93mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 1013 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 58mg
Iron: 1mg

A Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert

Strawberry shortcake is a beloved classic, known for its light, fluffy texture and rich, creamy layers. Traditionally made with a simple sponge or biscuit cake, it’s a dessert that brings together sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit for a satisfying and comforting treat. The Matcha Strawberry Shortcake adds a sophisticated twist by incorporating matcha, a powdered green tea that has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries.

Matcha is known for its vibrant green color, rich umami flavor, and health benefits, making it a perfect addition to this traditional dessert. The subtle bitterness of matcha contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of strawberries, creating a balanced flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. This fusion of flavors not only elevates the classic strawberry shortcake but also introduces a unique, cultural element that makes the dessert stand out.

The Light and Fluffy Matcha Chiffon Cake

At the heart of this dessert is the light and airy matcha chiffon cake. The chiffon cake is a type of sponge cake that is known for its delicate texture, which is achieved by separating the egg yolks and whites. This method creates a fluffy, cloud-like cake that’s moist and tender, making it the perfect base for layering with whipped cream and strawberries.

The addition of matcha powder to the cake batter gives it a beautiful green color and a subtle earthy flavor. The cake is made by combining the egg yolks with oil, milk, and vanilla, then folding in the sifted matcha powder and cake flour. The egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and gently folded into the batter, ensuring that the cake rises and remains light and airy. The result is a chiffon cake that is both soft and slightly springy, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy whipped topping and juicy strawberries.

The Creamy Whipped Topping: Sweet and Decadent

The whipped cream in this Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is simple yet decadent. Made with heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, the whipped cream is airy, rich, and smooth, providing the perfect contrast to the delicate cake and fresh strawberries. The sweetness of the whipped cream enhances the natural flavor of the strawberries and complements the slightly bitter matcha.

Whipped cream is an essential element of strawberry shortcake, and in this version, it serves as the creamy binder between the layers of cake and fruit. By piping additional whipped cream on top of the cake, you add a decorative touch that makes the dessert look as beautiful as it tastes. The richness of the cream balances out the more intense flavors of matcha, ensuring that each bite is satisfying and well-rounded.

The Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and Juicy

Fresh strawberries are a key component of any shortcake, and in this recipe, they bring both sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Strawberries have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bitterness of matcha and the richness of whipped cream. The vibrant red color of the strawberries also provides a beautiful contrast to the green matcha cake, making the dessert visually striking.

For the best results, it’s important to use ripe, in-season strawberries. These strawberries will have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, ensuring that they provide the right level of freshness to complement the other components of the dish. When sliced and patted dry, the strawberries release just the right amount of juice, making them easy to layer within the cake without making the dessert soggy.

The Art of Assembling Matcha Strawberry Shortcake

Assembling the Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is a straightforward process that involves layering the cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. Once the chiffon cake is baked and cooled, it is sliced horizontally to create two layers. A thin layer of whipped cream is spread over the first layer of cake, followed by a generous amount of sliced strawberries. The second layer of cake is placed on top, and more whipped cream is added to the top and sides.

To finish the dessert, you can pipe additional whipped cream for decoration, creating a beautiful, intricate design. Garnishing with extra strawberries and a light dusting of matcha powder adds an elegant touch, making the cake visually stunning and ready for any special occasion. After assembly, refrigerating the cake for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best aspects of Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is its versatility. While the recipe is based on a matcha chiffon cake, you can easily modify the flavors to suit your preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of matcha or want to experiment with other flavors, you can substitute the matcha powder with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of the shortcake. Similarly, you could swap the strawberries for other fresh fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, depending on what’s in season or your taste preferences.

This shortcake is also customizable in terms of texture. If you prefer a more dense or spongy cake, you can adjust the amount of flour or the whipping time for the egg whites. Similarly, you can experiment with the whipped cream by adding different flavorings, such as vanilla bean paste or almond extract, to create a unique variation of the classic whipped topping.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is not only a flavorful addition to this dessert but also offers several health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, matcha is known for its ability to support metabolism, promote relaxation, and improve concentration. The antioxidant-rich green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder, which retains more of the nutrients compared to steeping the leaves. Matcha also provides a moderate amount of caffeine, which can offer a natural energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.

In addition to its health benefits, matcha has a unique umami flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. In this dessert, the slight bitterness of matcha provides a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the whipped cream and strawberries, making each bite well-balanced and satisfying.

Conclusion

Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful fusion of Japanese matcha and classic strawberry shortcake, offering a unique and delicious twist on a beloved dessert. With its light and fluffy matcha chiffon cake, rich whipped cream, and sweet strawberries, this dessert is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a refreshing treat, Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is sure to impress with its elegance, flavor, and beauty.

The dish is easy to make, highly customizable, and a great way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha while indulging in a delicious dessert. Whether you serve it at a gathering or as a special treat for yourself, Matcha Strawberry Shortcake will quickly become a favorite. The combination of earthy matcha, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream is irresistible, making this shortcake a standout dessert for any occasion.

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