Matcha Cake (Japan)

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Matcha is a key ingredient in Japanese culture, used for centuries in the tea ceremony. Matcha cakes appeared in Japan with the rise of green tea in cuisine and pastry. In addition to being a symbol of Japanese tradition, matcha offers a unique flavor and health benefits, leading to its inclusion in many recipes, including desserts like this light and delicious cake.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• • 3 eggs
• • 150 g sugar (cane sugar or coconut sugar)
• • 100 g melted butter
• • 120 g wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• • 1 tablespoon matcha powder (green tea)
• • 1/2 packet baking powder (about 5 g)
• • 50 ml almond milk or other plant-based milk
• • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• • 1 pinch of salt

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (thermostat 6) and grease a 20 cm round cake pan.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes frothy and pale.
3. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the almond milk. Mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool before removing from the pan and serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a more intense matcha flavor, you can increase the amount of matcha powder to 2 tablespoons.
• You can also add sweetened red azuki beans to the batter for a traditional Japanese touch.
• If you want a lighter cake, you can replace the butter with coconut oil.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Matcha and White Chocolate Cake: Add white chocolate chunks to the batter for a sweet and creamy contrast with the bitterness of the matcha.
• Matcha and Red Fruits Cake: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity and tangy flavor that pairs well with the green tea.

Bake Time 🔥

Approximately 30 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F), depending on the cake’s thickness.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This cake pairs perfectly with a Japanese green tea, such as sencha or genmaicha, to enhance the matcha flavor. It can also be enjoyed with a light coffee or hot chocolate for a more indulgent experience.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, or decorate it with matcha powder for an elegant touch. You can also add black sesame seeds or fresh fruit for color and crunch.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and help strengthen the immune system. It is also known for its detoxifying properties and calming effect due to the L-theanine it contains. This cake is also gluten-free (if you choose gluten-free flour) and can be a healthier alternative to traditional cakes.