Ah, the Strawberry Matcha Cake! It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the earthiness of matcha with the sweetness of strawberries. This cake has a special place in my heart, thanks to our family gatherings every spring. There’s something about the warm weather and blossoming flowers that makes everything feel a bit more vibrant, and this cake captures that spirit perfectly. I first stumbled upon this gem during a visit to a quaint little café that specialized in matcha treats, and I couldn’t get enough!
What I love most about this cake is not just how beautiful it looks with its lovely layers of green and pink, but also how it strikes a balance between healthy and indulgent. It’s the perfect treat for those sunny brunches where you want to impress your friends without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
What’s in Strawberry Matcha Cake?
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show—our ingredients! Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that harmonious mix of flavors and textures.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for our cake, it gives structure and helps the cake rise perfectly. I prefer to use a high-quality brand like King Arthur Flour for consistent results.
Sugar: Sweetness is the name of the game here, and granulated sugar works best. You can use coconut sugar for a less refined option, but it might alter the color slightly.
Matcha Powder: This is the star ingredient! Not only does it provide a unique flavor, but it also brings that gorgeous green color. I’m a fan of ceremonial-grade matcha for the best taste and health benefits.
Eggs: They help to bind everything together and provide moisture. Fresh, organic eggs are my go-to for baking!
Milk: This adds richness and keeps our cake moist. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk works wonderfully too!
Butter: A little butter goes a long way in adding flavor and keeping the cake tender. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
Fresh Strawberries: They bring a burst of flavor and color to the cake. I love using ripe, juicy strawberries—preferably from a local farmer’s market!
Baking Powder: This helps our cake rise beautifully, ensuring it has the perfect fluffy texture.
Is Strawberry Matcha Cake Good for You?
Absolutely! Let’s break it down a bit:
Matcha Powder: Not only is matcha rich in antioxidants, but it’s also known for boosting metabolism and enhancing focus. Quite the multitasker, I’d say!
Strawberries: These berries are a fantastic source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They add natural sweetness to the cake, so we can cut back a bit on sugar!
Butter and Sugar Considerations: While butter and sugar are staples in baking, moderation is key. Using quality ingredients means you’ll get the most flavor and health benefits possible.
Of course, if you’re watching your sugar intake or looking for less decadent options, you can always experiment with reducing sugar or using healthier substitutes!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons matcha powder
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (extra for garnish)
This recipe will serve about 8-10 eager cake enthusiasts!
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and matcha powder until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Once combined, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix!
4. Gently fold in the diced strawberries into the batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost them with your favorite frosting (cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully!) and top with additional fresh strawberries.
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Secrets
Now that you’ve baked your masterpiece, here are a few tips to elevate your cake experience even further:
– Consider using a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to drizzle over the top for a zesty finish.
– If you want to impress, layer in some strawberry puree between the cake layers for an added fruity burst!
– Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
I’ve always believed that sharing food brings people together, and this Strawberry Matcha Cake is perfect for celebrating special moments (or creating new ones!). I can’t wait for you to try this beautiful recipe! Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any fun stories that come with it!
