Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake

The Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake is not just any dessert; it’s a delightful combination of flavors that intrigues both the eyes and the taste buds. Imagine biting into a slice where the earthy green matcha mingles with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a symphony of tastes in your mouth. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon teas to birthday celebrations, adding a unique flair to your table. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with its vibrant green and pink swirls, it’s visually stunning, making it an ideal centerpiece for any dessert spread. So, grab your apron and let’s whip up this fantastic treat that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines because of the harmonious blend of matcha and strawberries. The matcha brings an earthy depth, while the strawberries contribute a natural sweetness that brightens each bite. Together, they create a unique flavor profile that isn’t just delicious but also intriguing.

Furthermore, the matcha latte soak is a game-changer. Much like a traditional tres leches cake, but with a delightful twist, this soak ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful. You end up with a cake that’s bursting with flavor in every forkful.

To top it all off, the cream cheese frosting mixed with freeze-dried strawberries delivers a light and refreshing finish. This frosting balances the richness of the cake, making each slice feel indulgent yet delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake

There are numerous reasons to love this Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake. First, it’s a dream come true for matcha lovers. The earthy flavors are beautifully complemented by the sweet strawberries, making every bite satisfying.

Visually, the cake is striking. The vibrant green and pink swirls create a treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. This makes it the perfect dessert for special occasions where you want to shine.

Lastly, this cake is simple to make, yet it looks impressive enough to serve to guests. You’ll definitely showcase your baking skills without the fuss associated with complicated recipes.

Ingredients for Strawberry Matcha Latte 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
• 2 tsp (2.5 g) ceremonial grade, bright green, matcha powder (for soak)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) water (for soak)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (for soak)
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup (150 g – 225 g) sweetened condensed milk, to taste (for soak)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for soak)
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold (for frosting)
• 2 1/2 cups (325 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 cup (25 g) freeze-dried strawberries

The Matcha Cake

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175 ℃). Grease a 9×9 inch pan and line it with parchment paper. That way, when it’s time to remove the cake, it’ll come out effortlessly.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this mixture aside helps keep everything organized.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy.

Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Now, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything on medium speed until you have a pale and smooth blend. This should take roughly 1 minute.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Keep your mixer on low speed while you do this. Make sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides as needed, ensuring everything is well combined.

Bake the Cake

Now that your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan. Bake for 38-42 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.

Cool the Cake

Once the 30 minutes are up, lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a wire rack for it to cool completely. This step is vital because a warm cake can mess with your frosting later.

The Matcha Latte Soak

Prepare Matcha Mixture

While the cake is cooling, sift the matcha powder into a small bowl. Then, add the water and whisk it together until you have a smooth mixture.

Mix Soaking Ingredients

Next, stir in the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk (start with 1/2 cup), and vanilla extract. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more condensed milk if you’d like.

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In another large bowl, mix the softened butter and cream cheese. Use high speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and inviting.

Prepare Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Take those freeze-dried strawberries and pulse them in a food processor until they’re finely ground. Sift them to remove any seeds — you only want the fruity powder.

Combine Frosting Ingredients

Now, add the powdered sugar and ground strawberries to the butter mixture. Start mixing on low until everything is combined. After that, turn the speed up to high and beat until it’s fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

Trim the Cake

After the cake has cooled completely, use a sharp knife to trim a thin layer off the top. This helps the matcha soak to absorb better.

Poke Holes in the Cake

Gently poke holes all over the top of the cake using a wooden stick or the handle of a wooden spoon. This action makes it easier for the matcha soak to absorb.

Soak the Cake

Slowly pour the matcha mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps down into those holes. Patience is key here — letting it soak then will make it much more flavorful.

Frost the Cake

Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake using an offset spatula. Once frosted, cut it into 16 slices and serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake with freshly sliced strawberries on the side for a bright touch.
• Pair it with a light whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of green tea or coffee, enhancing the earthy flavors.

Tips for Success

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This yields an even mix and a better texture.
• Adjust the soak’s sweetness to suit your taste, ensuring a personal touch to your cake.
• Use high-quality matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color in your cake.

Variations

• Instead of freeze-dried strawberries, consider using raspberries or blueberries in the frosting for a different fruity flavor.
• Try a round pan for a layer cake version, and add more frosting between the cake layers for an extra treat.
• Experimenting with different flavored extracts in the frosting can yield delightful new tastes.

FAQs

What is matcha powder?
Matcha powder is finely ground green tea leaves, recognized for their vibrant green color and distinctive flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just soak and frost it before you’re ready to serve.

How should I store leftover cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 2 months. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice creates a simple buttermilk substitute.

This vibrant Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake is not just an eye-catcher; it’s a fantastic blend of flavors that will brighten any gathering. The moist texture, complemented by the rich frosting, is sure to win heart, creating joyful memories around your table. Happy baking!

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