Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Japan with this simple yet utterly delicious vegan matcha cake recipe. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the earthy taste of matcha green tea and wants a delightful treat that’s both beautiful and healthy. We’ll guide you through every step to create a moist, fluffy cake that will impress your friends and family.
What Makes This Vegan Matcha Cake So Special?
This isn’t your average cake recipe. This vegan matcha cake is special for several reasons:
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The star of the show is undoubtedly the matcha powder, lending its unique earthy and slightly sweet flavor to the cake.
- Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: The combination of plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and oil creates a wonderfully moist and airy texture.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a baking novice, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results every time.
- Better for You: This cake is entirely plant-based, making it naturally free of cholesterol and lower in saturated fat than traditional cake recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable vegan matcha cake:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup high-quality matcha powder
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Greasing and flouring a cake pan
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
Whisking together dry ingredients for vegan matcha cake
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, oil, and vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. Don’t overmix.
Pouring wet ingredients into dry ingredients for the matcha cake batter
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Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool Completely: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freshly baked matcha cake cooling on a wire rack
Tips for a Perfect Matcha Cake
- Matcha Quality: Using high-quality matcha powder is crucial for both the taste and vibrancy of your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you frost it.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This vegan matcha cake is delightful on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:
- Simple Frosting: Top with your favorite vegan frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Fresh Fruit: Add a touch of freshness with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Matcha Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made by whisking together powdered sugar and a little plant-based milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I substitute the almond flour?
A: Yes, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour instead of almond flour.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, results may vary, so be sure to choose a blend that’s known for its baking quality.
Q: How should I store the leftover cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy Your Vegan Matcha Masterpiece!
This vegan matcha cake recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of matcha. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to impress everyone with its beautiful color and delicious taste. Happy baking!