This Matcha Pound Cake blends the earthy richness of premium green tea powder with the dense, buttery comfort of a classic loaf cake. With a golden crust and a vibrant green interior, it’s a visually stunning and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Perfect for brunches, casual gatherings, or simply as an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe offers both elegance and nostalgia in every slice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ tablespoons matcha powder (culinary grade or higher)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   Sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine thoroughly.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Milk:
   Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter in three parts, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently on low speed or fold with a spatula to avoid overmixing.

6. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil in the last 10–15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.

7. Cool & Serve:
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as-is or with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Nutrients (Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices)

• Calories: ~360–390 kcal

• Protein: 5–6g

• Fat: 20–23g

• Carbohydrates: 38–42g

• Sugar: ~24g

• Sodium: ~180mg

The Harmony of Matcha and Pound Cake

Pound cake is a timeless classic characterized by its simple ingredients and comforting texture. Traditionally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, it boasts a rich, dense crumb that is deeply satisfying. Incorporating matcha powder into this base offers a new dimension, infusing the cake with the herbaceous, slightly grassy tones that are hallmark to green tea.

This matcha pound cake recipe uses high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha to ensure a vibrant color and authentic flavor. The delicate bitterness of matcha balances the sweetness from granulated and brown sugar, while the vanilla extract adds a mellow sweetness and warmth that rounds out the flavor profile. The overall effect is a cake that feels luxurious yet approachable, bridging Eastern and Western tastes.

Texture and Mouthfeel

The cake’s texture is an important part of its appeal. Pound cakes traditionally have a fine, moist crumb that feels substantial without being heavy. This recipe achieves that classic pound cake tenderness through a careful creaming process, where butter and sugars are beaten until light and fluffy. This aeration is essential, as it provides lift and structure, ensuring the dense cake remains tender and moist rather than heavy or dry.

Alternating the addition of dry ingredients and whole milk helps maintain a smooth batter with the perfect consistency. The milk adds moisture and richness, while the gentle folding preserves the delicate crumb structure. The final cake boasts a golden, slightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. When sliced, the cake reveals its vivid green interior—a visual treat as much as a flavorful one.

Matcha’s Cultural and Culinary Significance

Matcha holds a revered place in Japanese culture, often associated with ceremonial tea preparation that emphasizes mindfulness and appreciation of simple beauty. Its flavor is distinctive, combining vegetal freshness with underlying sweetness and slight astringency. Beyond flavor, matcha is prized for its high antioxidant content, including catechins, which are believed to support overall health.

Incorporating matcha into Western-style desserts like pound cake is a wonderful example of culinary fusion. It introduces the ingredient to a broader audience while respecting its traditional qualities. This cake can serve as a gateway for people curious about matcha’s unique taste and health benefits but hesitant to try it in its pure tea form.

Nutritional Overview

While indulgent, this pound cake recipe offers some nutritional positives thanks to its ingredients. Each slice provides around 360 to 390 calories, with a satisfying balance of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The butter supplies rich fats and vitamin A, while eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients like choline. The carbohydrates primarily come from flour and sugars, giving energy and the cake’s characteristic sweetness.

Although matcha is used in relatively small amounts, it contributes antioxidants and a slight caffeine boost that can enhance mental clarity and alertness. The cake’s sodium content is moderate, depending on the amount of salt used and the quality of ingredients.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Matcha pound cake shines best when served simply, allowing its unique flavor and texture to take center stage. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness and visual elegance. For added indulgence, consider pairing it with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream.

It pairs beautifully with a variety of warm beverages, making it an excellent choice for afternoon tea or coffee breaks. Traditional matcha tea, jasmine green tea, or even a mild black tea with floral notes complement the cake’s subtle bitterness and creamy texture.

For brunch, it can be served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a lightly sweetened compote, adding balance and freshness to the richness of the cake.

Tips for Baking Success

The success of this matcha pound cake depends on a few key baking techniques. Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning, as this promotes better emulsification and a smoother batter. Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly to incorporate air, which will yield a lighter crumb.

When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, avoid overmixing to prevent gluten development, which can toughen the cake. Sift the matcha powder along with the flour to distribute it evenly and avoid clumps.

Use a quality loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. To prevent over-browning, tent the cake with foil if the top begins to darken too quickly during baking.

Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its structure and make clean cuts. Wiping your knife between cuts ensures neat, attractive slices.

Customization and Variations

There are many ways to customize this matcha pound cake to suit your preferences or dietary needs. You might experiment with adding citrus zest—like lemon or yuzu—for a bright contrast that complements matcha’s earthiness. Alternatively, swirl in white chocolate chips or a thin layer of red bean paste for a nod to traditional Japanese flavors.

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. To make the cake gluten-free, consider swapping the all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flours, adjusting liquid as necessary.

Adding toasted nuts such as pistachios or almonds into the batter or as a topping can introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with matcha.

Conclusion

This Matcha Pound Cake is a beautiful testament to the elegance of fusion baking—a delightful blend of the earthy, invigorating flavor of ceremonial matcha with the rich, comforting texture of a classic pound cake. It offers both a visual feast and a complex flavor profile that satisfies the senses while connecting with cultural heritage.

Perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon treats to sophisticated brunches, this cake is as versatile as it is delicious. Its relatively straightforward preparation makes it accessible to home bakers of all levels, while its refined taste ensures it stands out as a memorable dessert.

With each slice, you enjoy a harmonious balance of buttery sweetness, delicate bitterness, and tender crumb that invites you to savor every bite slowly. The matcha pound cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that celebrates tradition, creativity, and the simple joy of homemade goodness.