Name: Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 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; 2 tbsp (30 ml) water; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 1/2 – 3/4 cup (150 g – 225 g / 120 ml – 180 ml) sweetened condensed milk, depending on sweetness preference; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold; 2 1/2 cups (325 g) powdered sugar; 1 cup (25 g) freeze dried strawberries

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 44 reviews

If you are looking to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than this Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe. With vibrant green layers of matcha-infused cake soaked in a luscious matcha latte mixture and topped with a creamy, tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake perfectly balances earthy, sweet, and fruity flavors. Every forkful melts in your mouth, revealing the harmonious dance of bright matcha and burst of strawberry. This is one recipe you’ll want to keep close for any special occasion or whenever you simply crave an unforgettable slice of heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, thick layer of bright green creamy mixture that covers the bowl evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with light brown wooden tones partially visible. To the left and bottom left of the bowl, there are red strawberries with green leaves, some whole and some sliced in half, lying on an open book with yellowed pages. To the right, a white cup with green liquid inside is partially visible next to small white and yellow chamomile flowers scattered around. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about this Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, working together to build a cake that’s fluffy, flavorful, and visually stunning. From the ceremonial grade matcha powder that gives the cake its signature color and earthy notes, to the sweet freeze-dried strawberries that elevate the frosting, every component plays its role perfectly.

All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups / 282 g): The foundation of your cake’s delicate crumb, sifted and leveled for perfect texture.
Ceremonial grade matcha powder (2 tbsp + 2 tsp): Use bright, high-quality matcha for vibrant color and a nuanced green tea flavor.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) & baking soda (1/4 tsp): These leavening agents help your cake rise light and fluffy.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (10 tbsp + 1 cup, softened): Adds richness and smoothness, especially key for the fluffy frosting.
Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the matcha.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): Deepens flavor in both cake and soak for a subtle aromatic lift.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Offers tanginess and moisture, making the crumb tender and soft.
Water (2 tbsp): Helps dissolve matcha for the milk soak, ensuring smooth infusion.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Contributes to the rich matcha latte soak.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 to 3/4 cup): Adds creamy sweetness to the soak so that each bite is beautifully balanced.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): Essential for that tangy, silky frosting that complements the matcha perfectly.
Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens and lightens the frosting for an airy finish.
Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup): Ground finely for an intense strawberry flavor and pretty pink specks in the frosting.

How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Matcha Cake Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175 ℃), grease your 9×9-inch pan, and neatly line it with parchment paper to ensure an easy release later. Next, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mixture will create that unmistakable green tea essence and perfect rise. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about two minutes using an electric mixer. Then, blend in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla until the batter turns pale and smooth. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix, beating on low speed just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to keep everything well incorporated.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour your vibrant green batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for around 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aromatic matcha scent filling your kitchen is an early sign this cake will be a hit. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then gently lift it out using the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on the rack before starting the next layers of this magical creation.

Step 3: Make the Matcha Latte Soak

While the cake cools, whisk the remaining matcha powder with water in a small bowl until smooth and clump-free. The soak must resemble a smooth, thick liquid to soak evenly into your cake layers. Stir in whole milk, sweetened condensed milk (starting with 1/2 cup and gradually adding up to 3/4 cup if you prefer sweeter), and vanilla extract. This dreamy matcha latte soak will infuse the cake with deep, creamy flavor and keep each slice moist and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cold cream cheese together on high speed until fluffy, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Meanwhile, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely ground, then push them through a fine sieve to remove the seeds—this step ensures a silky-smooth frosting without gritty bits. Add the powdered sugar and strawberry powder to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low to combine, then increase speed to high to whip the frosting until luxuriously light and airy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe

Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully slice a very thin layer off the top with a sharp knife—this helps the soak absorb better. Place the cake on a serving plate, then poke many small holes across the surface using a wooden skewer or handle of a wooden spoon to allow the matcha latte soak to penetrate deeply. Slowly and patiently pour the soak over the top, allowing it to soak in fully. Finally, spread a generous, even layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting on top with an offset spatula. Cut the cake into 16 beautiful slices and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a dessert cut into square pieces, each with two layers: a bottom green cake layer with a soft, spongy texture, topped with a thick, smooth layer of pink frosting sprinkled with fine red powder. Some squares are decorated with whole fresh strawberries and small white flowers with yellow centers. One piece is slightly pulled away to show the thickness and texture of the layers. Around the dessert, there are whole strawberries in a wooden bowl and a small wooden bowl filled with green powder, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, consider sprinkling a few whole freeze-dried strawberries or a light dusting of matcha powder on top of the frosting. Edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate can also add an elegant finishing touch that makes this cake look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cake naturally pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light citrus sorbet to balance its richness. A cup of hot green tea or a mild white tea complements the matcha flavor and rounds out a sophisticated dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, try making individual mini versions of this Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe in cupcake tins or small round molds for party favors or easy single servings. You could also layer thin slices with whipped cream and strawberries in parfait glasses for a stunning matcha-inspired trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This will maintain the freshness of the creamy frosting and moist cake for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this cake, it is best to freeze it unfrosted. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the strawberry cream cheese frosting for best results.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate, frosted cake, avoid microwaving. Instead, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavors and creamy texture. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular green tea powder instead of ceremonial grade matcha?

While regular green tea powder can work, ceremonial grade matcha has a finer texture and brighter flavor, which gives the cake a better color and taste. For best results, stick with ceremonial grade.

How do I make sure the matcha doesn’t clump in the cake or soak?

Sifting the matcha powder before mixing and whisking it with liquid before adding ensures it fully dissolves and distributes evenly without clumps.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried in the frosting?

Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they add intense flavor without adding extra moisture, which keeps the frosting stable and fluffy. Fresh strawberries would make the frosting runny.

Is this cake very sweet?

The cake balances mildly sweet matcha earthiness with the creamy strawberry frosting. The amount of sweetened condensed milk in the soak can be adjusted to control overall sweetness, so feel free to tweak it to your liking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat for the buttermilk and milk, and use a vegan butter and cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderful!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Matcha Latte Cake Recipe is pure joy on a plate that brings together fun colors, rich flavors, and a texture that guests will rave about. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving something special, this recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and others. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cake!