If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels both comforting and delightfully unique, this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the classic buttery richness of a traditional pound cake with the earthy, vibrant notes of high-quality matcha powder. Imagine slices of tender, subtly green cake that smell amazing and bring a little moment of calm and elegance to your day. Whether you’re a longtime fan of green tea or just exploring new flavors, this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is a beautiful way to elevate your baking game and impress everyone lucky enough to taste it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that signature subtle green hue. Nothing complicated here—just a handful of pantry staples and some matcha powder to bring it all together magically.

All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups or 220g): The backbone of our cake, providing structure without weighing it down.
Matcha powder (1 ½ tablespoons): Use culinary grade or higher for the best flavor and vibrant color.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and keeps it light and airy.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the matcha flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 cup or 226g, softened): Gives the cake a rich, tender crumb and that classic pound cake texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup or 200g): Sweetens and helps with the tender crumb.
Light brown sugar (½ cup or 100g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
Large eggs (4, at room temperature): Essential for binding and giving the cake its delicate rise.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and complements the earthiness of matcha.
Whole milk (½ cup or 120ml, at room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Powdered sugar: For a pretty dusting that adds a little extra sweetness and charm.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect for serving alongside for an indulgent treat.

How to Make Matcha Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and dust it with flour to prevent sticking—this helps your gorgeous cake come out perfectly shaped and intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution so every bite has that perfect hit of matcha flavor and the rising agents work uniformly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step creates an airy base which translates to a soft crumb in the finished cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays smooth and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that subtle fragrant depth that pairs beautifully with the matcha.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter and egg batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake tender.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The slow, slightly lower temperature allows the cake to cook evenly without drying out.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, delicate finish that hints at the sweetness inside.

How to Serve Matcha Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and simple, but you can also add a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness that complements the earthy matcha notes perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pound cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, bringing creamy richness that balances the slightly grassy matcha flavor. A cup of green tea or lightly brewed jasmine tea also complements the cake beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake and serving it as part of an elegant afternoon tea spread with bite-size sandwiches and fresh fruit. For a fun twist, use this cake as a base for a layered dessert with sweet red bean paste or matcha-flavored frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the leftover Matcha Pound Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for enjoying over a long weekend.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. You can freeze the cake for up to a month without losing its wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your stored cake at its best, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or toast lightly for a bit of crispness on the outside while maintaining a soft center.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this Matcha Pound Cake Recipe?

While all-purpose flour is ideal to achieve the perfect texture, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter crumb. Just keep in mind that substitute flours might slightly change the cake’s density and structure.

Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes, room temperature butter, eggs, and milk help the batter mix more evenly and create a smooth, airy texture without lumps or curdling.

Can I substitute the matcha powder with something else?

Matcha is key to this specific recipe’s unique flavor and color, but if you prefer, you could try green tea powder or even add a small amount of powdered spinach for color, although the flavor won’t be as distinct.

How do I know when the pound cake is done baking?

The best test is inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the surface browns too quickly but the inside is still undercooked, tent the cake with foil and continue baking.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version, you would need to substitute the butter, eggs, and milk with plant-based alternatives, like vegan butter, flax eggs, and almond milk. However, this may alter the texture and flavor, so some experimentation might be needed.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Pound Cake Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little magic into your baking routine. With its lovely green hue, tender crumb, and balancing flavors, it makes for a wonderful treat whether you’re sharing with friends or simply enjoying a cozy moment by yourself. Give it a try—you’ll discover why it’s quickly become one of my very favorite recipes.