If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings together the creamy magic of tres leches cake with the vibrant, earthy charm of green tea, you have to try this Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that elevates the classic Latin American treat by infusing it with the delicate bitterness and stunning color of matcha powder. Each bite offers a perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and the unique grassy notes of matcha, making it a memorable dessert that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.

Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the delicious texture and authentic flavor. From the matcha powder that colors and flavors the cake, to the three milks that soak it and keep it irresistibly moist, every component is thoughtfully chosen for the best taste and texture.

All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the cake without overpowering the delicate matcha flavor.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises nicely, staying fluffy and light.
Culinary-grade matcha powder: Adds a vivid green hue and that signature earthy green tea taste.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs (separated): Yolks give richness, while whites whipped into peaks provide airiness for the perfect crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and stabilizes the egg whites when whipped.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter and the milk soak.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm note that complements matcha beautifully.
Evaporated milk: One of the trio of milks that soaks into the cake for that famous tres leches moistness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a creamy texture in the milk soak.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to create the light, luscious topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
Optional extra matcha powder: For dusting and an added punch of flavor and color on top.

How to Make Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by sifting together the flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps, which is especially important for the delicate matcha powder.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Yolks and Mix

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until pale and thick—this takes a few minutes but is key for a light crumb and sweetness. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract to add moisture and that lovely fragrant depth.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be sure to fold carefully here.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop. This step is crucial to give your cake an airy texture.

Step 5: Fold Egg Whites into Batter

Gently fold the fluffy egg whites into the cake batter, making sure not to deflate them. This keeps the batter light and airy, resulting in a beautifully tender cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving to the soaking step.

Step 7: Prepare the Milk Soak

Whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and matcha powder until smooth. This milk soak is what transforms the cake into a moist, melt-in-your-mouth sensation, with just the right hint of matcha flavor throughout.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Prick holes all over the cooled cake using a fork, allowing the milk soak to penetrate deeply. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it’s fully absorbed. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, so the flavors meld and the cake becomes decadently moist.

Step 9: Make the Whipped Topping

Before serving, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This airy topping adds a creamy finish that beautifully balances the cake’s sweetness and matcha flavor.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake and dust with additional matcha powder if desired for a gorgeous presentation and an extra pop of matcha taste.

How to Serve Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra matcha powder on top not only enhances the vibrant green color but also intensifies the tea flavor. For a little crunch and contrast, consider adding toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped pistachios. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, make a beautiful and refreshing accompaniment that cuts through the creaminess delightfully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light sides that won’t overwhelm its delicate flavors. Think fresh fruit salads, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a cup of hot green tea or jasmine tea to complement the matcha notes. A simple citrus sorbet can also provide a nice tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice this cake into individual petite squares and serve them on delicate dessert plates with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a party, layer the cake and soak mixture in mason jars for adorable single-serve trifles. Adding edible flowers on top is another elegant touch that takes presentation up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps best in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors. Leftovers remain delicious and moist for up to four days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each slice.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but keep in mind the texture of the soaked cake may change slightly after thawing due to the milk content. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and re-whip the topping if needed.

Reheating

Since this is a soaked cake served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, serve it straight from the fridge to enjoy the creamy, refreshing experience it’s created for.

FAQs

Can I use culinary-grade matcha for this cake?

Absolutely! Culinary-grade matcha is perfect because it offers robust flavor and vibrant color without being too delicate—ideal for baking and soaking mixtures in this recipe.

What if I don’t have whole milk on hand?

You can substitute with 2% milk, but whole milk gives the best richness and moisture. For the milk soak, whole milk helps maintain the creamy texture signature to tres leches cakes.

How long should I refrigerate the cake after soaking?

At least four hours is required for the milk soak to fully absorb into the cake, but letting it chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture even more.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

This particular Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe relies on dairy and eggs for its texture and soak. For vegan versions, significant ingredient substitutions would be needed, and the soaking process may vary greatly.

Is it okay to dust the top with extra matcha powder?

Definitely! Adding a dusting of matcha powder on top intensifies the flavor and gives it a beautiful finishing touch that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe is one of those special treats that will quickly become a favorite for green tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Rich yet light, creamy yet vibrant, it’s a celebration of two cultures in every slice. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the delightful experience of this matcha-infused tres leches cake as much as I do!