If you’re ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure, the Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try treat that blends the earthy richness of matcha with the soft, buttery texture of perfect cupcakes. This recipe brings a vibrant green hue along with a subtle, slightly sweet bitterness that tea lovers and dessert fans alike will adore. It’s a beautiful way to showcase matcha’s unique flavor in a simple yet impressive dessert that feels fresh, modern, and wonderfully comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success with this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the moist, fluffy texture and that signature matcha flavor, while also contributing to the gorgeous green color that makes these cupcakes so eye-catching.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups: The foundation of the cupcake, providing structure for a tender crumb.
- Matcha green tea powder, 1 tablespoon: Adds vibrant color and that uniquely refreshing, slightly grassy matcha flavor.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup: Brings richness and moisture to the cupcakes, helping them stay soft.
- Granulated sugar, ¾ cup: Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly without overpowering the matcha.
- Large eggs, 2: Help bind everything together and add lightness to the batter.
- Milk, ½ cup: Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness to the finished cupcake.
- Optional: Cream cheese frosting: For an extra touch of tangy sweetness to complement the earthy matcha flavor.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure your cupcakes release easily and keep their shape perfectly while baking. This preparation is key for flawless baking results.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Combining these beforehand ensures the flavor of matcha and the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, then Add Eggs
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, leading to a light, tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep that light texture going.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix everything until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes. The batter should be smooth and have a lovely green hue thanks to the matcha.
Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the lined muffin pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This allows enough space for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cupcakes will have a delicate, moist texture and an inviting green color that hints at the delicious matcha flavor inside.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost them with your favorite cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain to fully taste the subtle matcha notes.
How to Serve Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered matcha on top of cream cheese frosting adds a beautiful, professional touch that enhances the green tea essence. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also pair beautifully, adding bright contrast and a burst of tartness to balance the subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of jasmine tea or a refreshing glass of iced green tea to elevate your tea time. A small bowl of seasonal fruit salad can add a fresh and light complement to these rich yet delicate treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, arrange the cupcakes on tiered stands for parties or gift them individually in decorative cupcake boxes. You could also top with edible flowers or matcha dust mixed with edible gold flakes for a stunning, special-occasion presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the refrigerator can extend freshness, though allow them to come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze well without frosting. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Reheating
To warm up a cupcake, microwave for about 10 seconds to get that fresh-baked feel. Be careful not to heat too long or they may become dry. Adding frosting after warming makes them feel extra special.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
Regular green tea powder is much less potent and doesn’t provide the vibrant color or flavor that matcha does; for best results, stick to high-quality matcha powder in this recipe.
Is cream cheese frosting necessary?
No, the cupcakes are delicious on their own with the delicate matcha flavor. Cream cheese frosting adds creaminess and a slight tang that pairs well, but feel free to enjoy them plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based butter, flax eggs or egg replacers, and dairy-free milk, you can adapt the Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe to be vegan-friendly. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
Why do the cupcakes turn green?
The green color comes naturally from the matcha powder, which is finely ground green tea leaves. The quality of your matcha will influence not only the color but also the depth of flavor.
How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
Ensuring you do not overmix the batter and adding the milk gradually helps keep the cupcakes tender and moist. Using fresh butter and eggs also makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking the Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe—the way the kitchen fills with a subtle, inviting aroma and the striking green hue that makes these cupcakes stand out. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon delight, these cupcakes will not disappoint. So grab your mixing bowls and matcha powder, and treat yourself to this lovely fusion of traditional flavors and modern sweetness. You’re going to love how effortlessly you can impress everyone with this fabulous recipe!
Print
Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully light and fluffy Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes infused with vibrant matcha powder, offering a delicate earthy flavor and a beautiful green hue. Perfectly balanced with a subtle sweetness and optionally topped with creamy frosting, these cupcakes make an elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Optional
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and matcha flavor throughout the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all the ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally top with cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy complement to the matcha flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is properly softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Matcha powder quality impacts flavor; use culinary grade for the best taste.
- You can substitute milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, sprinkle white or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
