If you’re looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that’s both vibrant and wholesome, this vegan matcha cake recipe is the perfect choice. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, offers a unique earthy flavor along with a beautiful green hue that makes any cake stand out.
This cake is not only visually stunning but also rich in antioxidants and free from any animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those seeking healthier dessert alternatives.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this matcha cake combines the subtle bitterness of matcha with the natural sweetness of plant-based ingredients.
It’s moist, fluffy, and easy to make with simple pantry staples. Plus, the recipe is customizable, allowing you to experiment with different frostings and add-ins to suit your taste.
Dive in and discover how to create this elegant and delicious vegan treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan matcha cake is a fantastic way to enjoy a sophisticated flavor with a clean, plant-based twist. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:
- Vibrant and natural color: Thanks to high-quality matcha powder, this cake boasts a bright green color without any artificial dyes.
- Moist and fluffy texture: Using plant-based ingredients like almond milk and apple cider vinegar creates a tender crumb that rivals traditional cakes.
- Simple and accessible ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find components – just staples you likely already have at home.
- Customizable: Pair it with various frostings like vegan cream cheese or coconut whipped cream, or add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts.
- A healthier indulgence: Lower in refined sugar and free from dairy and eggs, this cake suits vegan diets and those with allergies.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or explore creative ideas in our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 1 ¾ cups (220g) | Can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour |
Matcha green tea powder | 2 tablespoons | Use culinary-grade for best flavor |
Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | |
Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | |
Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | Use organic or coconut sugar for a healthier option |
Salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
Almond milk (or any plant milk) | 1 cup (240ml) | Room temperature |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Helps with leavening and adds a subtle tang |
Vegetable oil | ⅓ cup (80ml) | Can substitute with melted coconut oil |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan – for baking the cake layers
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients
- Whisk – to combine ingredients smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities
- Rubber spatula – for folding and scraping the batter
- Cooling rack – to cool the cake properly before frosting
- Electric mixer (optional) – helpful for preparing vegan frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine thoroughly and break up any clumps of matcha.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes – it will curdle slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk.”
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or whisk, gently fold the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with your spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven frequently to prevent the cake from sinking.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Optional frosting: Once cooled, frost your cake with a vegan frosting of choice. A coconut whipped cream or vegan cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the matcha flavor.
Tips & Variations
For the best matcha flavor, always use high-quality, fresh matcha powder. Store your matcha in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its vibrant color and taste.
- Make it layered: Double the recipe to create a two-layer cake and add frosting between layers for a stunning presentation.
- Add texture: Fold in ½ cup of vegan white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pistachios for added crunch.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or a binding agent.
- Alternative frostings: Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan matcha glaze made with powdered sugar and matcha mixed with a bit of plant milk.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/8 of cake) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 33g |
Fiber | 1.5g |
Sugar | 18g |
Protein | 2g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan matcha cake shines when paired with light, complementary flavors. Try serving it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pleasant tartness that balances the earthy matcha.
For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle a bit of vegan white chocolate ganache or sprinkle edible gold dust on top. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot green tea or your favorite plant-based latte.
Want to keep exploring vegan desserts? Check out our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or our collection of Vegan Easter Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.
Conclusion
This vegan matcha cake recipe is a wonderful way to bring a pop of color and flavor to your dessert table while keeping things plant-based and wholesome. Its unique blend of earthy matcha and subtle sweetness makes it both refreshing and comforting.
Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to try something new, this cake is an excellent option.
Not only is it easy to make with simple ingredients, but it’s also versatile enough for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Plus, the recipe’s adaptable nature allows you to customize according to your preferences and dietary needs.
For more delicious vegan recipes, don’t forget to visit our blog and explore options like the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Matcha Cake Recipe Vegan
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan matcha cake with a subtle earthy flavor. Perfect for tea time or a light dessert.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal per serving | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 32 g
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