Matcha White Chocolate Cake: A Stunning 1-Hour Homemade Dessert

Matcha white chocolate cake is the stunning bakery-level treat you can actually pull off in your own kitchen! Imagine ultra-moist layers of earthy green tea cake infused with silky, melted white chocolate, all wrapped in a cloud of creamy frosting with a beautiful pastel-green hue. This showstopper isn’t just eye-catching—it’s full of balanced sweetness and umami. The best part? With a few pro techniques, anyone can master that irresistible, dreamy crumb. Whether you want to celebrate, impress, or simply indulge, this recipe will teach you both classic and modern tips for leveling up your next dessert. Expect a medium difficulty with most of your time spent whisking and waiting for cake layers to cool (and filling your kitchen with the most aromatic, toasty green tea scent imaginable!).This matcha white chocolate cake is the perfect dessert for special occasions. If you love elegant cakes,

🍽️ Recipe At A Glance

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Servings: 12 servings

Table of Content

Why This Matcha White Chocolate Cake Works

This matcha white chocolate cake combines the umami depth of ceremonial-grade matcha with the richness of real white chocolate for a truly elevated green tea dessert. What makes this version so special is the precise matcha-to-flour ratio (for maximum color and flavor), as well as the trick of melting white chocolate into the batter for extra tenderness and moisture. A touch of sour cream or oil guarantees every slice is plush and never dry—even several days after baking.

Most home bakers struggle with bitterness or pale color in matcha layer cakes, but this recipe uses premium matcha, proper sifting, and moderate baking temperatures to ensure a brilliant hue and clean, bright flavor. For the frosting, a gourmet white chocolate and cream cheese base ensures stability and subtlety, never overshadowing that earthy tea note. Bonus: if you’re into ingredient swaps or want a lighter version, you’ll find tested adaptations for nearly every dietary need next.

matcha white chocolate cake - finished dish presentation
Matcha White Chocolate Cake: A Stunning 1-Hour Homemade Dessert 4

Ingredients You’ll Need of  Matcha White Chocolate Cake

  • For the Matcha Cake Layers:
    • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or GF blend, see variations)
    • 2 tablespoons (20g) premium ceremonial/cooking-grade matcha powder (sifted)
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
    • 185g high-quality white chocolate, chopped (melted and cooled slightly)
    • 3 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola), plus extra for pan
    • 3/4 cup (180ml) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • For the White Chocolate Matcha Frosting:
    • 340g (12oz) premium white chocolate, chopped
    • 250g (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
    • 1 tablespoon (10g) matcha powder, sifted
    • Pinch fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, as needed
  • Optional Toppings:
    • White chocolate curls
    • Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
    • Extra dusting of matcha powder
💡 Ingredient Pro Tip: Look for first-harvest Japanese matcha—Uji or Shizuoka regions are trending for color and flavor in 2025. White chocolate chips work, but real cocoa butter baking bars or callets (Valrhona or Cacao Barry) create the creamiest ganache.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions of Matcha White Chocolate Cake recipe

    1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, or 160°C fan). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment.
    2. Melt the white chocolate: Place 185g chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second bursts, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Let cool to barely warm.
    3. Sift & combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures a lump-free, vibrant crumb.
    4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs for 2 minutes until pale and slightly thickened. Then whisk in oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
    5. Blend in white chocolate: Gradually beat the melted white chocolate into the wet mixture until fully combined.
    6. Combine wet and dry: Add the wet mix to the flour bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix—stop when no streaks of flour remain.
    7. Finish with reverse folding: Drizzle in an extra 2 teaspoons of oil and fold another 3-4 times to lock in moisture and airy texture.
matcha white chocolate cake - cooking process
Matcha White Chocolate Cake: A Stunning 1-Hour Homemade Dessert 5
  1. Divide & bake: Evenly divide the batter between the pans. Tap them gently on the counter to level. Bake for 28-32 minutes, rotating halfway, until layers are domed, springy, and a skewer comes out clean.
  2. Cool completely: Let cakes sit in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack. Peel away parchment. Cool until no heat remains—don’t rush frosting or you’ll melt the buttercream.
  3. Make the frosting (while cakes cool): In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream (3 tbsp) until steaming but not boiling. Off heat, whisk sifted matcha powder directly into the hot cream and let bloom (steep) for 5 minutes to amplify flavor. Return to low heat if needed, and add 340g white chocolate. Stir until melted and glossy, then cool to room temp.
  4. Cream the cheese and butter: In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in cooled white chocolate-matcha mixture, then sift in confectioners’ sugar, salt, and vanilla. Continue beating until smooth, using extra cream/milk if needed for spreadable consistency.
  5. Assemble your cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Dollop one-third of the frosting on top, spreading to the edges. Add the second layer and cover the top and sides with remaining frosting. Use a spatula for the trendy “swirl” look or smooth for a minimalist finish.
  6. Decorate: Top with white chocolate shavings, a dusting of matcha (through a fine sieve), and fresh berries if desired.
👨‍🍳 Chef’s Hack: For intense matcha color and flavor, let the assembled cake chill, then dust with a final layer of premium matcha right before serving. This gives a dramatic, bakery-fresh look and prevents the green from fading in the fridge.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications

  • Keto/Low-Carb: Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal weight of fine almond flour. Swap sugar for erythritol (1:1 ratio), and use a keto-friendly white chocolate (like Lily’s). Bake times may be 2-5 minutes shorter; check early for doneness. Enjoy the same moist, dense crumb with a subtle nutty twist.
  • Vegan/Vegetarian: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Replace eggs with 4 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea brine) or 3 “flax eggs” (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, per egg). Substitute coconut cream for sour cream and oat or soy milk for milk. Your cake will be plush and the white chocolate ganache still glossy—just let it set a touch longer before frosting.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend measured by weight, and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure. Sifting is especially key to avoid a dense or gummy texture. Baking time remains about the same.
  • Reduced Sugar: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup (150g) in the batter, and use a blend of allulose and stevia in the frosting. Add an extra splash of vanilla or an extra teaspoon of oil to keep the crumb soft. The matcha’s natural sweetness really shines through in this version.

For even more matcha dessert inspiration—from strawberry matcha cake to a delicate classic matcha cake base—be sure to check out our related recipes.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This matcha white chocolate cake is a true centerpiece for any celebration, from birthdays to spring brunches. Slice with a warm, sharp knife for neat layers and serve on minimalist white plates to showcase its stunning green crumb. For extra drama, top each slice with fresh raspberries or strawberries—they contrast beautifully with the cake’s hue and add a pop of tartness.

Pair your cake with a pot of Japanese sencha or a frothy matcha latte to lean into the tea-forward notes. For something more decadent, serve with ruby grapefruit segments or a scoop of tangy yogurt ice cream. A drizzle of yuzu or lemon syrup also wakes up the flavors for summer gatherings.

If you love themed or character cakes, don’t miss our Labubu cake design guide for whimsical party inspiration, or dress your matcha cake in seasonal style with these Christmas cake recipes.

matcha white chocolate cake - serving suggestion
Matcha White Chocolate Cake: A Stunning 1-Hour Homemade Dessert 6

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store leftover cake tightly covered in an airtight container at cool room temperature (below 68°F/20°C) for up to 3 days. To prevent color fading, wrap the whole cake—or individual slices—in plastic wrap, then store inside a dark cupboard or fridge.

For meal prep, slice your cake and wrap each piece in parchment and plastic. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, brighten each portion with a fresh shake of matcha powder.

To freeze, chill the assembled cake until frosting is firm, then wrap twice in plastic and once in foil. It will keep up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and always serve slightly chilled for the best texture and brightest green hue.

If making ahead for a party, fully assemble and chill the cake, then wait to dust with matcha until just before serving. This simple hack keeps the green color at its boldest.

For more advanced buttercream cake handling tips—including clever color preservation—check out the science behind .

Nutritional Information of Matcha White Chocolate Cake

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 1g

Each generous slice (about 150g, including frosting) offers not just a pop of color but also a dose of matcha-powered antioxidants—roughly 75mg of catechins for wellness cred. Get detailed insights on matcha’s polyphenol and wellness effects from leading nutritionists and ingredient breakdowns at Sweet Mouth Joy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a longtime fan of matcha or just seeking a vibrant, crowd-pleasing cake, this matcha white chocolate cake promises layers of flavor, sophisticated looks, and bakery-level moistness every time. With smart technique—and a dash of Japanese-inspired magic—you’ll impress even the pickiest foodie at your next gathering. If you give this matcha white chocolate cake a try, I’d love to see your photos and hear your tweaks below. Tag your bakes on Instagram, drop a comment, or share your own matcha hacks. Happy baking, and enjoy every vivid, creamy bite!

FAQ of matcha white chocolate cake

What’s the best matcha powder to use for baking this cake?

Ceremonial or premium culinary-grade Japanese matcha from the Uji or Shizuoka regions will give you the brightest color and mild, umami-rich flavor. Look for powders that come vacuum-sealed and always sift before using to prevent clumping.

Can I make this matcha white chocolate cake in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble and frost the cake up to two days ahead, storing it covered in the fridge. Dust with matcha powder right before serving for best color.

Can I freeze the finished cake?

Yes—wrap the whole cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh with a little extra matcha dusting.

Is it possible to halve or double this recipe?

The recipe halves well for a single-layer cake or cupcakes. For a double batch, bake in four pans and rotate midway for even layers. Check for doneness 2-3 minutes early or late depending on pan size.

How do I prevent my cake layers from turning out dense?

Always sift dry ingredients, use room-temperature eggs and dairy, and fold batter just until combined. A quick extra fold with oil at the end helps preserve fluffiness.

How can I create different flavor twists or toppings?

Add a dash of citrus zest, swap in coconut yogurt for a dairy-free note, or top with berries for freshness. The cake also pairs beautifully with white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of tangy fruit syrup.


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