Strawberry Matcha Cake

Strawberry Matcha Cake is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chelsweets on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 2 hrs

Cost: $8.35 total, $0.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (high‑quality culinary grade)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (whole or 2% milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 large Egg Whites (room temperature; use pasteurized if concerned about raw egg safety)
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for buttercream)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (for buttercream) (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 1 1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries (divided – 1 cup for puree, 1/2 cup sliced for filling/garnish)
  • 1 pinch Pinch of Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9‑inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and lightly flour the sides.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Sift Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, sift together the all‑purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar

    Using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Eggs

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

    Add the vanilla extract and milk to the butter mixture, mixing briefly. Then fold in the sifted dry ingredients in two additions, mixing just until combined.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake the Cake Layers

    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Cool the Cakes

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Prepare Strawberry Puree

    While the cakes cool, blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Make Swiss Meringue Buttercream

    In a heat‑proof bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from heat and beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the bowl feels cool. With the mixer on medium, add the softened butter a few cubes at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Finally, blend in the strawberry puree and a pinch of salt, beating until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 160°F

  10. Assemble the Cake

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream over the top, then arrange sliced strawberries in an even layer. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake. Chill for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Final Frost and Garnish

    After the crumb coat has set, apply the remaining buttercream in a smooth swirl. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and, if desired, a light dusting of matcha powder.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Strawberry Matcha Cake

Recipe by Chelsweets

A soft, earthy matcha‑flavored cake layered with fresh strawberries and frosted with a light strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream. The cake balances the subtle bitterness of matcha with the bright sweetness of strawberries for a sophisticated dessert.

MediumJapaneseServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 30m
Prep
45m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.35
Total cost
$0.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sifting the matcha with the flour to avoid green specks.
  • Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Heating the egg‑white mixture to 160°F to safely pasteurize.
  • Adding butter to the meringue slowly to prevent curdling.
  • Cooling the cake layers completely before frosting.

Safety Warnings

  • The Swiss meringue buttercream uses raw egg whites; ensure the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) to eliminate salmonella risk.
  • Handle hot saucepan and steam carefully to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of strawberry matcha cake in Japanese-inspired dessert cuisine?

A

Strawberry matcha cake blends traditional Japanese green tea flavors with Western-style layered cakes, a fusion that became popular in Japan during the post‑war era when Western baking techniques were adopted. The combination celebrates the seasonal love for fresh strawberries and the ceremonial importance of matcha.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of matcha cake in Japan?

A

In Japan, matcha cake can appear as a simple sponge flavored with matcha, a fluffy chiffon, or a denser castella‑style cake. Some regions add azuki bean paste, while others incorporate yuzu or kinako for additional flavor layers.

cultural
Q

How is strawberry matcha cake traditionally served in Japanese tea houses?

A

In Japanese tea houses, a slice of strawberry matcha cake is often served alongside a cup of hot matcha tea, allowing the bitterness of the tea to balance the sweet strawberry frosting. It may be presented on a small ceramic plate with a garnish of fresh berries.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is strawberry matcha cake traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Strawberry matcha cake is popular during spring festivals and hanami (cherry blossom viewing) because strawberries are in season. It is also served at birthdays and special gatherings as a modern, elegant dessert.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese desserts pair well with strawberry matcha cake?

A

Pair it with a light wagashi such as daifuku filled with red bean paste, or serve alongside a glass of chilled yuzu soda to contrast the cake’s richness.

cultural
Q

What makes strawberry matcha cake special or unique in Japanese‑Western fusion cuisine?

A

The cake uniquely balances the earthy, slightly bitter notes of high‑grade matcha with the bright, sweet acidity of fresh strawberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that reflects both Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics and Western cake craftsmanship.

cultural
Q

How has strawberry matcha cake evolved over time in modern Japanese bakeries?

A

Modern bakeries have refined the texture by using Swiss meringue buttercream for a lighter frosting and incorporating high‑quality ceremonial matcha for a vivid green color. Seasonal variations now include adding yuzu zest or using black sesame for visual contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making strawberry matcha cake at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense crumb, not heating the egg‑white mixture to 160°F, which can leave raw egg risks, and adding butter to the meringue too quickly, causing curdling.

technical
Q

Why does this strawberry matcha cake recipe use Swiss meringue buttercream instead of traditional American buttercream?

A

Swiss meringue buttercream is lighter and less sweet, allowing the delicate matcha flavor to shine without being overwhelmed by sugary frosting, while still providing a stable, glossy finish suitable for layering.

technical
Q

Can I make strawberry matcha cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake and cool the cake layers up to two days ahead, wrap them tightly. Prepare the Swiss meringue buttercream a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve, then chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chelsweets specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chelsweets specializes in sweet treats, focusing on creative cake designs, flavored buttercreams, and dessert tutorials that blend classic techniques with modern flavor twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chelsweets' approach to Japanese‑inspired desserts differ from other dessert channels?

A

Chelsweets often incorporates authentic Japanese ingredients like matcha, yuzu, and kinako into Western-style cakes, emphasizing balance of flavors and elegant presentation, whereas many other channels stick to purely Western or purely Asian dessert styles.

channel

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