If you are on the hunt for a delightful dessert that combines elegance, simplicity, and a unique flavor twist, the Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe is sure to steal your heart. These petite cakes are perfectly moist and subtly infused with earthy matcha green tea powder, offering a beautiful shade of green and a delicate, refreshing taste. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just craving a sweet, bite-sized treat, this recipe brings a lovely balance of sweetness and sophistication that will charm everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and vibrant green color for your Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe. From the all-purpose flour that forms the base to the carefully measured matcha powder that adds that iconic taste, every ingredient matters.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a tender crumb and sturdy structure for the mini cakes.
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder: Delivers the distinctive bright green color and earthy flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cakes rise, ensuring a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to the melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cakes just right without overpowering the delicate matcha taste.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure for a soft but stable cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle aroma that complements the matcha’s earthiness.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter, creating a tender crumb and balance in flavor.
How to Make Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Molds
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures consistent baking temperature from the moment you place your mini cakes inside. Lightly grease or line your mini muffin tin or cake molds to prevent sticking and make removing the cakes a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends the flavors but also helps avoid lumps of matcha, ensuring the cakes are beautifully green without streaks.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer or a sturdy whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about two to three minutes. This step aerates the batter, making the mini cakes delightfully tender. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each to keep the batter smooth and stable.
Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla Extract
Once your eggs are fully absorbed, stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the matcha’s vegetal notes with a gentle warmth.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the dry ingredient mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk. Stir gently after each addition and be careful not to overmix—the goal is just to blend everything until smooth to maintain a tender crumb.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared mini molds or muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
These mini cakes are a perfect canvas for creative garnishing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, while a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk complements the earthy notes beautifully. For a more decadent option, topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries creates an irresistible presentation.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cakes with delicate accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. A cup of hot jasmine or sencha green tea highlights the matcha flavor, while a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds brightness and coolness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is where you can really have fun! Try serving the Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning visual impact at your next gathering. Wrapping each mini cake in a pretty parchment paper or placing them in decorative cupcake liners turns them into charming party favors that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mini cakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their moist texture and vibrant hue.
Freezing
These mini cakes freeze wonderfully. Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be safely stored for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your mini cakes fresh from the freezer, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe?
While all-purpose flour is best for achieving the tender crumb and proper structure, you can experiment with cake flour for an even softer texture. However, using gluten-free blends may require additional binding agents and could alter the cake’s consistency.
What kind of matcha powder should I buy?
For this recipe, choose a culinary-grade matcha powder, which is both flavorful and affordable. If you want a more vibrant color and delicate taste, opt for a higher-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, but it can be pricier.
Can I make these cakes vegan?
To veganize this Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil and replace eggs with flaxseeds mixed with water or commercial egg replacers. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
How long do these mini cakes stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these mini cakes remain fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Beyond that, they may dry out, so freezing is a better option for longer storage.
Is it possible to make this recipe without matcha?
Yes, but the signature flavor and green color will be missing. You could substitute with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or add lemon zest for a citrusy flavor. However, that would no longer be considered the classic Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of delicate sweetness and vibrant green tea flavor packed into petite cakes that fit in the palm of your hand. The Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe is not only simple to make but also an absolute joy to share with friends and family. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and treat yourself to these charming little delights today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Green Tea Mini Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these delicate Green Tea Mini Cakes infused with vibrant matcha powder for a subtly sweet and earthy flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for tea time, brunch, or elegant dessert trays, offering a moist texture with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and molds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin or mini cake molds to ensure easy removal of the mini cakes once baked.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth and uniform. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk. Stir gently after each addition until just combined—it’s important not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb in the cakes.
- Fill the molds: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared mini molds or muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place the filled molds in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The mini cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the mini cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- For added sweetness and an elegant finish, dust the mini cakes with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze.
- These mini cakes are ideal for serving at tea time, brunch, or as part of a dessert platter for gatherings and celebrations.
