A Green Tea and Lemon Cake is a light, flavorful dessert that combines the earthy tones of matcha (green tea) with the bright zestiness of lemon. Here’s a recipe to create this fresh and vibrant cake.
Green Tea and Lemon Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (green tea powder)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp matcha powder (optional for color and flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
- Lemon zest
- Matcha powder (light dusting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan (or loaf pan if desired).
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Set aside.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
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Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you want a green tea-flavored glaze, you can add a teaspoon of matcha powder. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (to thicken) or lemon juice (to thin).
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
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Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
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Optional garnish: Decorate the cake with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a light dusting of matcha powder for an extra burst of flavor and color.
This Green Tea and Lemon Cake is a refreshing treat, perfect for tea time or a light dessert! The combination of the tangy lemon and the earthy matcha creates a unique and delicious flavor balance.
