The Mizuba Matcha Kiwi Cake is a tropical dream come to life—featuring layers of soft, fluffy vanilla cake infused with buttery matcha and topped with vibrant slices of fresh kiwi. Created by the Oda sisters in Hawaii, this cake blends Japanese and island flavors into a visually elegant dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With a light matcha touch in the frosting and the option for ombré layers or fruit-purée infusions, it’s both versatile and show-stopping.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups flour (almond, coconut, or oat flour all work)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp Culinary Organic Mizuba Matcha (adjust to desired shade of green)

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cups granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3–5 kiwis, peeled and sliced

• Two 6” x ¾” cake pans

• Spatulas, two mixing bowls

Frosting:

• 1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened

• 6 cups powdered sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp Mizuba Matcha (for the inner frosting layer)

Directions

Bake the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease cake pans generously (coconut oil works well).

2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha.

3. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

4. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions.

5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix in vanilla.

6. Divide batter evenly into the greased pans, leaving about ⅛–¼ inch from the top.

7. Bake for 33–35 minutes (or 28–30 minutes for 9” pans), or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden.

8. Let cakes cool completely on a rack before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

1. Cream butter until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar and salt, mix until combined.

3. Slowly add milk to achieve desired consistency.

4. Mix in vanilla.

5. Separate a portion and mix in matcha powder to make green frosting for the middle layer.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level the cakes by slicing off the domed tops.

2. Frost the top of the bottom layer with plain buttercream, then spread the matcha frosting generously over it.

3. Stack the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining plain frosting.

4. Slice kiwis and decorate the top as desired.

5. Optionally, dust with matcha powder for a finished look.

Optional Variations:

• For ombré effect: Vary matcha levels in each cake layer.

• For more kiwi flavor: Puree 2–3 kiwis and fold into cake batter.

• Cut into squares for a Japanese tea cake aesthetic.

Nutrients

Estimated per slice (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: ~430 kcal

• Fat: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~52g

• Sugar: ~35g

• Protein: ~5g

• Fiber: ~2g

The Magic of Mizuba Matcha

At the heart of this recipe is Mizuba Culinary Organic Matcha, a high-quality powdered green tea known for its vivid color, grassy aroma, and complex flavor. Unlike some matcha powders that can be overly bitter or dull, Mizuba matcha brings a naturally sweet undertone and smooth texture, making it ideal for baking. It lends the cake and frosting a subtle richness and deep color that’s visually captivating and pleasantly earthy.

The inclusion of matcha in both the cake batter and frosting also allows for flexibility in presentation. You can adjust the amount to achieve lighter or deeper green hues—perfect if you want to create an ombré effect or vary intensities between layers. And because matcha is rich in antioxidants and L-theanine, this cake also offers a mild boost of feel-good nutrients with every bite.

Fluffy Cake with a Tropical Twist

What makes the Mizuba Matcha Kiwi Cake special isn’t just its ingredients, but the texture and structure of the cake itself. Soft, moist, and gently crumbed, it’s a sponge that feels light on the palate without sacrificing richness. The base recipe offers adaptability too: almond, coconut, or oat flour can be used depending on dietary needs or preferred flavor notes, making it suitable for those following gluten-free or grain-sensitive diets.

Adding fresh kiwi slices brings a tropical sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting and earthy matcha. Kiwi’s natural acidity and vibrant flavor help cut through the butteriness of the cake and frosting, bringing balance and brightness. Its vivid green color and natural aesthetic also enhance the cake’s visual appeal—each slice looks like a lush, edible landscape.

Buttercream with Matcha Accents

The frosting is a key element in bringing the entire dessert together. Made with a classic base of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk, the frosting is smooth, sweet, and easy to spread. A portion of the frosting is mixed with matcha to create a green filling between the cake layers, adding depth in both color and flavor. The contrast between the pale vanilla exterior and green middle layer makes for a beautiful cross-section once the cake is sliced.

If you prefer a less sweet finish, the frosting can be modified by reducing the sugar slightly or adding a hint of lime juice for tang. This balance is especially useful when serving the cake with fresh fruit, helping all the elements meld seamlessly.

Elegant Presentation with Simple Techniques

Visually, the Mizuba Matcha Kiwi Cake is a showstopper—and you don’t need professional skills to make it look stunning. The natural green tones from the matcha and kiwi are inherently eye-catching. By using a clean, smooth frosting finish and topping the cake with thinly sliced kiwi in overlapping circles or floral patterns, the result is elegant and modern.

Optional dusting with matcha powder enhances the look further, adding a pop of color and a touch of rustic texture. For a minimalist aesthetic, arrange kiwi slices off-center or along one side for an asymmetrical, artistic finish. This design-forward dessert is ideal for photography, sharing on social media, or serving at a chic afternoon tea.

Customizations and Creative Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Want to go the extra mile? You can experiment with different flavor layers and presentations. For example, puréeing fresh kiwi and folding it into the cake batter can deepen the fruitiness throughout. Just be mindful that the high water content in kiwis may slightly alter the cake’s texture, so adjust flour ratios as needed.

For a more visually dynamic cake, consider making three ombré layers by dividing the batter and adding varying amounts of matcha to each portion. Stack them from lightest to darkest for a gradient effect that wows when sliced.

Craving something a little more sophisticated? Incorporate citrus zest like lime or yuzu into the batter or frosting for a bright, fragrant twist. You can also try piping the frosting in decorative swirls or ruffles to elevate the cake’s presentation.

For serving to a crowd or at a formal event, baking the cake in a sheet pan and cutting it into elegant tea squares creates a refined, minimalist look that pairs beautifully with green tea or champagne.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Options

While this cake is undoubtedly an indulgent treat, it offers some redeeming health-conscious touches. Matcha provides antioxidants, while kiwi contributes fiber, vitamin C, and natural enzymes. If using almond or coconut flour, you’ll also benefit from healthy fats and lower carb content.

For dairy-free or vegan versions, plant-based butters and cream cheese alternatives can be used in the frosting, and egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce can replace traditional eggs in the cake. Just note that texture may vary slightly, so it’s best to experiment in small batches before serving for a larger crowd.

Because the base recipe uses simple, clean ingredients, you can feel good about what goes into each slice. It’s a celebration dessert that’s easy on the eyes and thoughtfully nourishing.

Why This Cake Belongs at Your Next Gathering

Few desserts strike the balance between being comforting and sophisticated as well as this Mizuba Matcha Kiwi Cake does. It’s layered, flavorful, visually stunning, and filled with personality. Whether you’re honoring a cultural fusion, showing off seasonal fruits, or just indulging in a refreshing cake that’s not overly sweet, this recipe fits the occasion.

It’s also incredibly adaptable for different serving styles—formal plated slices, casual picnic squares, or individually portioned mini cakes. The flavor profile appeals to both adventurous and traditional eaters, and the presentation makes it feel instantly special.

Conclusion

The Mizuba Matcha Kiwi Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience of color, flavor, and global inspiration. Born from the creativity of the Oda sisters and influenced by both Japanese tea culture and Hawaiian island freshness, it’s a fusion cake that delivers on every front. With its earthy matcha notes, creamy frosting, and zingy kiwi topping, every bite is balanced, memorable, and designed to delight.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer party, or simply want a slice of edible art on your table, this cake delivers beauty and taste in equal measure. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and a surefire way to impress guests or treat yourself to something special. With this recipe in your collection, you’re not just baking—you’re bringing together worlds of flavor in the most delicious way possible.