This Matcha Strawberry Cake is a light, elegant, and healthy dessert that blends the earthy richness of matcha green tea with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and airy whipped cream. Visually stunning with its vibrant green sponge layers and bright red berry accents, this cake is the perfect showstopper for spring gatherings, birthdays, or special celebrations. Despite its patisserie-level appeal, it’s surprisingly simple to make and full of antioxidant-rich ingredients like matcha and fresh fruit.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Matcha Cake:

• 6 large eggs (yolks and whites separated)

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or neutral oil)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (120g) cake flour

• 2 tablespoons matcha powder (culinary grade)

For the Matcha Whipped Cream:

• 1½ cups whipping cream

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon matcha powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Fresh strawberries, mashed (amount as desired)

• Additional whole or sliced strawberries for decorating (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line four 6-inch cake pans with parchment rounds and lightly grease the sides.

2. Make the Meringue:
   Beat egg whites until foamy. Add lemon juice, then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Set aside.

3. Make Cake Batter:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, milk, oil, and vanilla. Sift in flour and matcha powder, then gently fold to combine. Fold in the meringue in three batches, maintaining airiness.

4. Bake:
   Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake for 15–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make Matcha Whipped Cream:
   Beat cream, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

6. Assemble the Cake:
   Layer cake rounds with whipped cream and mashed strawberries. Chill for 20 minutes after applying a crumb coat. Finish with a final layer of cream and decorate with additional strawberries.

Nutrients (estimated per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: ~260–300 kcal

• Fat: ~16g

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Sugar: ~15g

• Protein: ~6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours

Why Matcha and Strawberry Work So Well Together

Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, offers a deep, umami-rich taste with notes of earthiness and subtle bitterness. When paired with strawberries—juicy, fragrant, and naturally sweet—it creates a contrast that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The fruit lightens the matcha’s intensity, while the tea’s grassy undertones make the sweetness of the strawberries even more vivid.

That balance is what makes this cake so special. It’s not overly sugary or heavy. Instead, each bite provides a sophisticated interplay of flavors—airy, fruity, and slightly vegetal with creamy richness.

A Cake That’s Light Yet Luscious

The matcha sponge in this cake is feather-light, thanks to the classic method of whipping egg whites into a glossy meringue. This Japanese-style chiffon technique creates a structure that’s tender and bouncy, without the density of butter-based cakes. The subtle sweetness in the sponge allows the matcha flavor to shine, and its vibrant green hue adds a visual wow-factor without artificial coloring.

Then there’s the whipped cream frosting, which is elevated with matcha and lightly sweetened to enhance rather than overpower. It’s soft, fluffy, and spreadable—making it ideal for layering without the weight of traditional buttercream.

Fresh Strawberries Bring Brightness and Texture

The inclusion of mashed strawberries between the cake layers is a game-changer. Not only do they introduce a juicy burst of flavor, but they also add moisture and complexity to the overall texture. You can mash them to a chunky consistency or purée them into a smoother spread, depending on your preference. The acidity in the berries also cuts through the creaminess, offering a pleasant contrast that keeps the cake from feeling too rich.

For the final touch, you can decorate the top with whole or sliced strawberries, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of matcha powder. These toppings not only enhance the appearance but also hint at the fresh, wholesome ingredients within.

Perfect for All Occasions

This Matcha Strawberry Cake is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a great choice for events like birthdays, showers, or springtime gatherings, while its lightness also makes it appropriate for a casual afternoon tea. Because it relies on matcha and fruit, it feels elegant and modern—something that feels special without being extravagant.

What’s more, it’s an excellent introduction to matcha for those who may be unfamiliar with its flavor. The sweetness of the strawberries and cream gently tempers the matcha, making it approachable for newcomers while still satisfying long-time green tea enthusiasts.

Healthier Indulgence with Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

While cake isn’t typically considered a health food, this one sneaks in some impressive benefits thanks to its star ingredients. Matcha is known for being rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which support metabolism and cellular health. It also provides a mild caffeine boost along with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus.

Strawberries, on the other hand, are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and polyphenols. Their natural sweetness means you don’t need to overdo it with added sugars, especially when paired with lightly sweetened cream.

If you’re looking to make this dessert a bit more wholesome, you could even experiment with reducing the sugar slightly, using a lower-fat whipped topping, or incorporating whole grain flour for part of the cake base. However, the original recipe is already a balanced and relatively light option in the world of layer cakes.

Tips for Success

To get the best results when making this cake, it helps to keep a few techniques in mind:

• Use fresh, high-quality matcha: Culinary-grade matcha is ideal here—it’s bold enough for baking without the bitterness of lower-grade powders.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When folding in the meringue, use gentle strokes to maintain the airiness that gives the sponge its light texture.

• Chill before final assembly: Letting the cake chill after the crumb coat helps the layers set and makes it easier to achieve a smooth, polished finish.

• Use ripe, flavorful strawberries: Their natural juiciness and sweetness will carry through the entire dessert. If out of season, frozen berries can be cooked down slightly for a jam-like layer.

• Matcha color can fade: To preserve the cake’s beautiful green hue, avoid overbaking and store the finished cake out of direct sunlight.

Serving and Storage

This cake is best served slightly chilled, which enhances the creaminess of the whipped topping and helps the flavors meld. If you’re making it in advance, it holds up well for about 24–48 hours in the refrigerator. Any longer, and the whipped cream may start to lose its structure.

If you have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. Because it’s so light and fruit-forward, it actually makes a delicious breakfast slice the next morning—paired with a matcha latte or cup of green tea, of course.

Conclusion

The Matcha Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a sensory experience. Its layers of soft sponge, airy cream, and fresh berries create a taste that’s both elegant and comforting. From its beautiful appearance to its refreshing flavor profile, it’s a cake that feels like a celebration in every slice.

With its nutrient-dense ingredients, approachable preparation, and stunning presentation, this cake proves that indulgence can be both wholesome and artful. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pastry enthusiast, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and flair.

Serve it at your next gathering, or make it as a personal treat to brighten your day. Either way, this cake is bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection—one that impresses not just with its looks, but with every unforgettable bite.