5-Star Vegan Matcha Cake Recipe: A Healthy Green Tea Delight
Introduction
This vegan matcha cake combines the antioxidant power of premium green tea with the simplicity of plant-based baking. Perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers, our vegan matcha cake recipe delivers a moist, fluffy texture without any dairy or eggs. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this matcha cake will impress with its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
Why This Vegan Matcha Cake Stands Out
✔ Made with just 7 simple ingredients
✔ Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
✔ Packed with matcha’s health benefits
✔ Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats
The Science Behind Perfect Vegan Baking
The Key to Perfect Vegan Matcha Cake

Matcha Selection Tips
For the best vegan matcha cake:
- Use culinary-grade matcha (bright green color)
- Store matcha in the fridge to preserve freshness
- Avoid brownish powders (sign of oxidation)
Vegan Baking Secrets
Our matcha cake stays moist thanks to:
Proper mixing technique
Coconut oil replacing butter
Apple cider vinegar for lift
Step-by-Step Vegan Matcha Cake Recipe
Recipe (With Troubleshooting Tips)
Ingredients
Dry Team:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tbsp high-quality matcha powder (see selection tips above)
- 1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Wet Team:
- ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened almond milk (at room temperature)
- ½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup (grade A for milder flavor)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) refined coconut oil (melted but cooled)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Detailed Instructions
1. Preparation (5 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack in center position
- Grease a 6-inch round pan and line bottom with parchment paper
- Measure all ingredients before starting (mise en place)
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)
- Sift together flour, matcha, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- Why sift? Prevents lumpy batter and ensures even matcha distribution
3. Combining Wet Ingredients (3 minutes)
- Whisk together milk, maple syrup, and vanilla
- Slowly drizzle in coconut oil while whisking to emulsify
- Add vinegar last (activates the baking soda)
4. Bringing It All Together (4 minutes)
- Create a well in dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture
- Fold gently with a spatula until just combined (some small lumps are okay)
- Critical tip: Overmixing leads to tough cake
5. Baking & Cooling (35 minutes total)
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top
- Bake 25-30 minutes until edges pull away from pan
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
Professional Decorating Ideas
Simple Yet Stunning Finishes

- Matcha Glaze:
- Mix ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp matcha + 1 tbsp milk
- Drizzle over cooled cake
- Berry Compote:
- Simmer 1 cup mixed berries with 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Spoon over slices
- Toasted Coconut Flakes:
- Toast unsweetened coconut at 325°F for 5 minutes
- Press onto frosting
Occasion-Specific Presentations
- Japanese Tea Ceremony Style: Serve with wagashi sweets
- Birthday Cake: Layer with coconut whipped cream
- Lunchbox Treat: Bake as cupcakes
Nutritional Benefits Breakdown
Per Serving (1/8 of cake):
- Calories: 210
- Antioxidants: Equivalent to 3 cups of green tea
- Healthy Fats: 9g from coconut oil
- Natural Sugars: 12g (from maple syrup)
Health Advantages:
- Sustained energy (no refined sugar crash)
- Gut-friendly (apple cider vinegar aids digestion)
- Brain-boosting (L-theanine in matcha promotes focus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend + ½ tsp xanthan gum.
Q: Why did my cake turn out dense?
A: Likely causes:
- Overmixed batter
- Expired baking powder
- Oven temperature too low
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Final Baker’s Notes
This 5-star vegan matcha cake proves that plant-based desserts can rival their traditional counterparts in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Its versatility allows for endless variations, while the simple ingredient list makes it accessible to bakers of all levels.
Pro Tip for Next Time:
For intensified matcha flavor, brush cooled cake with matcha-infused simple syrup before decorating.
Check out more recipes :
3 Easy Vegan Meal Prep Recipes to Save Time and Eat Healthy All Week
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Vegan Recipes: 5 Must-Try Delicious Meals