What is a matcha green tea cupcake?
Matcha cupcakes are a type of cupcake that is flavored with matcha, green tea powder. These cupcakes are enjoyed by matcha enthusiasts and those who appreciate the unique flavor of green tea. They can sometimes be found in specialty Asian bakeries. Matcha cupcake recipe offer a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes and are a favorite treat for many matcha lovers.
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What does a matcha green tea cupcake taste like
A matcha cupcake typically has a distinctive, slightly earthy, and little bitter taste due to the use of matcha powder. The flavor of matcha powder is often described as grassy or vegetal, with a hint of sweetness. Matcha green tea powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves, giving the cupcakes a unique flavor. Matcha cupcakes typically have a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet, earthy green tea flavor that pairs well with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or cream cheese. They are often topped with frosting or other decorations and can be a sweet treat.
Depending on the recipe and the frosting used, matcha cupcakes can also have sweet and creamy notes that balance out the earthiness of the matcha. Overall, matcha cupcakes have a distinctive and delicious taste.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
Cake flour: You can substitute with all-purpose flour.
Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is very fine and has a powdery texture, which makes it ideal for creating smooth and creamy textures in baked goods. It dissolves quickly and easily, resulting in a smoother batter or frosting.
Matcha powder: To make matcha cupcakes, matcha powder is typically incorporated into the cupcake batter and other common ingredients like cake flour, powdered sugar, oil, eggs, and milk. The resulting cupcakes have a rich, earthy taste with a hint of sweetness. You can find them commonly in any Asian grocery store.
Wet ingredients:
Almond extract: optional.
Whole milk: You can also use almond or plant-based milk to replace whole milk.
Step-by-step instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition with an electric mixer at high speed.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder (not baking soda), and matcha powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is combined. Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake time varies. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin cup for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate the cupcakes with a frosting of your choice, such as a cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or buttercream frosting (this is what I used).
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful matcha cupcakes!
What frosting goes with matcha cupcakes?
Matcha cupcake recipe can be paired with various frostings that complement their unique flavor. Here are a few options:
- Cream cheese frosting: This tangy and sweet frosting is a classic pairing with matcha cupcakes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor balance well with the earthy taste of matcha.
- Whipped cream frosting: A light and airy whipped cream frosting is another excellent option for matcha cupcakes. It provides a subtle sweetness that doesn't overpower the matcha flavor.
- Buttercream frosting: A smooth buttery frosting can be a delicious match for matcha cupcakes. Vanilla buttercream or even chocolate buttercream frosting would pair well.
- White chocolate frosting: White chocolate has a mild and sweet flavor that complements the earthiness of matcha. This frosting can be made by mixing white chocolate with cream cheese or whipped cream.
- Matcha frosting: A bright green color pairs perfectly with these delicious cupcakes. Forget to mention that these green cupcakes are a perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day! You can sprinkle some matcha powder on your frosting for the best results.
Ultimately, the type of frosting you choose will depend on your taste and the occasion. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect match for your matcha cupcakes!
Variation
There are many variations of matcha cupcakes that you can make by adding different ingredients or toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Matcha and white chocolate cupcakes: Add chopped white chocolate to the batter before baking, and top the cupcakes with a white chocolate ganache or frosting.
- Matcha and black sesame cupcakes: Add black sesame seeds to the batter for a nutty, toasty flavor that complements the matcha. Top with a black sesame buttercream frosting.
- Matcha and mochi cupcakes: Add small pieces of chewy mochi to the batter for a fun texture contrast, and top with a whipped cream or vanilla frosting dollop.
- Matcha and red bean cupcakes: Add a spoonful of sweet red bean paste to the center of each cupcake before baking, and top with a matcha buttercream frosting.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your unique fluffy matcha cupcakes!
How to store matcha cupcakes
Storing them correctly ensures that your matcha cupcakes stay fresh and moist. Here are a few tips for your matcha cupcake recipe:
- Cool the cupcakes completely before storing them. They can become soggy if you keep them while they are still warm.
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container. Place the cupcakes in a single layer in the container, and then cover them tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Store the cupcakes at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how quickly you plan to eat them. Keeping them at room temperature is OK if you eat them within a day. If you need to store them for longer, please feel free to place them in the refrigerator.
- If you store the cupcakes in the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature before serving them. This will help to restore their moisture and prevent them from being too cold and dry.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your matcha cupcakes fresh and delicious for several days.
Health benefits of matcha powder
Matcha powder has several potential health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants, amino acids, and other beneficial compounds. Here are a few of the most notable health benefits of matcha powder:
- Provides a boost of antioxidants: Matcha powder is rich in catechins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Boosts brain function: Matcha is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. When combined with caffeine, also found in matcha, L-theanine can help to improve focus, concentration, and overall cognitive function.
- May aid in weight loss: Studies suggest combining catechins and caffeine in matcha may help increase metabolism and promote fat burning, making it a potentially helpful addition to a weight loss diet.
- Promotes heart health: Matcha may help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improving blood flow.
- Provides a source of nutrients: Matcha powder is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, potassium, and iron. It's also a good source of fiber and protein.
Final thought
Matcha cupcakes are a delicious and unique treat. Try this matcha cupcake recipe and discover matcha powder's delightful taste and potential health benefits for yourself. Happy baking!
Matcha Green Tea Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons matcha powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of dry milk powder
Frosting: (Make about 2 cups frosting)
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- roasted almond slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition with an electric mixer at high speed.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder (not baking soda), and matcha powder in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is combined.
- Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin cup for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can decorate the cupcakes with a frosting of your choice, such as a cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or buttercream frosting (this is what I used). Enjoy your delicious and flavorful matcha cupcakes!
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