Irresistible Matcha Cupcakes with Silky White Chocolate Frosting: A Delightful Green Tea Treat

Prepare to be enchanted by these exceptionally tender and fluffy matcha cupcakes, crowned with a truly luxurious and silky white chocolate frosting! This recipe isn’t just about crafting a super delicious dessert; it’s about enjoying the unique flavor and numerous nutritional benefits that matcha green tea brings to the table. Perfectly balanced between earthy and sweet, these vibrant green treats are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

This recipe was originally published on February 28, 2016, and updated with new photos and information on March 22, 2022, to bring you the best possible guide to these delightful treats.

Matcha Cupcakes with White Chocolate Frosting: A Culinary Delight

Just as matcha lattes have captivated countless palates, these matcha cupcakes offer a similar, beloved flavor profile, but in a delightful, bite-sized form. Imagine all the creamy, earthy goodness of your favorite matcha latte transformed into a soft, tender cupcake. They are truly versatile, perfect for elevating a mid-morning coffee break, adding a unique touch to celebrations, or simply enjoying as a comforting dessert any day of the week. Their naturally vibrant green hue also makes them an ideal and festive treat for occasions like St. Patrick’s Day!

If the thought of baking with matcha seems daunting, rest assured, it’s surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of these homemade matcha cupcakes, you might find yourself saying goodbye to store-bought matcha desserts forever. This recipe ensures a perfect crumb and an unforgettable flavor that highlights the best of this incredible green tea powder.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Matcha Cupcakes & Frosting

Crafting these delectable matcha cupcakes with white chocolate frosting begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the ideal flavor, texture, and rise. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

Matcha Cupcake Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: Provides a clean, straightforward sweetness that allows the matcha flavor to shine. Unlike brown sugar, it doesn’t impart deep, complex molasses notes, ensuring the delicate green tea is the star.
• Cake flour: This is a crucial ingredient for achieving that signature tender, soft, and fluffy crumb that makes these cupcakes so delightful. Its lower protein content results in less gluten development, preventing a dense or chewy texture.
• Salt: An absolute must in all baking, even desserts! Salt enhances and balances all the other flavors, making the sweetness more pronounced and the matcha more vibrant. Always opt for fine salt for even distribution.
• Baking soda: This powerful leavening agent requires an acidic ingredient to activate. In this recipe, it reacts with the sour cream, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that contribute to the cupcakes’ light and airy texture.
• Baking powder: Another leavening agent, baking powder is double-acting, meaning it reacts once when mixed with wet ingredients and again when exposed to heat in the oven. This ensures a consistent and impressive rise.
• Matcha powder: The heart of our cupcakes! It’s absolutely essential to use pure matcha powder, not just any green tea powder. Pure matcha offers a distinct, vibrant flavor and a beautiful green color that generic green tea powder often lacks. Quality makes a significant difference here.
• Butter: For the best flavor and texture, unsalted butter is recommended. This allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your matcha dessert, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Eggs: Beyond adding richness and flavor, eggs are essential for structure and moisture. They help bind the ingredients together, emulsify the batter, and contribute to the overall rise and tenderness of the cupcakes.
• Sour cream: A fantastic ingredient for adding incredible moisture and richness to cupcakes. Its acidity not only tenderizes the crumb but also reacts with the baking soda, further contributing to a beautiful rise.
• Olive oil: Incorporating a light olive oil (avoid extra virgin, which can have too strong a flavor) helps keep the cupcakes incredibly moist, ensuring they stay fresh and tender for longer than butter alone might.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for its higher fat content, which contributes to a richer flavor and a more tender texture in the final baked good.

White Chocolate Frosting Ingredients

• White chocolate: The star of our frosting, white chocolate infuses it with a wonderfully strong milky, dairy sweetness and a creamy texture. Choose a good quality white chocolate for the best results.
• Butter: For a balanced flavor, use salted butter here, or if using unsalted, remember to add a tiny pinch of salt to round out the sweetness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth beating.
• Cream cheese: This is the secret ingredient that transforms a standard buttercream into something truly special. The delightful acidity and subtle saltiness of cream cheese expertly cut through the richness and sweetness of the white chocolate and butter, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly palatable frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is crucial for stiffening the frosting to a pipeable consistency while dissolving smoothly to create a silky, lump-free texture. Sifting it is key!

Handy Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Don’t worry, here are some easy and effective substitutions that will help you make these matcha cupcakes a reality, even with minor adjustments.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! You can use a 1-to-1 substitution by simply swapping out the cake flour for all-purpose flour. While this works, do be aware that using all-purpose flour will likely make your cupcakes slightly less tender and a little denser, as all-purpose flour has a higher protein content than cake flour.

For a homemade alternative that closely mimics cake flour, measure 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour. Then, remove 3½ tablespoons of flour and replace it with 3½ tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk this mixture together thoroughly. The cornstarch helps inhibit gluten development, resulting in a softer crumb similar to commercial cake flour.

Can I skip the sour cream?

Yes, you can! Plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitution for sour cream due to its similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. If Greek yogurt isn’t available, regular plain yogurt can also work well, though it might be slightly thinner, so compensate by reducing the milk by a tiny amount if the batter seems too runny.

How To Make Perfectly Fluffy Matcha Cupcakes

Baking these matcha cupcakes is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of tender, green tea-infused treats that are sure to impress.

1. Preheat your oven to 340°F/170°C. This slightly lower temperature helps ensure an even bake and prevents the delicate matcha from burning. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, preparing it for your delicious batter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the granulated sugar, cake flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and matcha powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and flavor.
3. Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using your hands or a pastry blender, mix until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture takes on a coarse, sandy texture. This step helps coat the flour particles, contributing to a tender crumb.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, sour cream, and olive oil. Once well combined, add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture and stir gently until just barely combined.
5. Continue to stir while slowly pouring in the whole milk. Mix until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Fill the prepared cupcake liners slightly over halfway, aiming for about ⅔ full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully without overflowing. Bake for approximately 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
7. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes onto a wire rack immediately. This stops the cooking process and allows them to cool completely, preventing them from becoming dense or soggy in the hot pan. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.

How To Make Silky White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

This dreamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the earthy matcha cupcakes. Its slight tang from the cream cheese beautifully balances the sweetness, creating a truly irresistible topping.

1. Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler method to prevent scorching. Once completely melted, set it aside and let it cool slightly to room temperature. This is a critical step to ensure your frosting doesn’t become soupy.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until it’s light, pale, and fluffy. Then, add the softened cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Finally, beat in the cooled, melted white chocolate until the frosting is smooth and well-blended. Avoid overmixing once the white chocolate is added.
5. If your frosting appears too loose or soft, don’t panic! Simply place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow it to firm up before you begin frosting your completely cooled cupcakes.

Storage and Freezing Directions for Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your matcha cupcakes at their best for as long as possible. Whether you’re making them ahead or storing leftovers, these tips will help maintain their deliciousness.

You can prepare the unfrosted cupcakes up to 3-4 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them moist and fresh, allowing you to frost them right when you’re ready to serve for a beautiful presentation and optimal texture. Any cupcakes that are already frosted with this delightful buttercream frosting should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their quality and prevent the frosting from spoiling.

Freezing Directions

These cupcakes are also perfect for freezing, making them an excellent make-ahead option! To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, individually wrap each one tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.

If your cupcakes are already frosted, first chill them in the refrigerator until the frosting is firm. Once the frosting has hardened, carefully wrap each cupcake individually with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag or container. This extra step prevents the frosting from smudging or sticking. Store them in the freezer for the same duration.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply return the frozen cupcakes to room temperature before serving. Depending on the room temperature, this can take about 45 minutes on the countertop or a couple of hours if thawed slowly in the refrigerator. Thawing slowly helps maintain moisture and texture.

Dietary Adaptations: Making it Accessible for Everyone

These delicious matcha cupcakes can be adapted to fit various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. Here’s how to make them gluten-free or dairy-free.

How To Make This Recipe Gluten-Free

To transform this matcha cupcake recipe into a gluten-free delight, substitute the cake flour with a carefully chosen gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It’s crucial that your chosen gluten-free all-purpose flour contains xanthan gum, as this ingredient acts as a binder and provides the necessary structure that gluten would typically offer, preventing your cupcakes from being crumbly.

Some excellent gluten-free flour blends that I highly recommend and use in my own baking include Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour, King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour, and Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend. These blends are specifically designed for easy substitutions in recipes.

A key tip when making gluten-free matcha cupcakes: allow your batter to rest for about 30 minutes before baking them in the oven. This resting period allows the gluten-free flours to properly hydrate, resulting in a more tender and less gritty cupcake texture.

How To Make This Recipe Dairy-Free

Creating dairy-free matcha green tea cupcakes is entirely possible with a few smart substitutions. Replace the butter with a high-quality vegan butter. When choosing vegan butter for baking, I strongly suggest using butter sticks instead of butter spreads that come in tubs, as the sticks typically have a higher fat content, which is much closer to that of dairy butter and yields better baking results. For the sour cream and whole milk, substitute them with non-dairy milk and add a touch of apple cider vinegar.

Almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk all work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a neutral flavor profile that won’t overpower the matcha. If you’re using non-dairy milk, remember to add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This acidic ingredient is essential to react with the baking soda, ensuring your dairy-free cupcakes still achieve a good rise and tender texture, mimicking the effect of buttermilk.

For the frosting, I’ve found that the best results for a dairy-free version often come from making it without vegan cream cheese, which can sometimes alter the texture. Instead, I simply replace the dairy butter with vegan butter sticks and the regular white chocolate with a good quality vegan white chocolate. This combination still yields a rich, creamy, and satisfying frosting.

Alternatively, if finding vegan white chocolate is difficult, you can easily omit it entirely and frost your delightful matcha cupcakes with a classic vegan vanilla buttercream frosting for a different, yet equally delicious, dairy-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Baking

Got questions about baking with matcha? We’ve got answers to help you achieve the best results with your green tea creations.

Which matcha is best for baking?

There are generally two main grades of matcha: culinary grade and ceremonial grade, each suited for different uses.

• Culinary grade matcha: This grade is typically duller in color and lower in quality than ceremonial matcha. It’s specifically produced and intended for use in baking, smoothies, and other food applications where it will be mixed with other ingredients. While more affordable, it might not provide the most vibrant green color or intense matcha flavor in your finished product.
• Ceremonial grade matcha: Known for its vibrant green hue and superior quality, ceremonial grade matcha is meant to be whisked with hot water and enjoyed on its own as a traditional tea. It boasts a smoother, less bitter flavor profile.

While the cheaper culinary grade matcha is technically designed for baking, if you’re a true matcha connoisseur and desire a stronger, more authentic matcha flavor along with that stunning, rich green hue in your cupcakes, consider splurging on high-quality ceremonial grade matcha. The difference in taste and visual appeal will be noticeable and incredibly rewarding for matcha lovers.

What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a distinctive natural, earthy, and slightly grassy flavor with a characteristic touch of bitterness, especially in lower grades. High-quality matcha also often exhibits a pleasant umami (savory) note and a subtly sweet aroma, contributing to its complex and beloved taste profile.

What do matcha cupcakes taste like?

Matcha cupcakes offer a delightful blend of flavors! Imagine the comforting taste of a light, fluffy yellow cake beautifully infused with the earthy, slightly sweet, and subtly bitter notes of warm matcha. The unique flavor of the matcha gracefully cuts through the sweetness of the cupcake and the frosting, creating a harmonious and incredibly addictive dessert experience.

Where do you buy matcha powder?

Matcha powder is becoming increasingly accessible and can be found in many grocery stores, typically in the coffee and tea aisle. For this recipe, I used the Ceremonial Matcha by Enso, which offers a fantastic quality. You can use the code AIMADEITFORYOU to get a generous 15% off your first order!

Can you make a matcha cake with this recipe?

Absolutely, this versatile recipe can easily be converted into a stunning matcha cake. Simply divide the prepared batter evenly between two 8-inch round cake pans and adjust the baking time to approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ensure the pans are greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can confidently double this recipe! Simply double all the ingredient quantities to yield a larger batch, making a total of approximately 28 cupcakes. This is perfect for larger gatherings or if you just want extra deliciousness to share (or keep for yourself!).

The Perfect Pairing: White Chocolate Frosted Matcha Cupcakes

While a classic vanilla buttercream would undoubtedly pair well with matcha cupcakes, there’s something truly magical about the combination of matcha and white chocolate. The creamy, rich, and inherently sweet vanilla notes of white chocolate beautifully complement the earthy, slightly bitter, and vibrant green flavor of the green tea. It’s a flavor synergy that creates a sophisticated and incredibly satisfying dessert.

Initially, I was cautious about adding white chocolate to a buttercream, fearing it might make the frosting overly sweet. This is why I opted for a cream cheese frosting base. The delightful tang and slight saltiness of the cream cheese proved to be the perfect counterpoint, expertly cutting through the sweetness of the white chocolate and powdered sugar, resulting in a balanced, velvety, and utterly irresistible topping.

Expert Tips for the Most Delicious Matcha Cupcakes

Achieving bakery-quality matcha cupcakes at home is easier than you think with these crucial tips:

1. Don’t overmix the batter! When you’re combining the dry and wet ingredients and witness that gorgeous green hue developing, it’s tempting to keep mixing. However, resist the urge! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which will result in dense, chewy, and less tender cupcakes. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined, with no streaks of dry flour remaining. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
2. Take the cupcakes out of the pan immediately! As soon as your matcha cupcakes emerge from the oven, gently remove them from the hot baking pan and transfer them onto a wire rack. Leaving them in the hot pan will allow them to continue cooking from the residual heat, potentially leading to overbaked, dry cupcakes. Cooling on a wire rack ensures even air circulation and stops the baking process promptly.
3. Cool your melted white chocolate for the frosting! This is a critical step for a perfect frosting consistency. Ensure your melted white chocolate is only slightly warm or at room temperature before incorporating it into your cream cheese frosting. Adding hot white chocolate will melt the butter and cream cheese, resulting in a runny, soupy frosting that won’t hold its shape. Patience here will be rewarded with a silky, stable frosting.
4. Play around with toppings! While these cupcakes are delightful on their own, experimenting with different toppings can elevate them further. You can keep it elegantly simple by dusting a light layer of extra matcha powder on top, or add a pop of color and freshness with a perfectly ripe fresh strawberry. For a truly fancy touch, consider a salt-pickled cherry blossom, which offers a beautiful floral note and a stunning visual appeal. Edible gold leaf, candied ginger, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are other fantastic options.

Explore More Delightful Matcha Dessert Recipes

• My matcha oreo blondies are always a guaranteed hit whenever I prepare them!
• For a sophisticated treat, try these matcha financiers, which are moist, buttery almond cake bites exquisitely flavored with matcha.
• If you’re following a vegan diet, you absolutely must try this incredible vegan matcha tiramisu, featuring delicate layers of matcha cake, creamy coconut whipped cream, and a sweet matcha sauce!
• Need a festive matcha dessert for the holidays? These charming Christmas tree matcha cookies are the perfect choice.
• This matcha ice cream is incredibly easy to make at home and utterly delicious!

Indulge in More Irresistible Cupcake Recipes

• These chocolate cupcakes are wonderfully moist and consistently a crowd favorite for any occasion!
• Can’t tolerate dairy? Delight in these fluffy and light dairy-free vanilla cupcakes that prove you don’t need dairy for deliciousness.
• Any fellow Reese’s lover is going to absolutely adore these rich and satisfying chocolate peanut butter cupcakes!
• Do you have a soft spot for carrot cake? Then you must try my incredibly moist carrot cake cupcakes, beautifully topped with a zesty lemon cream cheese frosting.

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