Elegant Matcha Cake 🍵✨

A refined matcha cake with a delicate balance of flavors and a minimal yet sophisticated design—perfect for Virgo’s love of elegance and precision.

Ingredients

For the Matcha Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons matcha powder (high-quality, ceremonial grade for best flavor)
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)

For the White Chocolate Matcha Ganache:

• 6 oz (170g) white chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder

For the Minimalist Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

For Decoration:

• A light dusting of matcha powder
• Edible flowers or thinly sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

Make the Matcha Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
5. Mix in sour cream.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the White Chocolate Matcha Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped white chocolate.
2. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Sift in matcha powder and mix well. Let cool until slightly thickened.

Make the Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.
2. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting.
2. Drizzle a bit of matcha ganache over the frosting.
3. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a smooth, minimalist finish.

Elegant Virgo-Approved Decoration:

• Lightly dust matcha powder over the top for a refined touch.
• Add edible flowers or thinly sliced almonds for subtle sophistication.

🍵 A delicate, balanced, and beautifully understated cake—just like Virgo!