Name: Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g, softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk (120 ml); ¼ cup milk (60 ml); Green food coloring (gel recommended); 1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional); ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 g, softened); 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk); Pinch of salt; Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you have been searching for a delightful twist on classic cupcakes that bring both flavor and a pop of color, this Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend. These cupcakes combine the earthy, slightly sweet taste of matcha powder with a light, tender crumb and a luscious, creamy frosting. It’s a perfect balance of delicate bitterness and sugary charm, transforming any baking day into a celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or simply love vibrant desserts, this recipe delivers stunning results you’ll be proud to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five small white bowls and one large silver mixing bowl on a white marbled surface. The large silver bowl at the left contains a pale yellow liquid. To the right, the top white bowl holds melted yellow butter with a smooth texture. Below it, a small white bowl has a dark green liquid. Beneath that, another white bowl contains two whole brown eggs. To the far right, a white bowl is filled with white granulated sugar, flour, and a small pile of white powder. The arrangement is neat and spaced evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect cupcake – from the flour that shapes the crumb, to the matcha powder that gives it that signature green hue and flavor. Let’s take a look at these simple yet essential components that come together to make magic.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cupcakes and creates a tender texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Provides additional lift and works with the buttermilk for moisture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and matcha.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and works with butter to create a light texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and complements the matcha’s earthiness.
½ cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and reacts with baking soda for lift.
¼ cup milk: Thins the batter slightly to the right consistency.
Green food coloring (gel recommended): Gives that vibrant green color; gel coloring avoids thinning the batter.
1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional): The star ingredient providing that authentic green tea flavor.
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: Base of the creamy frosting that balances the cupcake’s flavor.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and lightens its texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the frosting.
3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk): Ensures a smooth and pipeable frosting texture.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
Optional chocolate shavings or sprinkles: For a decorative, tasty finish.

How to Make Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Bakeware

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners — this simple step ensures your cupcakes won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your oven ready means your batter doesn’t sit too long, helping the cupcakes rise perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes your leavening agents and ensures a consistent texture in every bite. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This creaming process is key because it traps air, resulting in a lighter cupcake crumb. It’s also where the magic of tender texture begins.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract which adds warmth and balances the green tea flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Liquids

Gently mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and milk mixture. This slow integration keeps the batter silky and prevents overworking the flour, which would make your cupcakes dense. Stop mixing as soon as the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Add Matcha and Color

Stir in the green food coloring and matcha powder until the mixture boasts an even, inviting green color. If you love that earthy bite of matcha, don’t skip the powder. The color alone will brighten your kitchen and impress every guest.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for nice, even rising. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then, cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until your frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for piping. This frosting is the sweet, silky companion that balances the matcha’s subtle bitterness wonderfully.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread the frosting onto your cooled cupcakes. Feel free to get creative with decorations — chocolate shavings or sprinkles add a fun texture and visual contrast that’s hard to resist.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part — sharing and savoring these green delights with friends or family, or simply enjoying a moment of indulgence with your cup of tea.

How to Serve Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows a metal mixing bowl filled with smooth, creamy white frosting with soft swirls across the surface, placed on a white marbled texture. To the right of the bowl, there are nine small white paper cupcake liners arranged in three rows of three, each holding a vibrant green cupcake with a slightly domed top and a soft texture visible on the surface. The cupcakes’ green color contrasts vividly with the white liners, and the overall scene looks clean and neatly organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing these cupcakes elevates their presentation and adds an extra touch of flavor and texture. Chocolate shavings offer a rich contrast, while colorful sprinkles bring a festive vibe. You can also dust a light sprinkle of extra matcha powder on top for that elegant green tea finish.

Side Dishes

Green Matcha Cupcakes shine when paired with complementary beverages and treats. Serve alongside a cup of hot jasmine tea or creamy matcha latte to enhance the green tea notes. For a snack platter, fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices can add a bright, refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is everything! Try stacking cupcakes on a tiered stand for parties or placing them in decorative boxes for gifts. You can pipe rosettes of frosting to mimic matcha leaves or use edible flowers for a delicate, garden-inspired look that invites compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the frosting fresh. If your home tends to be warm, refrigeration is fine but bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frost them after thawing to maintain that freshly made taste and beautiful texture.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, let frozen cupcakes thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes, as it can melt the frosting; instead, enjoy them as is or add a fresh swirl of frosting for an extra-special touch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use flax or chia egg replacer for the eggs, and swap buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar. The cupcakes will still have that lovely matcha flavor.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it works just as well to tenderize and create moist cupcakes.

Is matcha powder necessary?

While you can make these cupcakes with just green food coloring, the matcha powder is what truly defines the Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe. It provides an authentic green tea flavor and gentle bitterness that balance the sweet frosting perfectly.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring is best because it delivers vibrant color without thinning the batter. Regular liquid food coloring might affect the texture slightly by adding extra liquid to your batter.

How do I get a smooth frosting for piping?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Beat it well before adding powdered sugar gradually. Add cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you get a creamy, smooth consistency that’s easy to pipe or spread.

Final Thoughts

Making the Green Matcha Cupcakes Recipe is like inviting a little bit of zen and joy into your kitchen. With their beautiful color, unique flavor, and soft texture, these cupcakes are sure to brighten up any occasion or afternoon tea. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the wonderful balance of earthy matcha and sweet frosting as much as I do!