Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, moist cakes, then this Matcha Tres Leches Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! A twist on the classic tres leches cake, this version combines the creamy, dreamy milk soak with the earthy depth of matcha.

The layers are soft, the flavor is uniquely vibrant, and the topping of whipped cream and fresh strawberries adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this matcha-infused treat is sure to impress.

Ingredients List

Matcha Cake Ingredients

To get that soft, fluffy base for your tres leches cake, you’ll need the following ingredients for the matcha cake:

210 g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting the cake pans)
2.5 tablespoons matcha powder (the star of the show, giving the cake its vibrant green color and earthy flavor)
1.75 teaspoons baking powder (to help the cake rise)
A pinch of salt (to balance out the flavors)
175 g unsalted butter, softened (for a rich, moist texture)
325 g granulated sugar (this will sweeten up the matcha flavor)
4 large eggs (room temperature, for the perfect fluffiness)
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic note)
0.5 cup buttermilk (for a tender, moist crumb)

Matcha Buttercream Ingredients

To add a silky finish to your cake, the matcha buttercream is a must! You’ll need:

Unsalted butter, softened
Icing sugar (for a smooth, sweet frosting)
Matcha powder (adds more depth and color)
A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Vanilla extract (for added flavor)
2 drops green food coloring (optional, for a brighter green hue)

Whipped Cream Ingredients

A fluffy, light whipped cream topping balances out the richness of the cake:

1 cup heavy cream (for that perfect texture)
2.5 tablespoons icing sugar (to sweeten the cream)

Toppings

For a fresh, tangy contrast and a pop of color, here are the finishing touches:

Matcha powder for dusting
1 cup strawberries, fresh (for a sweet and juicy topping)

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to make this recipe a breeze:

Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This will help you beat the butter, sugar, and eggs together smoothly and aerate your cake batter.
Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For baking your cake layers.
Piping Bags: For decorating the cake with buttercream.
Sifter: To sift the matcha powder and flour, ensuring there are no clumps.
Whisk: To incorporate the dry ingredients and give the cake batter a smooth texture.
Spatula: To spread the buttercream evenly on the cake and for folding in the whipped cream.
Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool down before frosting and assembling.

These tools will help ensure your Matcha Tres Leches Cake turns out perfect every time!

Preparing the Matcha Cake

Making the matcha cake is the foundation of this indulgent dessert, and it’s quite simple! Follow these steps to create a soft, airy cake that will soak up the tres leches mixture beautifully.

Mixing the Ingredients

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough for the cake to bake evenly. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust them lightly with flour or use parchment paper for easy removal later.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures that there are no clumps in the flour and matcha, creating a smooth batter.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a soft, tender cake!
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help provide structure, and the vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor to complement the matcha.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. Then, add the buttermilk and mix until smooth. The buttermilk will give the cake a moist and tender crumb.

Baking the Cake

Pour the Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even surface.
Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your cakes after 25 minutes.
Cool the Cake: Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Tres Leches Soak

The tres leches soak is what makes this cake irresistibly moist, so don’t skip this step! Here’s how to prepare it:

Making the Tres Leches Soak

Combine the Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk. The combination of these three milks gives the cake its signature rich, creamy texture.
Flavor Adjustment (Optional): If you want to enhance the flavor, feel free to add a few drops of vanilla extract or even a small splash of rum or coffee liqueur for an extra layer of complexity. This step is totally optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a deeper flavor profile.

Assembling the Matcha Tres Leches Cake

Once your matcha cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to soak them in the milky goodness and assemble the layers.

Soaking the Cake

Poke the Cake: Using a fork or skewer, gently poke the surface of each cake layer all over. This helps the tres leches soak seep into the cake more evenly.
Pour the Soak: Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over both cake layers. Start with a generous amount on one layer and allow it to absorb before adding more. The cake should be thoroughly soaked but not swimming in milk, so use the milk mixture to your preference—adding more if you want a super-moist result!
Let the Cake Absorb the Milk: Once the milk has been poured over both cake layers, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or preferably overnight). This allows the cake to absorb the milk and set, becoming even more delicious and moist.

Preparing the Matcha Buttercream and Whipped Cream Topping

While the cake is soaking, let’s prepare the buttercream and whipped cream to create the perfect finishing touches!

Making the Matcha Buttercream

Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add the Powdered Sugar and Matcha: Gradually add the icing sugar and matcha powder to the butter. Beat until smooth. You can adjust the amount of matcha powder depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Flavor and Color: Stir in a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. If you’d like a more vibrant green color, add 2 drops of green food coloring (optional). Beat until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Making the Whipped Cream

Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the whipped cream to be light and airy, not stiff.

Assembling and Decorating the Cake

Now comes the fun part—decorating your matcha tres leches cake! This is where you can get creative with your toppings and presentation.

Frosting and Decorating the Cake

Layer the Cakes: Once the soaked cake layers have fully absorbed the tres leches milk, place the first layer of cake on a serving platter. You may need to gently press it to ensure it sits flat and stable.
Spread the Matcha Buttercream: Using a spatula or a piping bag, evenly spread a layer of the matcha buttercream over the first cake layer. You can either pipe the frosting for a decorative touch or simply smooth it out for a more rustic look.
Add the Whipped Cream: After frosting the first layer, pipe or spread a layer of the whipped cream on top of the buttercream. The whipped cream gives a light, airy contrast to the richness of the matcha frosting.
Top with the Second Layer: Place the second, soaked cake layer on top of the first, gently pressing it down to ensure it sticks.
Finish with Matcha Dusting and Strawberries: For the final touch, dust the top of the cake lightly with matcha powder for that signature green hue. Then, arrange fresh strawberries on top for a burst of color and freshness. The strawberries’ natural sweetness balances out the earthiness of the matcha, creating the perfect contrast.

Serving and Enjoying

This Matcha Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld together, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead of time for even more intense flavor.

How to Serve

Slice and Serve: Once you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into generous portions. Each slice should be moist, flavorful, and beautifully layered with matcha and cream. Serve it chilled, perhaps with a cup of hot green tea or coffee for the perfect pairing.
Occasions: This cake is perfect for any special occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or even casual gatherings. It’s a unique dessert that will surely impress your guests with both its flavor and presentation.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Matcha Tres Leches Cake Fresh

After enjoying your cake, you can store any leftovers to savor later.

Refrigerating the Cake: Store the Matcha Tres Leches Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The milk soak keeps the cake moist, so it should stay fresh and delicious.
Freezing the Cake: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake (without the strawberries and whipped cream topping). Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and top it with fresh whipped cream and strawberries before serving.

Conclusion

This Matcha Tres Leches Cake is the perfect blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist, offering a luscious, creamy texture with the unique flavor of matcha. From the soft, sponge-like cake soaked in a rich milky bath to the smooth matcha buttercream and light whipped cream topping, every bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit.

With the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create a stunning and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. So, get your ingredients ready, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making (and eating) this incredible Matcha Tres Leches Cake!