Cinnamon matcha coffee cake is a unique and flavorful twist on classic coffee cake, combining the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha with the warmth of cinnamon. This soft, moist cake features a delicious cinnamon streusel topping and a hint of green tea, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors – The earthy matcha and warm cinnamon create a harmonious blend.
- Perfect Coffee Pairing – A great companion to your morning or afternoon coffee.
- Moist and Soft – A tender crumb with a crunchy streusel topping.
- Simple Ingredients – Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Visually Stunning – The green hue from matcha adds a unique touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ⅓ cup milk
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan or loaf pan.
- Prepare the streusel topping – In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
- Cream the butter and sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and wet ingredients – Mix in the eggs, vanilla, Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth.
- Combine the batter – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Assemble the cake – Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle a little streusel, then add the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the glaze (optional) – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Stronger Matcha Flavor – Increase matcha powder to 1 tablespoon for a bolder taste.
- Extra Crunch – Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the streusel topping.
- Chocolate Twist – Stir in white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Less Sweet – Reduce the sugar slightly for a more subtle sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Freezing – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use ceremonial-grade matcha?
Yes, but culinary-grade matcha is recommended for baking since it has a stronger flavor.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal, but a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend can also be used.
Can I make this cake without streusel?
Yes, but the streusel adds a delicious crunch and extra cinnamon flavor.
How do I prevent the matcha from clumping?
Sift the matcha powder with the flour to evenly distribute it in the batter.
Is this cake very sweet?
No, it has a balanced sweetness with the slight bitterness of matcha.
Can I use a different type of tea?
You can substitute matcha with finely ground hojicha for a roasted tea flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, it stays fresh for a few days and actually tastes better as the flavors meld.
Can I add cinnamon to the batter?
Yes, a little cinnamon in the batter can enhance the warmth of the cake.
Do I need to refrigerate this cake?
No, but refrigerating can help it stay fresh longer, especially in warm climates.
Conclusion
Cinnamon matcha coffee cake is a beautifully balanced treat with earthy matcha, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast cake, afternoon snack, or dessert, this cake is sure to impress with its unique flavors and comforting texture. Try it for your next baking project and savor the fusion of flavors!
Print
Cinnamon Matcha Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Matcha Coffee Cake is a unique twist on the classic coffee cake, combining earthy matcha with warm cinnamon for a perfectly balanced treat. With a soft, moist crumb, a delicious cinnamon swirl, and a crunchy streusel topping, this cake pairs beautifully with a morning latte or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan.
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Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
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Prepare the Streusel: In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
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Combine: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream/milk mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly. Add the remaining batter and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the streusel topping.
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Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with coffee or tea!
Notes
- Use high-quality matcha for the best flavor and color.
- Substitute buttermilk for milk for extra moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-Inspired)
