How to Bake Matcha Gateau Recipe Like a Pro at Home

Bringing Tradition & Wellness Together in Matcha Gateau

Hi, I’m Mia, the chef and creator behind EatBrightly, where wholesome food meets vibrant flavors. Living here in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, I’ve always been drawn to recipes that nourish both the body and the soul and this matcha gateau recipe is one of my favorite indulgent yet balanced desserts.

My love for desserts like this gateau started long before I ever whisked my first batch of matcha. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, Sunday dinners were sacred, and family recipes were the heart of our table. Over time and after a few personal health wake-up calls, I began blending tradition with wellness, experimenting with nutrient-rich ingredients like matcha to bring both flavor and benefits to my baking.

This matcha gateau au chocolat is a perfect example of what I believe in: food that’s intentional, seasonal, and joyful. No formal culinary school training here just years of trial, error, and vibrant, plant-forward cooking. I’ve learned that desserts can be decadent and still offer healthful perks when made with quality, thoughtful ingredients.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a cafe-quality matcha gateau that’s rich, tender, and beautifully green. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this guide will help you achieve that perfect balance of earthy matcha, smooth chocolate, and delicate sweetness.

Ready to whisk up some magic? Let’s dive in.

If you’re as passionate about matcha as I am, you’ll love exploring my full collection of 7 matcha recipes featuring vibrant drinks, indulgent desserts, and creative flavor pairings. It’s the perfect place to find your next green tea-inspired treat.

Matcha Gateau Explained: Flavor, Style, and Charm

What is Matcha Gateau?

Matcha gateau is a decadent twist on the classic French gâteau au chocolat, replacing cocoa’s deep bitterness with the earthy, slightly sweet taste of Japanese green tea powder. The result is a cake that’s moist, rich, and surprisingly light, with a stunning natural green hue that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.

While the French gateau traditionally leans heavily on chocolate, the matcha version highlights a more delicate flavor profile—smooth, grassy notes layered with subtle sweetness. It’s a dessert that feels sophisticated without being fussy, perfect for everything from afternoon tea to dinner parties.

Why Matcha is Perfect for Gateau Recipes

I love using matcha in baking because it brings more than just color, it brings character. Matcha’s natural umami pairs beautifully with creamy ingredients like butter, cream, and white chocolate, creating a balanced richness in desserts.

There’s also the added wellness bonus: matcha is packed with antioxidants and gentle caffeine, making it a more mindful indulgence. In my kitchen, I’ve found that using high-quality ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha ensures the best flavor bright, smooth, and never bitter.

This combination of flavor, aesthetics, and health benefits is why I keep coming back to matcha gateau recipes. They’re proof that desserts can be both indulgent and intentional.

If you’re looking for another soft, moist, and flavorful matcha dessert, my matcha cake recipe offers a lighter, fluffier alternative that still delivers that signature green tea richness.

Ingredients for the Perfect Matcha Gateau

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

A truly great matcha gateau recipe starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this cake is that every component has a purpose, and when each one shines, the result is magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Matcha Powder – The star ingredient. Choose a bright green, smooth-tasting matcha for the best flavor and color.
• White Chocolate – Balances matcha’s earthiness with creamy sweetness. Use a bar with at least 30% cocoa butter.
• Butter – Unsalted and high quality, so it melts into the batter without overpowering the matcha.
• Eggs – They give structure and richness to the cake, creating that signature dense yet soft texture.
• Sugar – Just enough to enhance the matcha without masking its flavor.
• Flour – A light, low-protein flour works best to keep the crumb tender.

These classic ingredients work together to create a cake that’s rich yet balanced, indulgent yet light.

Choosing the Right Matcha Powder

When baking, the matcha you choose makes all the difference both in flavor and appearance. I recommend:

• Culinary-Grade Matcha – Ideal for baking, as it blends smoothly and maintains its vibrant green color even when heated.
• Ceremonial-Grade Matcha – More delicate and expensive, perfect if you want a luxurious finish and deeper flavor.

Tip: Always sift your matcha before adding it to the batter. This prevents clumping and ensures an even, silky texture in the finished cake.

For this matcha gateau au chocolat, I like to use a culinary-grade matcha for baking, and a small dusting of ceremonial-grade matcha on top for presentation.

For more guidance on selecting quality matcha, Bon Appétit shares their top picks for the best matcha powders, perfect for both sipping and baking elegant desserts like matcha gateau.

Step-by-Step Matcha Gateau Recipe

Preparing the Batter

Creating the perfect matcha gateau is all about balance smooth mixing, careful folding, and just the right baking time. Here’s my go-to method:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the sides.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter – In a heatproof bowl, melt 6 oz (170 g) white chocolate and ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter over a double boiler, stirring until silky smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar – In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened. This adds lightness to the dense texture.
4. Add Matcha Powder – Sift in 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder directly into the egg mixture, whisking gently to avoid lumps.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients – Slowly fold the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-matcha base. Mix gently to preserve the batter’s airy texture.
6. Incorporate Flour – Sift in ¼ cup (30 g) cake flour and fold just until incorporated. Do not overmix—this is key for a soft crumb.

Baking the Gateau to Perfection

1. Pour and Smooth – Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
3. Cool – Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing. This resting time helps it set into that signature fudgy texture.
4. Dust and Decorate – For a professional finish, dust the top lightly with matcha powder or powdered sugar.

This method creates a cafe-quality matcha gateau that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced in flavor.

Tips for Achieving Cafe-Quality Matcha Gateau

Techniques Used by Professional Pastry Chefs

A truly exceptional matcha gateau is all about precision. Professional pastry chefs rely on a few key techniques to ensure consistency, flavor, and presentation:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can cause the batter to separate, resulting in an uneven texture.
• Avoid Overbaking – Matcha gateau is meant to have a slightly moist, dense center. Pull it from the oven as soon as the edges set and the center has a gentle jiggle.
• Sift Matcha Carefully – Even the highest-quality matcha can clump. Sifting it not only prevents lumps but also creates a smoother, more vibrant batter.
• Cool Completely Before Serving – Letting the cake rest at least an hour ensures the texture firms without becoming dry.

How to Make Cafe-Quality Matcha

If you want your matcha flavor to shine like it does at your favorite cafe, the secret is all in preparation:

1. Choose the Right Grade – Use a fresh culinary-grade matcha for baking and ceremonial-grade for garnishing.
2. Bloom the Matcha – Whisk the matcha with a small amount of warm water before adding it to the batter. This releases its aroma and ensures even flavor.
3. Balance Sweetness and Earthiness – Matcha can be slightly bitter. Pairing it with high-quality white chocolate or a touch of honey keeps the flavor smooth.

These tips are the difference between a good cake and a matcha gateau recipe that tastes like it came straight from a patisserie.

Common Matcha Baking Questions Answered

Can I Add Matcha to Cake Mix?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, adding matcha to a boxed cake mix is a simple way to infuse earthy flavor and beautiful green color. Start with 1–2 tablespoons of sifted matcha powder, whisk it into the dry mix, and proceed as usual. I recommend pairing it with a vanilla or white cake mix so the matcha flavor really shines.

What Does Matcha Do in Baking?

In baking, matcha brings more than just color. It adds a delicate umami depth, a gentle grassy sweetness, and a vibrant aroma. It also contributes antioxidants and gentle caffeine, making desserts feel just a bit more mindful. The key is balance too much matcha can turn the flavor bitter.

Does Matcha Turn Brown When Baked?

Good matcha should stay green after baking, but the shade depends on the quality of your matcha and your oven temperature. Low-quality matcha can fade to yellow-brown, while fresh, high-grade matcha keeps its vivid green. Baking at a lower temperature (around 325°F / 160°C) also helps preserve the color.

These are some of the most common concerns I hear about matcha gateau recipes, and with a little attention to ingredients and technique, the results can be consistently beautiful and flavorful.

Sweetening Matcha Gateau

What Cafes Use to Sweeten Their Matcha

In many cafes, matcha drinks and desserts are sweetened with a variety of natural and refined sweeteners depending on the flavor profile they want to highlight. For matcha gateau recipes, popular options include:

• White Chocolate – A natural choice for baking, adding creaminess while smoothing out matcha’s earthy notes.
• Simple Syrup – Dissolved sugar or honey water blends seamlessly without altering texture.
• Coconut Sugar – Adds a subtle caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with green tea.
• Condensed Milk – Common in Asian-inspired cafes, adding both sweetness and richness.

The key is moderation sweetness should enhance matcha, not overpower it.

Adjusting Sweetness for Different Palates

At home, you can control sweetness based on your preference:

• For a Balanced Dessert – Stick to the recipe’s sugar measurement (usually ½ cup per 8-inch cake).
• For a Sweeter Palate – Increase sugar slightly or drizzle the finished cake with white chocolate ganache.
• For Less Sweetness – Reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two, but avoid removing it completely as sugar also affects texture and moisture.

I always say, when baking a matcha gateau au chocolat, taste is personal—so don’t be afraid to adjust sweetness until it’s just right for you.

Matcha vs Coffee – Which is Healthier?

Nutritional Comparison of Matcha and Coffee

Both matcha and coffee offer energy boosts, but how they work in the body is quite different. As someone who’s walked the line between clean eating and comfort food, I’ve explored both in my kitchen and my daily routine.

Coffee delivers a strong hit of caffeine great for quick energy but sometimes followed by jitters or a crash. It’s also naturally acidic, which can irritate some people’s digestion.

Matcha, on the other hand, provides a gentler caffeine lift thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. A single cup of matcha contains about 25–35 mg of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in brewed coffee. Plus, matcha is consumed whole (you drink the entire leaf), so you’re getting a hit of antioxidants, particularly EGCG, known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-supporting benefits.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Health Benefits of Matcha in Desserts

When added to desserts like matcha gateau, you’re not just getting a flavor upgrade—you’re sneaking in some wellness perks too.

• Antioxidants: Matcha is rich in catechins, which support heart health and fight oxidative stress.
• Mindful Energy: Unlike coffee, matcha’s slow-releasing energy makes it perfect for afternoon treats without disrupting your rhythm.
• Mood Support: The calming effect of L-theanine can counteract the stress many people associate with sugar or caffeine.

So, is matcha healthier than coffee? It depends on your body and your needs. But when it comes to baking, I love that matcha gateau gives you indulgence and a nutritional edge.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Garnishing Your Matcha Gateau

A well-presented matcha gateau doesn’t just taste amazing it looks stunning. Small touches can make it cafe-worthy:

• Matcha Dusting – Lightly sift a thin layer of ceremonial-grade matcha over the cooled cake for a vibrant finish.
• Powdered Sugar Pattern – Use a stencil to dust powdered sugar in patterns for contrast against the green surface.
• Chocolate Drizzle – White or dark chocolate can be drizzled over the top for an elegant touch.
• Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring brightness and a pop of color.
• Edible Flowers – Pansies or violets add sophistication for special occasions.

For a no-bake twist that’s just as indulgent, try my matcha tiramisu recipe layers of matcha-soaked ladyfingers, silky mascarpone cream, and a dusting of vibrant green tea powder.

Pairing Matcha Gateau with Drinks

Pairing the right beverage enhances the flavor experience of matcha gateau au chocolat:

• Green Tea Latte – A smooth pairing that deepens the matcha flavor profile.
• Lightly Sweetened Iced Matcha – Perfect for warmer days, keeping the flavor crisp and refreshing.
• Earl Grey or Jasmine Tea – Floral teas balance the richness of the cake.
• Sparkling Water with Citrus – A palate cleanser that keeps the dessert from feeling too heavy.

With thoughtful garnishes and pairings, your matcha gateau recipe transforms from a simple cake to a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

FAQ Section

Final Thoughts on Perfecting the Matcha Gateau Recipe

Baking a matcha gateau is more than just following a recipe it’s an experience. From carefully sifting the matcha to the first bite of that fudgy, earthy cake, every step is a celebration of flavor, craft, and balance. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity: quality ingredients, mindful technique, and a touch of patience.

Whether you’re making it for a quiet afternoon tea or as the showstopper at a gathering, this matcha gateau recipe delivers elegance and comfort in one slice.

Encouragement to Experiment and Enjoy

As with all things in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to make this cake your own. Try adjusting sweetness, experimenting with garnishes, or pairing it with different drinks. The more you bake, the more you’ll find your own rhythm just like I did through years of trial, error, and joyful discovery.

Here’s to baking with color, care, and curiosity. I hope this matcha gateau brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

The Ultimate Matcha Gateau Recipe (Moist, Rich, and Easy!)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A rich, tender matcha gateau that blends the earthy elegance of Japanese green tea powder with smooth white chocolate for a perfectly balanced, cafe-quality dessert.

• Author: Mia Langston
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 oz (170 g) white chocolate
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
• 1/4 cup (30 g) cake flour
• Extra matcha powder or powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
2. Melt white chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
4. Sift matcha powder into the egg mixture, whisking gently to combine.
5. Fold the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-matcha mixture gently to maintain an airy texture.
6. Sift in cake flour and fold just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are set but center still has a slight jiggle.
9. Cool completely in the pan before removing.
10. Dust with matcha powder or powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality culinary-grade matcha for baking and ceremonial-grade for garnish. Avoid overbaking to keep the center moist and tender.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: matcha gateau, green tea cake, matcha dessert, gateau au chocolat, Japanese dessert