Name: Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus extra for greasing; 170 grams (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons) superfine granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 170 grams (1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder, sifted; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 100 grams (1/2 cup) superfine granulated sugar; 2 fluid ounces (1/4 cup) water; Juice of 1 lemon; 50 grams (scant 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ounce cream cheese, softened; 200 grams (1 1/2 cups plus 1 1/2 tablespoons) powdered sugar, sifted; 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder, sifted; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten up your baking repertoire with something uniquely refreshing, then the Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This loaf cake perfectly balances the earthy bitterness of matcha green tea powder with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, resulting in a moist, tender crumb infused with vibrant flavors. Topped with a luscious matcha-tinged cream cheese icing and a hint of lemon syrup soaking through, every bite feels like a delicate celebration of taste and texture. It’s the ideal treat for tea time, a weekend brunch, or simply whenever you crave something both sophisticated and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular loaf cake with a dark brown color sits on a white plate, topped with one thick layer of pale green frosting that has a creamy, swirled texture. The frosting is spread evenly across the top with visible gentle curves and peaks. In front of the plate, a shiny silver cake server is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether that’s enriching the flavor, enhancing texture, or adding that stunning green hue that makes it so inviting.

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base ensuring moistness and depth of flavor.
Superfine granulated sugar: Dissolves easily for an even sweetness throughout.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help achieve a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Offers structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely, light rise.
Matcha green tea powder (sifted): Delivers that vibrant color and earthy taste characteristic of matcha.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Lemon zest and juice: Inject a fresh zing that complements the matcha beautifully.
Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cake incredibly tender.
Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
Cream cheese and milk: Combine for a creamy, fluffy icing with perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, subtle sweetness.
Water (for syrup): Helps dissolve sugar and lemon juice, soaking into the cake for extra moistness.

How to Make Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Tin and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf tin, then tap the edges on your countertop to shake off any excess flour. This simple step ensures your cake will come out with a flawless surface and no sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, cream together six ounces of unsalted butter at room temperature with superfine granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this airiness is the secret to a tender cake crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Incorporate three large eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, adding them one at a time and mixing well after each addition. This gradual blending helps maintain the emulsion and keeps your batter from curdling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt. Fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be delicate here.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Yogurt

Now for the fresh zing: stir in the zest and juice of one lemon along with one tablespoon of Greek yogurt. These ingredients brighten the flavors dramatically and keep the loaf wonderfully moist.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven’s middle rack and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean—a classic test for perfection.

Step 7: Make Lemon Sugar Syrup

While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup by combining superfine sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup will inject extra moisture and a glossy layer of tangy sweetness.

Step 8: Soak the Cake and Cool

Once the cake is out of the oven, keep it in its tin and prick the surface all over with a skewer. Pour 4 tablespoons of the lemon sugar syrup onto the cake, letting it soak in deeply. Allow the cake to cool for 20 minutes in the tin—this step builds flavor and tenderness.

Step 9: Prepare the Matcha Icing

Cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and soft. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Next, add sifted matcha powder, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the icing is bright green, fluffy, and silky smooth. This icing is the crowning glory of the loaf.

Step 10: Ice the Cake

Spread the matcha cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake surface. Once iced, your Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe is ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

The image shows a single thick slice of green cake on a white plate, with light green creamy frosting spread thickly on the bottom half of the slice. The cake's texture looks soft and slightly crumbly, with a browned crust on the outside edges. In the background, there is a white rectangular plate holding the rest of the cake, with one slice already cut. The setting includes a white and dark striped fabric under the plate and a white marbled surface as a background. A silver fork rests beside the slice on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a little extra matcha powder or lemon zest over the top of the icing. Fresh lemon slices or edible flowers also add a stunning visual touch and a hint of natural aroma that complements the cake’s flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this loaf with a hot cup of green tea or chamomile to echo the matcha’s gentle earthiness. For a brunch setting, fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side elevate the experience and balance the tangy notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake in thin slices alongside small bowls of matcha powder or lemon curd for guests to customize their bites. You can also cut the loaf into small tea sandwiches or finger-sized pieces for elegant parties. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper makes charming edible gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep delicious and moist in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent choice for making ahead of time.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain loaf (before icing) wrapped well in plastic and aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature and applying the fresh matcha icing before serving.

Reheating

While the cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, slices can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the crumb slightly. Avoid heating the icing directly, as it may melt and lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I use normal green tea powder instead of matcha?

Regular green tea powder will not provide the same vibrant color or distinct flavor as matcha. For the authentic earthiness and visual appeal, it’s best to stick with high-quality, culinary-grade matcha powder.

Is the lemon juice essential in the recipe?

Absolutely! Lemon juice brightens the cake’s flavor and reacts with the baking powder to aid in leavening, plus it balances the earthiness of matcha with a refreshing tang that keeps every bite lively.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With a few substitutions like vegan butter, flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and plant-based yogurt, you can make a version that suits a vegan diet. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly without dairy and eggs.

How can I make the icing less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar amount gradually, tasting as you go. You could also add a bit more cream cheese or a touch of lemon zest to balance sweetness with tang.

What type of matcha powder should I buy?

Look for culinary-grade matcha, which is specifically meant for baking and cooking. It has a robust flavor that stands up well to heat and mixing, unlike ceremonial-grade matcha which is more delicate and used for drinks.

Final Thoughts

This Iced Matcha & Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe is truly a special treat to share with family and friends whenever you want to impress or indulge yourself. Its harmony of vibrant green matcha and lively lemon makes it uniquely refreshing but wonderfully comforting at the same time. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—once you experience each moist, flavorful slice, you’ll be hooked just like I am!