Craving a vibrant green treat that’s ready faster than you can boil water? Our microwave matcha latte cake brings café-quality flavor to your kitchen in 90 seconds flat.
No oven, no patience needed—just a mug, a microwave, and that lingering matcha obsession you’ve been nurturing since 2019. This recipe skips the fuss while delivering that creamy latte swirl we all crave.
We’ll walk you through ingredients, microwaving tricks, and even how to avoid the dreaded “green hockey puck” scenario.
Jump To:
Microwave Matcha Latte Cake
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: Japanese2
5
minutes2
minutes180
kcal7
minutesThis Microwave Matcha Latte Cake is the perfect solution for a quick dessert or a sweet treat during your busy day. With its vibrant green color and rich flavor, it delivers all the comforting essence of a matcha latte in cake form. Made in just a few minutes in the microwave, this easy recipe is both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
sugar
baking powder
salt
matcha green tea powder
almond milk
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
optional: whipped cream or frosting for serving.
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea powder.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Stir until well combined.
- Divide the cake batter evenly into two microwave-safe mugs.
- Microwave on high for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle.
- Let the cakes cool for a minute or two before serving.
- Optionally, top with whipped cream or frosting if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar. If you enjoy extra matcha flavor, you can increase the amount of matcha powder. This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
What is Matcha and Why Use It in a Microwave Cake?
Matcha is a vibrant green powdered green tea from Japan, made by stone-grinding shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, you consume the entire leaf, which packs a concentrated dose of antioxidants like EGCG. My dad George—a self-proclaimed tea snob—first introduced me to ceremonial-grade matcha during a Kyoto trip, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Microwave baking preserves matcha’s delicate flavor better than prolonged oven heat. The quick cook time prevents that bitter, overcooked grassiness John (my perpetually impatient husband) despises. Plus, you get that Instagrammable jade hue without artificial dyes.
What Does a Microwave Matcha Latte Cake Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite latte transformed into cake form—earthy, slightly vegetal matcha mellowed by sweet creaminess. The first time I served this at a family brunch, John eyed it suspiciously (“Is this… moss?”) but devoured it in three bites. The man now requests it weekly. This delightful transformation can be taken even further with a microwave vanilla latte cake, where the rich flavors of vanilla coffee blend perfectly with a fluffy texture. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings for both coffee and dessert in one delicious treat.
Balancing Earthy Matcha With Creamy Latte Flavors
High-quality matcha brings umami depth reminiscent of steamed spinach or fresh-cut grass, while milk or cream softens its edge. Our recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of matcha to dairy—enough to taste the tea’s complexity without overwhelming dessert skeptics. Pro tip: A pinch of salt amplifies the latte’s caramelized milk sugars, making it perfect for our microwave matcha latte cake.
Texture-wise, think moist crumb meets steamed pudding. The microwave’s rapid steam action gives a tender bite similar to Japanese castella cake. Not quite fluffy, not quite dense—just right for slurping alongside actual lattes. This delightful texture also shines in dishes like microwave mocha latte cake, which combines rich coffee flavors and a sweet profile. A quick dessert option, it transforms your microwave into a café-style bakery experience.
Ready to transform your mug into a mini tea ceremony? Let’s raid your pantry.
Ingredients for Microwave Matcha Latte Cake
Gather these pantry staples for your matcha masterpiece. We’re talking basic ingredients with one superstar—ceremonial-grade matcha (trust me, the good stuff matters). My tea-obsessed aunt Mei once tried this with dollar-store green tea powder. Let’s just say her “cake” resembled a swampy hockey puck. If you’re looking to experiment with new flavors, consider incorporating microwave maca powder recipes into your baking. These recipes can add a unique twist while keeping your creations quick and easy.
Essential Ingredients for the Base Recipe
- 2 tsp matcha powder (4g; culinary-grade works but is less vibrant)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (30g)—the backbone
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g) or honey
- 1/4 tsp baking powder—your rise hero
- 3 tbsp milk (45ml; whole milk preferred)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (15ml; avocado or vegetable)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract—flavor booster
- 1 large egg—bind it all together
Substitutes for Dietary Needs or Pantry Staples
No eggs? No problem. My vegan friend Jess swears by 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water as a binder. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with 30g 1:1 GF blend (Bob’s Red Mill works). Out of milk? Almond, oat, or even cooled green tea (meta!) add unique twists. Speaking of quick meals, a 2 minute microwave tofu scramble is a fantastic vegan breakfast option you can whip up in no time.
If you’re sugar-shy, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener can replace granulated sugar 1:1. Just avoid liquid stevia—it turns cakes into rubber. Learned that the hard way during my 2020 lockdown baking phase. When using sugar-free ingredients in the microwave, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can ruin the dish. Be mindful of how these sweeteners react when heated, as improper use can lead to unexpected results.
Also See: Garlic Parmesan Asparagus (Microwave Crisped) – Quick & Easy
How to Make Microwave Matcha Latte Cake
Time to wield that microwave like a pro. Total active time? 3 minutes. Less than scrolling through TikTok for latte art inspiration. For those who love quick and tasty drinks, making a golden milk latte can be done in just two minutes as well. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of turmeric and spices in your daily routine.
Detailed Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a 12-oz mug, sift matcha, flour, sugar, and baking powder. Clumpy matcha = bitter streaks. Be ruthless with that sifter!
- Add wet ingredients: Crack in the egg, pour milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until just combined—10-12 strokes max. A few lumps? They’re flavor pockets.
- Microwave: Cook on high (800W) for 90 seconds. If your microwave is weaker (700W), add 15 seconds. It should dome proudly like a mini mountain.
Common Mistakes (Overmixing, Wrong Cook Time) and Fixes
- Overmixed batter = tough cake. Stir until no dry streaks remain, then STOP. Pretend it’s a fragile relic.
- Undercooked center? Toothpick test. If wet, microwave in 10-second bursts. Max 30 seconds extra—it keeps cooking post-microwave.
- Dry edges? Your mug’s too small. Use a deep 12-oz+ vessel. No one wants a cake that’s 50% crust.
Also See: Microwave Tilapia Fish Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Tips for a Fluffy, Moist Microwave Matcha Latte Cake
Want that castella-like fluff? Sift twice. Once with dry ingredients, again after adding wet. My Japanese host mom taught me this—it aerates the batter for lift. Additionally, for those looking to explore unique baking techniques, microwave flour is a fascinating option. This process can enhance the texture of various baked goods, ensuring a light and airy result.
For extra moisture, swap 1 tsp oil with 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo (sounds weird, tastes divine). And let the cake rest 2 minutes post-microwave. Steam continues “baking” it gently. Similarly, using Greek yogurt in a quick pancake mug recipe can add both flavor and a fluffy texture, making it a great option for a quick breakfast. A 2-minute microwave Greek yogurt pancake mug is an easy, delicious treat that you can whip up in no time.
Oh, and if your matcha’s dull? Add 1/8 tsp spirulina powder. Not traditional, but your Instagram likes won’t know the difference. For a fun twist, try incorporating microwaved matcha powder into DIY face masks. Microwaving brings out its vibrant color and potential benefits for your skin.
Now that your cake is steaming and splendid, let’s ensure it stays that way—even days later.
How to Store and Reheat Your Microwave Matcha Latte Cake
Freshly microwaved matcha latte cake tastes best, but we’ve all had those “eyes bigger than stomach” moments. To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely—steam trapped in a container turns it soggy. My roommate once sealed a warm slice in Tupperware overnight. The result? A green sponge worthy of dishwashing duty. On a related note, a 2-minute microwave matcha latte mug cake can be a quick and delightful treat, perfect for satisfying those sudden cravings without the hassle of excess leftovers.
Transfer cooled cake to an airtight container. It keeps at room temperature for 8 hours or refrigerated for 3 days. For reheating, place a damp paper towel over the slice and microwave 15-20 seconds. The steam revives that just-baked tenderness, much like when you cook cake in the microwave initially.
Can You Freeze Microwave Matcha Latte Cake?
Absolutely! Freezing works best with the cake sliced or cubed. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. My freezer stash once saved me during a 2 a.m. matcha craving—a true hero moment.
Thaw frozen cake overnight in the fridge or zap it for 30-45 seconds (defrost mode first, then 50% power). Texture shifts slightly—expect more fudgy than fluffy—but the flavor stays vibrant for 2 months. Pro tip: Label your stash. Future you will appreciate not mistaking it for frozen pesto.
Now that your cake’s longevity is sorted, let’s jazz things up with creative twists…
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Matcha Magic!
We’ve covered everything from selecting premium matcha powder to nailing that perfect fluffy texture in under 90 seconds. This microwave matcha latte cake gives you restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort—no fancy equipment or baking skills required.
Whether you’re craving a solo treat or impressing guests with your microwave mastery, this vibrant green delight delivers. Tag us CanYouMicrowaveWiki with your creations—we’d love to see your matcha masterpieces!