Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of indulging in a dessert that feels both decadent and refreshingly light, the Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake is going to steal your heart. This elegant Japanese Fusion treat brings together the vibrant green hues and earthy bitterness of matcha with the delicate airiness of a mousse, creating a dessert that feels like a serene moment captured on a plate. With every bite, you experience tender sponge cake infused with matcha, layered under a luxuriously smooth matcha mousse that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re entertaining guests or seeking a special sweet treat for yourself, this Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake will brighten your day with its beautiful color and perfectly balanced flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the soft structure of the cake or adding that unmistakable depth of matcha flavor and creamy texture in the mousse. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this delicate dessert to life.

• 1 cup flour: Provides a light and tender structure for the cake base.
• ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens both the cake and mousse without overpowering the delicate matcha taste.
• 3 eggs: Adds richness and stability to the cake’s fluffy sponge texture.
• 2 tbsp matcha powder: The key ingredient, delivering that earthy, vibrant green tea flavor and color to the cake.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the sponge rise to a perfect, airy consistency.
• ½ cup almond milk: Adds subtle nuttiness and moisture, making the cake tender.
• ¼ cup oil: Keeps the sponge moist and soft over time.
• 1 cup coconut cream: The base of the mousse, providing a rich and creamy mouthfeel without dairy.
• 2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the mousse gently, balancing the bitterness of matcha.
• 1 tbsp matcha powder (dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water): Ensures a smooth, vibrant matcha flavor in the mousse layer.
• 1 tsp agar-agar: A plant-based gelatin substitute to set the mousse perfectly while keeping it light.

How to Make Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Matcha Sponge Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C to ensure it’s ready once your batter is made. Start beating the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, signaling that enough air has been incorporated. This fluffy base is essential for the light texture we’re aiming for. Next, gently mix in the almond milk and oil, which will bring moisture and tenderness. Then sift together the flour, matcha powder, and baking powder, folding them carefully into the wet ingredients. Pour this beautifully green batter into a lined pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching closely so it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.

Step 2: Make the Luscious Matcha Mousse

While the cake bakes, heat the coconut cream and sugar gently until warm but not boiling. Dissolve the agar-agar in this mixture thoroughly; this ingredient is the secret to holding the mousse’s airy, silky texture without heaviness. Whisk in the matcha powder dissolved in hot water, which infuses the mousse with that signature vibrant color and subtle bitterness. Let this mousse cool just slightly—warm mousse poured onto a cooled cake could ruin that perfect set.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Once your vibrant green tea sponge cake has completely cooled, pour the mousse mixture evenly over the top. Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least two hours. This waiting game is worth every minute as the mousse sets into a fluffy but firm layer that brings everything together into one harmonious dessert. Patience here pays off with a cake that delights both the eyes and the palate.

How to Serve Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake

Garnishes

Presentation is where the Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake can truly shine. A light dusting of fine matcha powder on top enhances the velvety green finish, offering that signature look plus an extra hint of flavor. For a personal and authentic touch, place a minimalist bamboo whisk beside your served slice. It adds elegance and connects the cake visually to its Japanese tea ceremony roots.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderfully versatile at the table. Pair it with a lightly sweetened cup of hojicha (roasted green tea) or a mild jasmine tea to complement and contrast the matcha’s earthiness. For those who want a cool contrast, a small scoop of yuzu or lemon sorbet works beautifully to brighten every bite without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Experiment by serving the Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake in individual clear glass cups layered with crumbled matcha sponge and mousse for a modern twist. Add edible flowers or gold leaf on the mousse top for a luxurious touch at special occasions. Another idea is slicing the cake thinly and stacking layers for a petite, delicate dessert tower that looks stunning on any dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain its mousse texture for up to 3 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance or enjoying over a few days without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it securely in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to ensure the mousse softens just right and the flavors remain vibrant.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, to bring out a bit of warmth, you can serve slices slightly closer to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. This subtle warming helps the mousse soften and brings forward the matcha’s nuanced flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular gelatin instead of agar-agar in the mousse?

Yes, you can substitute gelatin for agar-agar in this recipe. Use about half the amount of gelatin and bloom it in cold water before adding to the warm coconut cream. Keep in mind agar-agar sets firmer and is plant-based, which keeps the mousse light and suitable for vegetarians.

Is almond milk necessary, or can I use another milk?

Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the earthiness of matcha, but feel free to use any plant-based or dairy milk you prefer. Just keep it unsweetened to avoid changing the cake’s balance of flavors.

How do I get the matcha powder to dissolve smoothly in the mousse?

Always dissolve matcha in hot water before whisking it into the mousse base. This prevents lumps and ensures a vibrant, smooth green color with a clean, concentrated flavor.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Almost! The mousse is already vegan thanks to coconut cream and agar-agar. To make the sponge vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, and use plant-based milk and oil as specified. Note that texture may vary slightly.

What if I want a more intense matcha flavor?

You can increase the matcha powder slightly in both the sponge and mousse, but take care not to add too much, or it may become bitter. Using high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder will also deliver a richer yet smooth taste.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Matcha Green Tea Mousse Cake inspires you to put on your apron and create something both beautiful and exceptionally delicious. It’s one of those desserts that feels special yet is surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a little moment of calm. The vibrant green color, the elegant texture, and the delicate balance of sweet and earthy flavors make it a standout treat you’ll want to make again and again.