Indulge in the rich, creamy, and subtly earthy flavor of this Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe. Perfectly moist and soaked with a luscious milk mixture, this cake brings the best of Japanese green tea into a classic Latin dessert. Every bite delivers a soft, tender crumb infused with the delicate bitterness of matcha, balanced by the sweetness of the tres leches milk soak. This dessert is not just a cake—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat for your loved ones.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why You’ll Love This Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Moist & Flavorful: Each slice absorbs the creamy milk soak for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unique Fusion: Combines Japanese matcha with a classic Latin tres leches for a one-of-a-kind dessert.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and natural matcha powder.
Impress Guests: Elegant presentation with a light green hue and creamy topping.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust milk or whipped cream to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
Healthy Boost: Antioxidant-rich matcha adds a subtle health benefit.
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon matcha powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Milk Soak
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional, for extra flavor and color)
For the Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: extra matcha powder for dusting
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:
Use high-quality ceremonial matcha for vibrant color and authentic flavor.
Whole milk in the batter helps achieve a tender crumb.
Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free twist.
How to Make This Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. This ensures the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and matcha flavor.
3. Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick. This creates volume and a rich texture in the cake.
4. Add Milk and Vanilla
Blend in milk and vanilla extract until smooth. The liquid helps hydrate the flour and integrate flavors.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.
6. Whip Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. This step ensures a light, airy cake.
7. Fold Egg Whites into Batter
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in batches to maintain airiness.
8. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the milk soak.
10. Prepare Milk Soak Mixture
Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and optional matcha powder.
11. Soak the Cake
Poke holes all over the cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring full absorption.
12. Chill the Cake
Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. This deepens flavor and creates ultimate moistness.
13. Make the Topping
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled cake. Dust lightly with matcha for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Perfect Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
How Do I Make It Extra Moist?
Ensure the cake is slightly underbaked and poke holes evenly for optimal milk absorption.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! The cake improves in flavor after a night in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent drying.
What Type of Matcha is Best?
Ceremonial-grade matcha is preferred for flavor and vibrant color, but culinary-grade works for budget-friendly baking.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with fresh berries for color contrast.
Serve in small squares with a dusting of matcha for elegant plating.
Crosslink idea: Complement with Green Tea Ice Cream or Japanese Cheesecake for a themed dessert menu.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Milk-soaked cakes freeze well—wrap tightly and thaw overnight.
Serve chilled for the best texture.
FAQs
Is this cake gluten-free?
No, but you can substitute with all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I make a vegan version?
Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milks, and coconut cream for topping. Adjust soaking ratio slightly.
Why is my cake not absorbing the milk?
Poke sufficient holes evenly. Slightly underbaking helps absorption.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days. For best flavor, consume within 2–3 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust bake time accordingly.
Variations
Japanese Style: Add a thin layer of matcha custard between cake layers.
Chocolate Matcha: Sprinkle white chocolate chips into batter.
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar substitutes and unsweetened condensed milk.
Conclusion
This Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe combines the luxurious creaminess of tres leches with the unique flavor of Japanese matcha, resulting in a dessert that’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Share this recipe with friends, or impress your family with a dessert that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag your creation for everyone to see!