This matcha buttercream recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet buttercream with the earthy, umami taste of matcha. Green tea frosting is an irresistible topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies, the ideal pick for matcha lovers.
If you like green tea, you'll definitely want to check out my matcha cake recipe and my dalgona matcha.
Jump to:
✔️ Why This Recipe is Great
Easy to Make: this matcha frosting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to whip up a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick prep, a batch can be made even by complete beginners.
Balanced Flavor: the combination of sweet and umami flavors in this frosting will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Healthy Option: eating healthier doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction - other than the sugar, which can be swapped for powdered allulose, this recipe is packed with green tea to leave you feeling energized and satisfied without the guilt.
🥛 Ingredients
Unsalted Butter: make sure the butter is softened at room temperature to make green tea frosting that's ready to use immediately on a cake. If you're using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.
Powdered Sugar: this cannot be swapped for a granulated sweetener, though you can use a sugar-free sweetener like allulose powder.
Matcha Powder: this thin powder can vary in color intensity, so if you want a brighter green, you may need to add a bit more matcha powder. Just do so carefully, as will can affect the flavor. Matcha has a distinctive taste that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and creaminess of the green tea buttercream - be sure to taste as you go to ensure the balance of flavors is just right for your palate.
Whole Milk or Cream: this helps to bring the dough together and adds moisture to the cookies - you can use either whole milk or cream, depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract: optional, for added flavor and aroma to balance out the bitter, concentrated green tea flavor.
See recipe card for exact ingredients and quantities.
🥣 How to Make Green Tea Frosting (Step-by-Step)
Step 1) Sift together the matcha and powdered sugar into a medium bowl, then set the mixture aside for a moment (image 1).
Step 2) In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it's creamy and smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes (image 2).
Step 3) Gradually add the sifted matcha sugar mixture to the butter, beating on low speed at first to incorporate the sugar, then increasing to medium to lightly whip the mixture. Continue mixing until the frosting is well combined and starts to look fluffy, with a bright green hue (images 3 to 5).
Pro Tip
Sifting the matcha and sugar helps to prevent any clumps in your frosting and ensures a smooth, professional finish. Don't skip this step!
Step 4) Pour in the vanilla extract and salt (if using), and mix until they're fully incorporated into the frosting (image 6).
Step 5) Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, only adding more liquid until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable, but still hold its shape (image 7).
Step 6) Once everything is well combined, give the frosting a final whip on high speed for about 1 minute to add some extra fluffiness, then refrigerate or use it immediately.
🌟 Variations
- Deluxe Matcha Frosting - to make the green tea topping even more indulgent, try adding a splash of melted white chocolate to the mixture.
- Tropical Twist - instead of using milk or cream, try using coconut milk to create a subtly sweet and creamy frosting with a hint of tropical flavor.
- Vegan Matcha Icing - for a dairy-free option, swap the butter for vegan butter and use non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk.
🎂 Storage and Use
Matcha buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you're planning on making it ahead of time, take the frosting out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before using (about 4 hours).
👨🏻🍳 Expert Notes & Tips
Troubleshooting Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. If the butter is too cold, the frosting will be lumpy; if it's too warm, it won't hold up well.
More Matcha Flavor: If you want a stronger matcha flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of matcha powder, but be careful, as it can become deeply bitter.
Serving Suggestions: This frosting pairs beautifully with matcha cookies or matcha loaf cake, plus some fresh sliced strawberries or pineapple rings.
❓ Other Delicious Asian Desserts
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
American buttercream is a type of frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and sometimes vanilla. French buttercream differs in that it uses egg yolks in the base, creating a richer and creamier texture & flavor profile.
Matcha buttercream can be used as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, or even as a filling for macarons. It's a versatile frosting that pairs well with many other dessert options, either as a topping or filling.
Buttercream is a lighter toping made with butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings, while frosting is a broader type which can include other ingredients such as cream cheese or shortening.
Avoid over-mixing the buttercream, as this can cause it to become too soft and lose its shape. Also, be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as this can also affect the texture and consistency of the frosting.
Have you tried this recipe?
If you like the recipe, please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe card, or even a comment! I love to hear how your recipes turned out, and your feedback can help other readers! Also join us on Facebook & Pinterest.
📖 Recipe
Matcha Buttercream (Recipe for Green Tea Frosting)
Equipment
- hand mixer
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1-2 tablespoon dairy-free milk alt. heavy cream or coocnut milk
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Sift together the matcha and powdered sugar into a medium bowl, then set the mixture aside for a moment.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it's creamy and smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted matcha sugar mixture to the butter, beating on low speed at first to incorporate the sugar, then increasing to medium to lightly whip the mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture is well combined and starts to look fluffy, with a bright green hue.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until they're fully incorporated into the frosting.
- Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, only adding more liquid until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable, but still hold its shape.
- Once everything is well combined, give the frosting a final whip on high speed for about 1 minute to add some extra fluffiness, then refrigerate or use it immediately.
Comments
No Comments