Get ready for a baking project that’s as fun to make as it is beautiful to eat! In this recipe, we’re swirling two perfect flavors into one stunning dessert: the rich, earthy notes of decaf matcha and the sweet comfort of a classic vanilla pound cake. Each slice reveals a gorgeous, unique marble pattern that looks like a work of art.
And since we’re using decaf matcha, you can enjoy this delicious treat any time of day without a second thought. From gathering your ingredients to pulling the final, fragrant loaf from the oven, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Let’s bake a cake that looks as incredible as it tastes!
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
For the Matcha Batter:
- 1 tablespoon decaf matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Make the Base Batter: On low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the ½ cup of milk (begin and end with flour). Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the Batter: Transfer about one-third of the batter (approx. 1 heaping cup) to a separate, smaller bowl.
- Create Matcha Paste: In a small cup, whisk the decaf matcha powder with the 2 tablespoons of milk until a smooth paste forms.
- Make the Matcha Batter: Add the matcha paste to the smaller portion of batter and stir gently until the color is uniform.
- Marble the Batters: Drop alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and matcha batters into the prepared loaf pan.
- Create the Swirl: Once all batter is in the pan, insert a skewer or knife and make two or three gentle figure-eight motions to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Secrets to a Moist & Tender Pound Cake
The secret to a perfect pound cake is a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. One of the most important tips is to use room temperature ingredients, as they combine much more smoothly. When you add the flour, be careful not to overmix; this develops the gluten and can make the cake tough. The real magic happens when you beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which whips air into the batter for a beautiful rise and a fine, delicate texture.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Cake
This Decaf Matcha Marble Pound Cake is a star on its own, but it’s also fun to dress up! For an elegant touch, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic. To make it a truly decadent dessert, try topping a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake also pairs beautifully with the fresh tartness of strawberries or raspberries. It’s the perfect centerpiece for an afternoon tea, served alongside your favorite brew.
What is Decaf Matcha Powder?
Matcha is a vibrant green powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, known for its rich, earthy flavor. Our decaf matcha goes through a gentle, natural process (like a CO2 method) to remove most of the caffeine while preserving its wonderful taste and health benefits. While it’s called “decaf,” there might be a tiny trace of caffeine left, but it’s significantly reduced. This makes it the perfect choice if you’re sensitive to caffeine or simply want to enjoy the delicious taste of matcha in the evening.
Keeping Your Masterpiece Fresh
Once your beautiful cake has baked, patience is key! Be sure to let it cool completely before slicing to get those clean, stunning marble lines. To store it, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist at room temperature for up to three days.
