These Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches are a soft, fluffy, and bakery-style dessert filled with light whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The earthy matcha pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and cream, making this an elegant treat for afternoon tea, special occasions, or gifting. Enjoy a delicate, not-too-sweet Japanese-inspired dessert that’s just as delicious as it looks!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Matcha Chiffon Cake
- 160g cake flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons matcha powder
- 8 large eggs (separated)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 150g granulated sugar (divided into 100g + 50g)
- 150g milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 80g light-tasting oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 100g whipping cream
- 100g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Toppings
- 6 strawberries, finely diced
- 4 strawberries, halved
- 20g powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Make the Matcha Chiffon Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix cake flour, baking powder, and matcha powder. Set aside.
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate egg whites and yolks into two large mixing bowls.
- Whip egg whites: Add cream of tartar to egg whites and whip with a hand mixer until foamy. Slowly add 100g sugar, one spoonful at a time, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare yolk mixture: In the second bowl, mix egg yolks, 50g sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate flour mixture: Sift dry ingredients into the yolk mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in meringue: Gently fold ⅓ of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, fold in the remaining egg whites carefully to keep the batter airy.
- Bake: Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and drop the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool upside down: Immediately flip the cake upside down and let it cool for at least 2-3 hours before removing from the pan.
Assemble the Cake Sandwiches
- Slice the cake: Once fully cooled, cut the cake into 6-8 wedges. Turn each wedge 90° so the outer side is at the bottom.
- Make a slit: Cut a slit lengthwise into each slice, leaving about 1 inch at the bottom to hold the shape.
- Whip the cream: Beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until firm peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Fill & garnish: Pipe whipped cream into the slit of each cake. Add a spoonful of diced strawberries and top with more whipped cream. Finish with a halved strawberry and dust with powdered sugar.
Nutrients (Per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 442 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month (wrap tightly in plastic wrap & foil). Thaw overnight before serving.
Why These Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches Are a Must-Try Dessert
If you love Japanese desserts, matcha-flavored treats, or light, fluffy cakes, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, offering a refreshing, not-too-sweet taste that pairs well with tea, coffee, or milk.
The delicate structure of chiffon cake makes it ideal for absorbing flavors, meaning that each bite is infused with the creamy, fruity goodness of the filling. Unlike dense cakes, this chiffon cake remains soft and airy, even after being refrigerated, making it a great make-ahead dessert for parties or celebrations.
The Key Elements of a Perfect Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwich
High-Quality Matcha for a Vibrant Flavor
Matcha is the star ingredient of this dessert, giving the cake its distinctive green hue and rich, earthy taste. To achieve the best flavor and color, using high-quality culinary-grade or ceremonial-grade matcha is recommended.
- Culinary-grade matcha works well for baking, providing a slightly bolder flavor.
- Ceremonial-grade matcha is more delicate and vibrant but can be used if you prefer a milder, smoother taste.
The matcha powder should be fresh and bright green, as dull or brownish matcha indicates lower quality and can result in a bitter aftertaste.
The Airy Perfection of Chiffon Cake
Chiffon cake is known for its light and fluffy texture, achieved by whipping egg whites into a meringue and carefully folding them into the batter. Unlike butter-based cakes, chiffon cake uses oil instead of butter, making it softer and more flexible, which is perfect for sandwiching the creamy filling.
One of the most important techniques in making chiffon cake is cooling it upside down after baking. This helps prevent the cake from collapsing, keeping it tall, airy, and perfectly textured.
Sweet and Fluffy Whipped Cream Filling
The whipped cream filling is light, creamy, and just sweet enough to complement the bold matcha flavor. Using fresh whipping cream and powdered sugar ensures a silky-smooth texture that’s easy to pipe and spread.
For extra stability and structure, a small amount of mascarpone cheese or cornstarch can be added to the whipped cream, preventing it from melting too quickly, especially in warm climates.
Fresh Strawberries for a Fruity Twist
Fresh strawberries add a sweet, slightly tangy contrast to the earthy matcha and rich cream. They provide a pop of color and juiciness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
For the best results, using sweet, ripe strawberries is key. If strawberries are out of season, other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes can be substituted for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches
These cake sandwiches are perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon snacks to fancy dessert platters. Here are some ways to serve them:
- With a cup of hot green tea or matcha latte for a traditional Japanese-inspired experience.
- Paired with iced coffee or milk tea for a refreshing balance of flavors.
- Decorated with edible flowers, gold flakes, or extra matcha dusting for an elegant presentation.
- Served with a side of fresh fruit and honey drizzle for an extra layer of sweetness.
They also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or afternoon tea gatherings, as they look just as stunning as they taste.
Why These Cake Sandwiches Are Perfect for Special Occasions
Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a standout dessert for celebrations. Their soft texture and delicate presentation make them ideal for:
- Bridal showers and baby showers
- Elegant tea parties
- Holiday and seasonal gatherings
- Gifting to matcha lovers and dessert enthusiasts
Because they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, they are a stress-free dessert option for entertaining.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches
Not Beating the Egg Whites Properly
One of the most crucial steps in making chiffon cake is whipping the egg whites (meringue) correctly. Under-whipped egg whites won’t provide enough structure, while over-whipped egg whites can cause the cake to collapse.
- Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks—they should be glossy and hold their shape without collapsing.
- Add sugar gradually while whipping to ensure a smooth, stable meringue.
Overmixing the Batter
Once the meringue is folded into the batter, it’s important to mix gently and carefully to retain as much air as possible. Overmixing can deflate the batter, resulting in a dense or flat cake instead of a fluffy chiffon texture.
Skipping the Cooling Process
Cooling the cake upside down is a necessary step to maintain the airy texture. Skipping this step can cause the cake to shrink and become too dense.
Using Low-Quality Matcha
The quality of matcha greatly affects both the flavor and color of the cake. Low-quality matcha can turn brown when baked and taste overly bitter. Always use fresh, high-quality matcha powder for the best results.
How to Store and Keep Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches Fresh
To keep these cake sandwiches fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The whipped cream may harden slightly, so letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving helps restore their fluffy texture.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Dessert Collection
Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a light, elegant, and refreshing dessert that’s both unique and visually stunning. They are:
- Soft, fluffy, and infused with rich matcha flavor
- Perfectly balanced with sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries
- Ideal for special occasions, tea parties, and gifting
- Easy to make ahead and store
- Customizable with different fillings and toppings
Conclusion
Matcha Chiffon Cake Sandwiches are a must-try for matcha lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Their airy chiffon cake, creamy filling, and fruity touch make them a delightful, elegant dessert that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
With their balanced sweetness and delicate matcha flavor, they’re the perfect treat for any special occasion or afternoon indulgence. Whether you’re making them for yourself, loved ones, or as a gift, these cake sandwiches are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.