Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with this vibrant Strawberry Matcha Loaf Cake. It's a delightful combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries, topped off with a luscious strawberry glaze.
Ingredients
For the Loaf Cake:
- 170 g unsalted butter (¾ c.), room temperature
- 200 g granulated sugar (1 c.)
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 185 g sour cream (¾ c. + 1 tbsp.), room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 210 g all-purpose flour (1 ¾ c.)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. matcha powder
- 2 tbsp. crushed freeze-dried strawberries
For the Strawberry Drizzle:
- 90 g powdered sugar (¾ c.)
- 2 tbsp. milk
- ⅛ tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Butter an 8x4 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, allowing two opposing edges to overhang for easy cake removal.
- Strawberry Powder: Use a small food processor or a sturdy plastic bag and rolling pin to crush the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
- Loaf Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until it turns pale and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt using a rubber spatula, mixing until just combined.
- Divide out two separate cups of batter into different bowls. Blend the matcha into one bowl and the strawberry powder into the other.
- In your loaf pan, layer and alternate the vanilla, matcha, and strawberry batters. Use a knife to create gentle swirls throughout for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with minimal crumbs. Allow to cool.
- Strawberry Drizzle:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. Adjust the consistency as needed: if too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Once the loaf cake has cooled to room temperature, drizzle over the strawberry glaze.
- Slice, serve, and let the flavors take you on a delightful journey. Enjoy!