Smash Cake Mini Matcha Birthday (Printer-Friendly)

Light, fluffy mini matcha cake with vanilla frosting—ideal for brunch celebrations, serves 2–4.

# What You'll Need:

→ Matcha cake

01 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
06 - 1 tablespoon culinary-grade matcha powder
07 - 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
08 - 1 large egg, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Vanilla frosting

11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1 tablespoon milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of fine salt

→ Optional toppings

16 - Sprinkles, optional
17 - Fresh berries, optional

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 4-inch round cake pans with parchment; set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until homogeneous.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula just until combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a light crumb.
05 - Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before assembling.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat until smooth.
09 - Spread a thin layer of frosting between the cooled layers, stack, and cover the exterior with a thin crumb coat. Smooth or texture the exterior as desired.
10 - Top with sprinkles or fresh berries if using. Serve as a playful brunch treat intended for sharing or celebratory smashing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It’s small enough for an intimate brunch, yet still delivers that wow-factor when sliced or smashed.
  • The balanced matcha flavor plays perfectly against the creamy vanilla frosting—impossible to resist another forkful.
02 -
  • If you rush cooling, the frosting slides right off—impatience has left me with more than one lopsided cake.
  • A little extra matcha deepens color and flavor but can get bitter fast, so add small amounts and taste as you go.
03 -
  • Room-temperature ingredients blend best and bake evenly—set them out as you prep your pans.
  • For picture-perfect layers, trim the tops flat with a serrated knife before frosting.
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