Green Tea Cupcakes (Matcha Cupcakes)

It is freezing cold here in B.C. and I am trying to dream of hot summer days spent laying at the lake, basking in the heat!  Oh, how I wish it was warmer, so when I willingly go (am drug by my touque) outside I don’t need to put four layers of insulated clothing on!  But, alas, this is not the case.  It is cold.  It is Canada.  It is winter.  Suck it up self!  Or maybe I’ll move to Mexico . . . it has to be warm there all the time!  I’m sure my Mexican YouTube viewers would let me couch surf for a while!  I should stop complaining . . . but I can’t!  It’s in my DNA.  Thanks a lot Dad. 

When the hot summer sun is poking through, one of the most delicious drinks I use to cool myself down with is a Matcha Frappachino from our local coffee shop.  You can get them regular, or flavoured with lemon, peach, or strawberry.  The lemon is my favourite, and that is why I chose to top the Matcha cupcake with the lemon buttercream.  It is a nice, refreshing top!  

You have to be a Green Tea/Matcha lover to like these cupcakes!  The matcha powder has a very unique taste, and I’ve found that you’re either a lover or hater of the flavour.  You can find matcha powder at many health food stores, or do an online search.  Just make sure that you are buying the matcha powder, for use in baking.  There are a couple of different varieties available.

Green Tea Cupcake Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsn. matcha powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
350F, 20-22 minutes

Green Tea Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1-2 tbsp lemon zest
3 cups icing sugar
3 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 tbsp milk

For the procedure, you’ll just have to watch the video 🙂  Happy warm thoughts to you!