13 Best Matcha Cupcake Recipes

Matcha cupcakes bring that earthy, slightly bitter green tea flavor to dessert in the best way. The key is using good quality matcha powder – the cheap stuff from the grocery store won’t give you that vibrant green color or complex flavor. These 13 recipes range from classic combinations to more unique flavor pairings. Most matcha cupcakes actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop, so they’re perfect for making ahead.

Classic Matcha Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These are the gold standard for matcha cupcakes. The cream cheese frosting balances the slight bitterness of the matcha perfectly. The trick is sifting the matcha powder really well so you don’t get lumps in the batter. Some recipes add a tiny bit of vanilla to the frosting but I think plain cream cheese lets the matcha flavor shine more. These have that beautiful pale green color that screams “I’m fancy” but they’re actually pretty simple to make. Get the recipe here.

White Chocolate Matcha Cupcakes

The white chocolate in these adds sweetness that balances the earthy matcha. Some recipes melt white chocolate into the batter while others use chips that stay chunky. The combo of creamy white chocolate and grassy matcha is really good – it’s like a grown-up version of cookies and cream. These are less bitter than plain matcha cupcakes which makes them good for people who are new to matcha flavor. The white chocolate also makes them more moist. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Lemon Cupcakes with Buttercream

This combo might sound weird but the bright citrus actually works really well with the earthy matcha. The lemon zest and juice in the batter brightens everything up. Some recipes do lemon buttercream while others stick with matcha buttercream – both work. The contrast between the tart lemon and slightly bitter matcha is what makes these interesting. These are more refreshing than most cupcakes and perfect for spring or summer. Get the recipe here.

Coconut Matcha Cupcakes

Adding coconut flakes or coconut flour gives these great texture and tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with matcha. Some recipes use coconut milk instead of regular milk which doubles the coconut flavor. The coconut on top gets all toasty which adds another flavor dimension. This combo is popular in Asian bakeries for good reason – the sweet coconut mellows out the matcha perfectly. These feel exotic but aren’t hard to make. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Red Bean Cupcakes

Red bean paste (azuki) is a classic pairing with matcha in Japanese desserts. The sweet, creamy red bean filling gets spooned into the center of the cupcake before baking. Some recipes swirl it through the batter instead. You can buy red bean paste at Asian grocery stores or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. This combo might be too weird for some people but if you like Asian flavors, these are amazing. Very authentic Japanese bakery style. Get the recipe here.

Earl Grey Matcha Cupcakes

Combining two different teas in one cupcake sounds fancy and it is! The Earl Grey usually goes in the cupcake while the matcha flavors the frosting. The bergamot from the Earl Grey adds a floral note that works really well with the grassy matcha. These have a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for afternoon tea or impressing tea-loving friends. The combination isn’t overwhelming – both flavors come through clearly. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Strawberry Cupcakes

The sweet strawberries balance the earthiness of the matcha perfectly. Some recipes use strawberry jam in the frosting while others fold fresh strawberry pieces into the batter. The pink and green colors look really pretty together too. This is another combo that’s popular in Asian bakeries. The strawberries add moisture and brightness that makes these feel lighter than most cupcakes. Great for spring when strawberries are in season. Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Matcha Marble Cupcakes

These have both chocolate and matcha batter swirled together to create a marble effect. The chocolate batter is usually darker and the matcha is green which makes for pretty swirls. Some recipes do chocolate cupcakes with matcha frosting instead. Either way, the combo of bitter matcha and rich chocolate is really good. These look impressive but aren’t much harder than regular cupcakes – you just make two batters and swirl them together. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Mascarpone Cupcakes

Mascarpone is that rich Italian cream cheese that’s used in tiramisu. Using it in the frosting makes these incredibly creamy and less sweet than buttercream. The mild flavor of mascarpone lets the matcha shine without competing. These feel very elegant and grown-up. The mascarpone can be tricky to work with if it gets too warm, so keep everything cold while you’re frosting. Worth the extra effort for special occasions. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting

These delicate matcha cupcakes feature earthy green tea powder that creates a subtly sweet, sophisticated flavor with gentle bitter notes. The tender, moist crumb pairs beautifully with light, airy whipped cream frosting that balances the matcha’s intensity. Perfect for tea time or elegant gatherings, these Japanese-inspired treats offer a refined alternative to traditional vanilla cupcakes with their distinctive jade color and unique taste profile. Get the recipe here.

Almond Flour Matcha Cupcakes

These gluten-free almond flour matcha cupcakes combine nutty richness with earthy green tea flavor for an elevated dessert experience. The almond flour creates an incredibly moist, dense texture while adding subtle sweetness that complements the matcha’s sophisticated bitterness. Naturally grain-free and protein-rich, these vibrant green cupcakes offer a healthier indulgence that’s perfect for those seeking refined flavors without compromising on taste or dietary preferences. Get the recipe here.

Black Sesame Matcha Cupcakes

This is another classic Asian flavor combo. The black sesame adds nutty flavor and interesting gray color to contrast with the green matcha. You can buy black sesame powder at Asian stores or grind toasted black sesame seeds yourself. Some recipes put black sesame in the cake and matcha in the frosting, others do it the opposite way. This combo is definitely more adventurous but really good if you like bold flavors. Get the recipe here.

Matcha Cheesecake Cupcakes with Oreo Crust

These are like mini cheesecakes but with matcha flavor. The base is oreo crumbs cupcake with a matcha cheesecake layer on top. Some recipes do all cheesecake batter with matcha mixed in. These are denser and richer than regular cupcakes but in a good way. The tangy cream cheese works really well with the earthy matcha. These need to be refrigerated which makes them nice and cold – perfect for summer. They’re more work than regular cupcakes but worth it for special occasions. Get the recipe here.