Vegan Cupcakes With Matcha Buttercream Frosting

By Jessica Swartz March 22, 2023 27 mins read 93 Views

The generous sponsorship of my friends at Ujido allowed me to share this recipe. You can find the recipe here. Enjoy!

We're excited to share the most delicious chocolate cupcake recipe we've ever seen. These cupcakes are made from a simple vegan chocolate cake base, and then topped with a delicious green frosting with something more than food coloring. Matcha, an antioxidant-rich green leaf tea that has been around for centuries.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who has never tried matcha or never heard of it. Continue reading to find out more about matcha and prepare your sweet tooth for these amazing cupcakes.

What is Matcha?
Matcha Health Benefits
The Best Type of Matcha
How To Use Matcha As Natural Food Coloring
How to make these vegan matcha cupcakes
How can I get the swirled frosting rose effect?
The Perfect St. Patrick's Day Treat
More green vegan treats

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a favorite of - not only because of the amazing health benefits, but also for its delicious flavor!

Matcha is a delicately ground powder made from green tea leaves. It can be mixed in water to make a drink or added to recipes for an antioxidant-rich, bright green, caffeinated kick. Matcha is a favorite ingredient and superfood for many centuries. Matcha comes in many different brands, and the quality of each brand can vary. This recipe uses Ujido matcha.

These cupcakes are great for getting to know a new flavor. This cupcake frosting has a mild matcha flavor. Who doesn't like cupcakes?

Matcha powder has a traditional vibrant green color that reflects its high levels in phytonutrients as well as antioxidants. You can use it in recipes and enjoy matcha tea with no need to strain the leaves.

Matcha offers many health benefits. Matcha is a superfood that's amazing! Matcha has been shown to have amazing benefits in numerous studies. A healthy superfood that's also delicious is the best!

Matcha Health Benefits

Matcha has many benefits, including:

It contains up to 130 times as many antioxidants as brewed green tea
Scored 1,573 on ORAC antioxidant scale (this level is very high compared to Goji Berries: 253, Dark Chocolate 227, Pomegranate 105, Wild blueberries 93, Acai berries 96, Broccoli : 31).
High levels of chlorophyll
L-Theanine is high in L-Theanine, which lowers psychological and physiological stress levels and relaxes and reenergizes the body.
Natural source of caffeine
Focus can be improved
A great source of EGCG (a powerful cancer-preventative polyphenol).

Let's now learn a bit more about the incredible benefits of matcha.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can pair these with a matcha latte with your favorite plant milk and maple syrup. We are looking forward to it!

The Best Type of Matcha

I used ceremonial quality matcha, which is the highest quality tea and has a deeper green hue. Ceremonial quality matcha is made with the youngest tea leaves. It is slightly sweeter and smoother than regular grade matcha. You can use culinary grade matcha, which is cheaper and is meant for cooking.

How To Use Matcha As Natural Food Coloring

It is amazing to see how nature can inspire you to create vibrant, colorful food. This beautiful green frosting is made without any artificial colors. This color is simply due to the natural matcha green chlorophyll, which creates a deep-green pigment.

Many food colorings are not vegan and made with artificial ingredients. But fret not! Matcha powder can be used in many recipes to give your food a natural green color.

Mix all the matcha into the frosting until it turns a uniform green color. You can create a white-and-green blended frosting effect like the one pictured. Keep half the frosting as it is and add a teaspoon of matcha to the remaining frosting.

You can add more matcha to your frosting if you want a darker green or a stronger flavor. I suggest adding 1/2 teaspoon of matcha at a time, and then tasting it as you go. You can make the frosting more vibrant by adding more matcha. It will look so beautiful!

How to make these vegan matcha cupcakes

These cupcakes can be made in a matter of minutes. To make the vibrant, green frosting, all you need is a mixer. Either a hand or stand mixer will work, but either one will do.

Make the Cupcakes

Step 1: To prevent clumps, combine the flour, sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl. While you melt the butter in the microwave-safe bowl, set aside.

Step 2: Combine the vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar with the melted butter. Then, create a well in dry ingredients and pour in the melted mixture. Mix the ingredients with the room temperature water. Fold them together gently.

Step 3: Pour the batter into a cupcake pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 22-30 minutes on the middle rack at 350F. They're done when a toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean.

Fourth Step: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Make the matcha frosting while they cool down.

Frost

Step 5: Make vegan butter soft at room temperature. Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer to whip the butter for a few minutes. Mix in the powdered sugar one-half cup at a while until it forms a frosting. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.

Sixth Step: To achieve a uniform green color, combine all the matcha powder with water and stir well. To make a blended green frosting, as shown in the image, separate the frosting and add a teaspoon of matcha to the white part.

Step 7:Pour the matcha frosting onto the cupcakes once they are completely cooled. If you don't own a piping bag, you can use a knife for spreading the frosting.

How can I get the swirled frosting rose effect?

You can frost the cupcakes using a knife. But if you'd rather get fancy, these are some ideas!

You will need a piping bag (I love these silicone piping bags), and a large rose tip. This nozzle allows you to create a beautiful rose-shaped frosting on your cupcakes by simply swirling it outwards. You can get started quickly with a few YouTube videos. This is how I learned!

It's simple to create a white-and-green swirl effect in your frosting. You don't have to add matcha powder to every batch of frosting to get a uniform green effect. Instead, keep half your frosting white and mix the two together. Simply spread the green matcha frosting and white frosting onto one side of the piping bag. Then, frost!

The Perfect St. Patrick's Day Treat

This vanilla matcha buttercream frosting has just a hint matcha flavor and pairs perfectly with these dreamy chocolate cupcakes. These cupcakes are delicious for celebrating vegan St. Patrick's Day or any other time of year.

If you're short on time, you can make these cupcakes in advance of the big St. Patrick's Day party. These cupcakes will be loved by your friends and they won't know that it is vegan.

For an extra festive touch, you can add vegan sprinkles!

More green vegan treats

Are you looking for greener options to make St. Patrick's Day special? These are our top picks

Vegan Matcha Chip Ice cream adds the perfect hint of matcha to this delicious homemade dessert.
These beautiful vegan matcha pancakes make breakfast even more enjoyable!
Banana Spinach Muffins are easy to make in a blender. They're a great way for kids to get more greens.

Psssst! Matcha! Use the coupon code "WORLDOFVEGAN" at checkout to receive a special discount at Ujido

Vegan Matcha Cupcakes

This matcha buttercream frosting can be used to pipe on cupcakes. It holds its shape perfectly! It is rich and creamy, with just a hint matcha flavor.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American and Japanese

Keyword matcha buttercream frosting, matcha frosting, vegan matcha cupcakes

Prep time 10 minutes

Total time 10 minutes

Servers cupcakes

Calories 130 kcal

World of Vegan

Equipment

Stand or handheld mixer

Ingredients

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
6 tablespoons vegan butter melted but not hot
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup water room temperature

Matcha Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup vegan butter
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons matcha powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Cupcakes

Pre-heat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan using 12 cupcake liners. It should be set aside.
Mix the flour, sugar and cocoa powder together with the baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Set aside to prevent clumping.
To melt the vegan butter, heat it gently but not too hot. In a small bowl, combine the vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar.
Make a well in your dry ingredients, and then add the wet ingredients to it.
To gently combine the ingredients, use a silicone spatula. The batter should appear slightly bubbly. If necessary, use a whisk to mix the batter.
Bake the cupcakes on the center rack for 22-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the middle of a cupcake and test it. If it comes out clean with no batter remaining, it's done.
Take the cupcakes out of the oven, and allow them to cool in the pan for five minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Matcha Frosting

Mix 1 cup vegan butter in a bowl. Allow it to cool on the counter. You can set it next to the oven if you are in a rush. Keep an eye on it until it reaches room temperature.
Once the butter has softened, transfer it into a bowl with a stand mixer or a hand mixer and whip it for about a minute.
Mix the powdered sugar in a half cup at a stretch until you get a frosting. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
You can make your frosting uniformly green by adding all the matcha to the mixture and mixing until it is evenly distributed. You can create a white-and-green blended frosting effect like the one pictured. Keep half the frosting as is and add a teaspoon of matcha to the rest. If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, or a deeper green color, feel free to add more matcha.
After the cupcakes have cooled, you can pipe frosting onto them with a piping bag. This frosting recipe frosts 12 cupcakes. You can use a knife or a piping bag to frost the cupcakes.

Notes

Keep the cupcakes at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 31g

World of Vegan's first post was Vegan Cupcakes with Matcha Buttercream Frosting

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the negatives to plant-based meats?

The main drawback of plant-based meats is their lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids found in animal protein sources. Some essential amino acid, vitamin B12, as well as heme Iron, are less abundant in plant-based protein than animal proteins. Due to the high amount of preservation required, some plant-based meats have more sodium than real meat. It can also be more costly and time-consuming to buy quality vegan products online or in grocery stores. Vegan alternatives might require more work during cooking, and may take longer to prepare.

Is it possible for a plant-based diet to help you lose weight?

Yes, a plant-based diet is able to help you lose weight. It is possible to get enough volume from eating a variety fruit and vegetable, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and other protein-rich plants without adding any extra calories. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research shows that eating a plant-based diet can help increase metabolism and decrease the risk of obesity. Incorporating healthy ingredients high in fiber and stopping the intake of unhealthy sugars, starches, white bread, and pasta can also further support weight loss while still providing important vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay healthy.

Can a plant-based diet reduce the risk of chronic diseases?

In today's world, a plant-based diet is gaining more popularity due to its various health and environmental benefits. It is a diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables as well whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and removing or greatly reducing animal proteins such as milk and meat. Some advantages of a plant-based diet include improved heart health, digestive health benefits, increased energy levels, reduced stress hormones, and potential environmental protection. It is possible to get sufficient protein by following a plant based diet.

What are the advantages of a plant based diet?

The benefits of a plant-based diet include improved heart health, better digestive health, increased energy levels, reduced stress hormones, and potential environmental protection. Plant-based proteins include legumes, beans, nuts, whole grains, and soy-based products with higher fiber levels and lower saturated fat levels than animal proteins. Plant-based diets are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This can protect cells from inflammation and oxidative damages that can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A diet high in fruits and veggies can increase fiber intake which feeds gut bacteria and promotes digestion. Furthermore, research suggests that a plant-based diet may help improve moods by reducing stress hormones associated with consuming some animal proteins. As an alternative to factory farming, it is becoming more popular to eat less animal protein.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)

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How To

How to navigate social situations with a plant-based lifestyle?

Moving to a plant-based diet requires you to navigate social situations such as dining out with friends. Before you go out to eat, make sure you are aware of the options. Before you dine out, confirm the options. Not all restaurants are vegan-friendly.

Talk to your friends and family about vegan options. This will help you avoid ordering errors at the restaurant, as well as avoiding awkward explanations or misinterpretations about your dietary restrictions. You can have faith in your chef and trust their judgement when making vegan dishes. If necessary, you can chat with them to help them better understand your needs.

If you are attending parties or events where vegans may not be well-known, make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and drinks that aren't made from animal products. It is a great way to show your support! As your non-vegan relatives settle into incorporating vegan recipes over time, recognize even the smallest gestures made regarding a plant-based diet: after all, adjusting kitchen habits is an ongoing process.

Navigating social situations while sticking to a vegan diet may seem challenging initially. It becomes second-nature over time. So start small and have faith!