Matcha Latte Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Sift together flour, 2 tablespoons matcha powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Mix the cake batter
   In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Bake the cake layers
   Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare the matcha frosting
   Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth. Sift in 1 tablespoon matcha powder and gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Assemble the cake
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1/3 of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating decorative swirls on top if desired.
7. Finish and decorate
   Dust the top of the cake lightly with additional matcha powder using a fine-mesh sieve. For an elegant touch, add fresh berries or edible flowers as garnish if desired.