Green Tea Chiffon Cake from Tous les Jours features a light and airy chiffon sponge infused with delicate matcha green tea powder, creating a soft, fluffy texture and a subtle earthy flavor, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing finish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Sifter
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chiffon cake pan (tube pan)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (optional)
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Matcha green tea powder is key to achieving the authentic earthy flavor and vibrant color in your Green Tea Chiffon Cake. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour helps create the cake's characteristic light and airy texture. Separating egg yolks and whites is essential, as whipping the whites with cream of tartar stabilizes the meringue for proper rise and fluffiness. Measure ingredients precisely to maintain the delicate balance of flavors and structure. You can recreate the Green Tea Chiffon Cake from Tous les Jours with this copycat recipe for a delightful homemade treat.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Sift cake flour, matcha powder, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add flour mixture to yolk mixture; whisk until smooth.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating.
- Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into yolk mixture in 3 additions using a rubber spatula.
- Pour batter into an ungreased chiffon cake pan; smooth top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Immediately invert pan and cool completely upside down.
- Run an offset spatula around edges to release cake.
- Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Substitution
Green Tea Chiffon Cake from Tous les Jours copycat menu can be easily adapted by substituting matcha green tea powder with another finely ground green tea powder or even spirulina powder for a different green hue and flavor profile. If you don't have cream of tartar, use an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to stabilize the egg whites while whipping. For those without a chiffon cake pan, a deep, round tube pan or an angel food cake pan will work, but be sure to invert the pan for cooling to maintain the light texture. Your sifted cake flour mixture ensures no lumps, but cake flour can be replaced with all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch to mimic the lower protein content, affecting fluffiness slightly. When dusting powdered sugar, use a fine mesh sieve to achieve a delicate, even coating that enhances the cake's visual appeal.
Tips
When beating egg whites, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of grease for optimal volume and stiffness. Gently folding the egg whites into the yolk batter in three additions helps maintain the cake's airy texture without deflating the mixture. Do not grease the chiffon pan, as the batter needs to cling to the pan's sides for proper rising, and always invert the cake to cool to prevent collapse. Your matcha powder should be sifted with flour to avoid clumps and evenly distribute its delicate flavor throughout the chiffon sponge.
Nutritions
Green Tea Chiffon Cake from Tous les Jours offers a moderate calorie content primarily from eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar, providing a light yet energy-boosting dessert option. The matcha green tea powder contributes antioxidants and a small amount of caffeine, which may enhance metabolism and offer a gentle mental lift. Your intake of vitamins and minerals includes small amounts of vitamin A and iron from the eggs, while the cake's low fat content keeps it relatively balanced. This cake is a delightful way to enjoy dessert with some nutritional benefits from quality ingredients.
Storage
Store your Green Tea Chiffon Cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its delicate texture soft and fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, ensuring it is well-covered to prevent drying out. Avoid freezing the chiffon cake as it may alter its light, airy consistency and affect the subtle matcha flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute matcha green tea powder with hojicha powder for a roasted, nutty flavor twist. Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil to add a subtle tropical aroma and moisture to the chiffon cake. Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter to brighten the earthy matcha notes with a hint of citrus. For a whipped cream topping instead of powdered sugar, lightly sweeten heavy cream and fold in a bit of matcha for consistent green tea flavor throughout your dessert.
Allergies
The Green Tea Chiffon Cake contains eggs, wheat (cake flour), and may have traces of soy from vegetable oil, which are common allergens. Matcha green tea powder is generally safe but could cause reactions in individuals sensitive to tea or caffeine. You should ensure to check for cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.
Why this recipe?
Green Tea Chiffon Cake from Tous les Jours is favored for its light, airy texture combined with a subtle, authentic matcha flavor that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness. The cake's delicate crumb and moist consistency appeal to those seeking a refreshing dessert option with a unique twist. Its popularity highlights the quality of the matcha powder used, making it a distinctive treat compared to regular chiffon cakes. Trying your hand at a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this sophisticated flavor profile and replicate the restaurant experience from your own kitchen.