Matcha Green Tea Cake with Vanilla Honey Cream Cheese Frosting.

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter/spray with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. Whisk together the milk and oil, and add to the dry ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Add the matcha powder, vanilla extract, almond extract and eggs and beat again for 2 minutes on medium speed. Now slowly pour in the hot water and beat until smooth. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until the tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then grab 2 large flat plates, line them with wax or parchment paper and invert the cakes onto the plates. Cover and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

5. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Using and electric mixer beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the honey, powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat another 2-4 minutes or until the frosting is light and fluffy.

6. To assemble, place 1 layer, flat side up, on a plate or cake stand. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top. If desired, you may also frost the sides. I prefer to either leave the sides unfrosted or lightly frosted so that pretty green color shines through! Decorate with toasted coconut and milk chocolate eggs if desired.