matcha mochi cake

i'm a matcha person. it's definitely become more of a thing (or should i say fad) now, but i grew up eating matcha flavored delicacies and i don't think it's something i'm never not craving. 

i actually have a couple of matcha inspired desserts on my mind that i'll most likely try sooner or later...so if you're a matcha person like myself, keep an eye out for those! 

this dessert is definitely on the lighter side, which is an absolutely lovely end to a heavy dinner. it's not sickingly sweet, but just enough kick to satisfy that sweet tooth without the burden of sugar guilt. just make sure to cool all the way before cutting and taking a bite out of these babies! 

ingredients

4 egg whites

4 egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup flour

1/2 tbsp matcha powder (or slightly more--i won't judge (: )

2 cups milk, lukewarm (i used almond milk)

confectioner's sugar (for dusting)

instructions

1. preheat oven to 325F.
2. beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. 
3. in a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until lightened in color.
   add vanilla extract and butter; beat until combined.
4. in a third, separate bowl, combine flour and matcha powder.
5. add flour mixture into wet mixture until just combined.
6. gradually add the milk and mix well until combined
7. add in beaten egg whites slowly, folding with a spatula until just combined.
8. pour batter into a square (8x8) cake pan, either battered or on parchment paper.
9. bake for 50 minutes -- you can check how ready it is by how much it jiggles when you shake the pan. the less it shakes, the more ready it is to be taken out.
10. cool, dust with confectioner's sugar, and eat to your heart's content!