"Wicked Cake" (Matcha Strawberry Loaf)

Dearest Momsy and Popsicle ..The academy awards is this Sunday and in honor of my pick for Best motion Picture, here is my Wicked inspired loaf cake. The base is a moist and tender matcha tea cake and the topping is a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze. The cake batter has butter, coconut oil and cream cheese which give it moisture but also some structure and beautiful depth of flavor. Almond and vanilla extract combined with the slightly earth green tea is like your favorite morning latte and that Glinda pink glaze..GASP! She’s gorgeous! I use freeze dried strawberry powder for the perfect natural pink hue and a bright berry flavor that really pops. Did you know that Cynthia Erivo would stay in there costume and green make up for up to 14 hours and chose not to even use the bathroom because of how much time it would take to remove it. Now that’s dedication! Well I hope you all make this for your Oscars viewing party because let me tell you, you will be…POPULAR?

Cake Ingredients-

1. 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2. 5 oz  cream cheese, softened (room temp)

3. 3 Tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

4. 3/4 cup sugar

5. 1 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder

6. 2 large eggs

7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8. 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

9. 4 drops of green food coloring (optional) (only if you want the green color brighter)

10. 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour

11. 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

12. 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt

Glaze-

1. 1 Cup powdered sugar

2. 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil

3. 1 tablespoon freeze dried strawberry powder (i get this on Amazon or you can grind up freeze dried strawberries in a food processor)

4. a few drops of Fresh Lemon Juice

5. 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

6. Water as needed

7. Garnish-freeze dried strawberry slices (optional)

Steps-

1. Preheat oven to 325 F . Grease (with butter) and flour a loaf pan or spray with nonstick spray and line with a strip of parchment paper.

2. Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, coconut oil, vanilla extract, almond extract and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until combined, and then add in the Matcha Powder. Option to add a few drops of green food coloring if you want a brighter green color.

4. Mix in the flour mixture just until incorporated. DO not over mix! Do it by hand if you want to prevent over beating.

5. Spread into prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake is just set and comes out clean. Don’t over bake! Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Quickly put together the glaze while the cake is cooling.

6. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, a few drops of fresh lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract and a couple tablespoons of water , just until it is a very thick but spreadable consistency. Once the cake is almost fully cooled, use a spoon to pour/spread the glaze all of the top of the cake. Tap the wire rack the cake is on on the counter a few times helping the glaze to drip over the sides ever so slightly. and sprinkle some freeze dried strawberry slices on top if you prefer. Allow the glaze to set and then enjoy!