If you have been on the lookout for a delightfully fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious treat, I’m thrilled to share this **Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe** with you. These muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the earthy, subtly sweet flavor of matcha balanced perfectly against a moist, fluffy crumb that’s completely plant-based. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about green tea-infused baking, this recipe effortlessly marries simple ingredients that come together to bake up into show-stopping muffins with a beautiful green hue that’ll brighten up any snack time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a starring role, combining to create a texture that’s tender yet structured, a flavor profile that’s creamy and earthy, and a color that’s as inviting as a spring morning. These straightforward ingredients are easy to find yet essential for the magic in this Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe.
- 280 g all-purpose flour: The backbone that provides structure and tenderness to your muffins.
- 3 teaspoons matcha powder: This finely ground green tea powder imparts that vivid green color and a subtle, grassy sweetness.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: A crucial leavening agent that makes your muffins rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works hand in hand with baking powder to ensure lightness and fluffiness.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 225 g granulated sugar: Sweetens your muffins just right—consider reserving a bit for a delicate vanilla sugar topping.
- 1 vanilla pod: Adds depth and fragrant warmth to the sugar and batter.
- 100 ml olive oil: Keeps the muffins moist with a subtle fruity undertone.
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt: Provides creaminess and tang, mimicking traditional dairy yogurt texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Boosts the vanilla notes throughout for that perfect flavor harmony.
- 1 batch vegan buttermilk: A fun plant-based twist that reacts with baking soda to give lift and tenderness.
How to Make Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C fan-forced (or 210°C conventional). Line half the muffin tray cavities with liners, filling every second one to encourage those charmingly high muffin tops. This recipe makes 10 muffins, so if you only have one tray, bake in two batches and allow the pan to cool between them while storing the batter in the fridge.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt into a medium bowl. This not only ensures no lumps but also evenly distributes the leavening, which is key for great muffin rise.
Step 3: Flavor the Sugar
Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and rub it thoroughly into the sugar in a large mixing bowl so the sugar becomes infused with fragrant vanilla specks. Remove the pod and set aside about 2 tablespoons of this vanilla sugar for topping your muffins later. This small step makes a huge flavor difference!
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add olive oil, your vegan Greek-style yogurt, vanilla extract, and vegan buttermilk directly to the vanilla sugar. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and combined, forming the luscious base of your batter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
In two batches, fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently incorporate them without overmixing to keep the batter light and airy. You’ll want to mix until just combined, leaving no flour pockets but stopping before the batter becomes dense.
Step 6: Portion the Batter and Add Toppings
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to evenly distribute the batter into your muffin liners. Lightly sprinkle the reserved vanilla sugar on top for a touch of sparkle and extra vanilla aroma.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake muffins at 190°C fan-forced (210°C conventional) for the first 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to 170°C fan-forced (190°C conventional) and bake for a further 15 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife—it should come out with just a few crumbs. Let them cool briefly in the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully for about 30 minutes.
Step 8: Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra special detail, gently dunk the muffin tops in any remaining vanilla sugar. This subtle step adds sparkle and an enchanting crunch that elevates the experience.
Step 9: Enjoy or Store
Once cooled, enjoy immediately or store your muffins thoughtfully to preserve their freshness. More on that below!
How to Serve Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe

Garnishes
While these muffins are perfect on their own, you can elevate them by lightly dusting powdered sugar or placing a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Fresh berries also make a lovely topping and add a refreshing brightness that complements the matcha’s subtle bitterness.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a warm cup of almond or soy milk latte to highlight the green tea notes or serve alongside a vibrant fruit salad. Their light, fluffy texture and delicate flavors make them versatile for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Vegan Matcha Muffins with layers of vegan cream cheese frosting for a matcha-inspired cupcake effect. Or slice them in half and spread with nut butter and jam for a fun snack variation that’s easy to customize depending on your craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer your muffins chilled, place them in the fridge where they will keep for about a week—just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To refresh your muffins after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds. This will bring back that just-baked softness and enhance the matcha aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that texture and rise may vary slightly with different flours.
Where can I find matcha powder, and does the quality matter?
Matcha is widely available at health food stores and online. For the best flavor and vibrant color, choose a high-quality culinary-grade matcha powder, which tends to have a smoother taste.
Is there an alternative to olive oil if I don’t have it?
Yes, you can swap olive oil for any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or avocado oil. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity note but the choice depends on your preferred flavor profile.
How do I make vegan buttermilk at home?
Simply mix 1 cup of plant-based milk (like almond or soy) with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using in your recipe.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Most definitely! Fold in vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor without changing the core recipe. Just add about ½ to ¾ cup to the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a wonderfully cozy yet vibrant **Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe** that’s sure to become a staple for anyone craving something special and wholesome. Lightweight, colorful, and bursting with gentle matcha flavor, these muffins invite you to pause and savor each bite. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and enjoy how this simple recipe transforms your day with every tender, green-hued muffin.
Print
Vegan Matcha Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these fluffy and flavorful Vegan Matcha Muffins, perfectly balanced with earthy matcha powder and a hint of vanilla. Made without any dairy or eggs, they offer a moist and tender crumb using vegan Greek-style yogurt and vegan buttermilk. These muffins are ideal for a wholesome breakfast or a tasty afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons matcha powder
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 225 g granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 vanilla pod
- 100 ml olive oil
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 batch vegan buttermilk (typically made from plant-based milk and acid such as lemon juice or vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 190°C (375°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F). Line half of the muffin tray cavities with muffin liners, filling every second cavity to promote high muffin tops. If you only have one muffin pan, bake in two batches, cooling the pan and refrigerating the batter between batches.
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
- Flavor the sugar: Slice the vanilla pod lengthwise and add it to a large bowl with the sugar. Rub the vanilla seeds into the sugar with your fingertips. Remove the pod, then set aside 25g (2 tablespoons) of the vanilla sugar for topping.
- Mix the wet ingredients: To the large bowl with vanilla sugar, add the olive oil, vegan Greek-style yogurt, vanilla extract, and vegan buttermilk. Whisk until fully combined.
- Make the muffin batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, folding gently after each addition until just combined with no pockets or streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix to maintain light muffins.
- Portion the batter: Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin liners. Sprinkle the reserved vanilla sugar on top of each muffin.
- Bake: Bake the muffins at fan-forced 190°C (375°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F) for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to fan-forced 170°C (340°F) or conventional 190°C (375°F). Continue baking for another 15 minutes. Test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out nearly clean with a few crumbs. Let cool in the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
- Optional finishing: For extra sweetness and texture, dunk the muffin tops in any remaining vanilla sugar.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving. Muffins can also be frozen and defrosted for a couple of hours before eating.
Notes
- Matcha powder should be culinary grade for baking to avoid bitterness.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Vanilla pod seeds add natural vanilla flavor; alternatively, vanilla extract can be increased slightly.
- Olive oil provides moisture and a subtle fruity flavor; can be replaced with mild-flavored vegetable oil if preferred.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt gives the muffins their moist texture; use a thick, tangy plant-based yogurt.
- Vegan buttermilk is made by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 240 ml plant-based milk and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and airy.

