Light up your halloween celebration with these buttery matcha cupcakes topped with “melting wax” white-chocolate drizzle.
These matcha cupcake candles are as elegant as they are playful. Soft, buttery cupcakes meet vibrant Japanese matcha for a flavor that’s subtly sweet and naturally balanced.
Each one is finished with a creamy buttercream frosting and a white-chocolate drizzle that mimics melted candle wax—making them a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration.
Matcha Pro Tip: Use our Chef’s Choice Matcha for the brightest green color and a smooth, clean umami finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake and frosting.
Ingredients you need for your halloween matcha cupcakes
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2 medium eggs, room temperature
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons Chef’s Choice Matcha
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup milk, room temperature
Buttercream Frosting
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2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
White Chocolate Drip
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1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
Directions to make your matcha cupcakes
Matcha Cupcakes
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, sift together flour, matcha, and baking powder. Add to the egg mixture and mix on low until just combined, scraping the sides as needed.
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter and milk. Add a spoonful of batter to this mix, stirring until smooth, then fold back into the main batter.
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Divide evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely.
Buttercream Frosting
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Beat butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and beat another 5 minutes.
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Scrape down the sides, then beat 8 more minutes until light and airy.
White Chocolate 'Candle' Drip
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Melt white chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
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Transfer to a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
Assembly of your matcha candle cupcakes
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Remove cupcakes from liners and slice each in half.
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Layer halves with buttercream between each tier to create your desired “candle” height.
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Frost the entire surface and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
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Insert a thin candle in the center, leaving the wick exposed.
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Drizzle melted white chocolate around the top edge for a melted-wax effect. Chill briefly, then repeat the drizzle to build layers.
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Light the candle, serve, and enjoy.
The bottom line:
Each cupcake offers a gentle energy boost from matcha’s natural caffeine and L-theanine, promoting calm focus without the jitters of coffee. Matcha also provides antioxidants, particularly catechins, that support overall wellness while adding earthy depth to these sweet treats.
