“Tortas materas” are practical, everyday cakes made with a handful of basic ingredients—flour, eggs, sugar, butter or oil, and a touch of flavor like citrus, cocoa, or fruit. In Argentina and Uruguay, they naturally became part of the mate routine thanks to their practicality: they’re easy to prepare, have a stable crumb that slices well, and offer a balanced sweetness that pairs smoothly with the flavor of mate.

Below you’ll find some of the easiest tortas materas to make at home and enjoy with your mate.

Marble cake 

Marble cake combines a vanilla base with a cocoa swirl, creating a soft contrast that pairs well with any style of mate. It’s fluffy, light, and made with simple pantry ingredients.

How to make it:
Prepare a basic cake batter (eggs, sugar, butter or oil, flour, milk, and vanilla). Separate a portion, add cocoa, and mix well. Pour both batters into a pan, alternating layers to create the marbled effect. Bake until set and golden.

Apple cake

Apple cake is moist, aromatic, and one of the most practical options. The fruit adds flavor and a balanced texture that works well with the intensity of mate.

How to make it:
Make a simple cake batter and add thinly sliced or grated apples. You can add cinnamon for a spiced touch. It bakes quickly and stays firm without losing moisture.

Lemon loaf 

Lemon loaf is light, aromatic, and perfect for those who prefer something not overly sweet. Its citrus notes complement both mild and strong mates.

How to make it:
Beat butter or oil with sugar and eggs. Add flour, lemon zest, and a bit of juice for moisture. Bake until firm—its texture holds up well when sliced.

Classic sponge cake 

Classic sponge cake is airy, neutral in flavor, and one of the most versatile options. Its light texture pairs well with any type of mate.

How to make it:
Beat eggs and sugar until the mixture doubles in volume. Add sifted flour and fold gently to retain the air. Bake until golden and set in the center.

Coconut tart 

Coconut tart is a denser option with a soft base and a sweet, firm filling that pairs especially well with stronger mates. Simple in flavor and easy to slice, it’s a classic choice.

How to make it:
Stretch a simple tart crust and prepare a filling by mixing shredded coconut with eggs, sugar, and a splash of milk. Spread the filling over the base and bake until the coconut is golden on top.

Choosing a Torta Matera to enjoy with Mate

Any torta matera is a good match for mate. There’s no “perfect” pairing—each option works well because they all share similar qualities: practicality, balanced flavor, and a texture that’s easy to slice and serve. Choose the one you like most based on the ingredients you have at home or the time you want to spend cooking.

Find ingredients and Mate products with worldwide shipping

At pampadirect.com you can find many of the essential ingredients you need to prepare a torta matera at home—flour, sugar, butter, oil, and flavorings—as well as everything required to build your mate setup. From anywhere in the world, you can order yerba mate, gourds, bombillas, thermoses, materas, storage containers, and complete mate kits, all in one place and with international delivery.

Find Argentine and Uruguayan products at Pampa Direct, with worldwide shipping. At pampadirect.com you’ll find more than 10,000 typical products from Argentina and Uruguay. From dulce de leche, alfajores, yerba mate, gourds and bombillas, to sports apparel, kitchenware, vinyl records and much more. Place your order today and receive it in 3 to 7 business days. We ship to more than 80 countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, Israel, Italy, France, China and many others.