Green Tea Roll Cake Recipe - A Sweet Ode to Japanese Tea Culture

Green Tea Roll Cake Recipe - A Sweet Ode to Japanese Tea Culture

If you're looking for a dessert that's light, elegant, and steeped in Japanese tradition, this Green Tea Roll Cake is the perfect choice. Inspired by the ritual of tea-drinking and the artistry of matcha, this cake is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the delicate bitterness of green tea balanced with the sweetness of whipped cream.

🍵 The Magic of Matcha in Desserts

Matcha, made from finely ground green tea leaves, isn’t just a health food trend. It’s a centuries-old Japanese tradition. When used in baking, its deep umami notes and vibrant colour lend an elegant touch to desserts, especially sponge-based creations that allow the flavour to shine.

🥚 Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 4 eggs
  • 30g plain flour
  • 10g cornflour
  • 60g sugar

For the Cream Filling:

  • 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder (sifted)
  • 100ml thick cream
  • 10g sugar

👩‍🍳 Method

  1. Separate the eggs into yolks and whites.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the yolks with 30g of sugar until pale and thick.
  3. Sift in the plain flour and cornflour and gently fold to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites while gradually adding the remaining 30g sugar until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold the whites into the yolk mixture in three parts, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  6. Line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper, pour the batter in evenly.
  7. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes or until the surface is lightly golden and springs back to touch.
  8. Let the cake cool completely on a clean tea towel.

For the Filling:

  1. Whip the cream, sugar, and sifted matcha together until soft peaks form.
  2. Spread the cream evenly over the cooled sponge.
  3. Carefully roll the cake using the tea towel to guide the roll.
  4. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

🍰 Optional Add-Ons & Serving Ideas

  • Add a layer of red bean paste before the cream for a traditional Japanese twist
  • Dust the top with matcha powder or icing sugar for decoration
  • Serve with hot Sencha or cold Genmaicha for an authentic experience

⏰ Prep & Storage Tips

  • Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 10 minutes | Chill time: 1 hour
  • Best consumed within 24 hours
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge

🌿 The Perfect Pairing: Yamaguchien Tea

This roll cake pairs beautifully with our Sencha Premium or Ceremonial Matcha. The slight bitterness of the tea cuts through the richness of the cream, creating the perfect harmony of flavours.

Explore Our Matcha Collection

💬 Share Your Creation!

We’d love to see your version of this recipe. Tag us on Instagram @yamaguchien_australia or use #yamaguchienmatcha to be featured!

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Bring the elegance of a Japanese tea house into your home, one slice at a time.

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