How to Make the Perfect Matcha Swiss Roll You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Swiss Roll
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect matcha Swiss roll at home, this recipe is the ideal place to begin.
The sponge bakes up light, fluffy, and flexible, making it easy to roll without cracking while still delivering that elegant, bakery-style look.
Instead of complicated techniques or heavy ingredients, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and high-quality matcha to create a soft cake with a gentle green tea flavor.
The result is a dessert that feels refined and impressive, yet completely approachable for home baking.
Light, Flexible Sponge That Rolls Beautifully
Because this matcha Swiss roll is baked as a thin, even sponge, it stays soft and pliable from edge to edge.
There’s no dense crumb or dryness to fight against, which makes rolling smooth and stress-free.
At the same time, the cake holds its shape beautifully once filled and sliced.
In other words, you get a polished, swirl-filled dessert that looks bakery-made without requiring professional skills.
A Smooth Matcha Flavor That Stays Balanced
Ceremonial-grade matcha gives this Swiss roll its natural green hue and subtle, earthy depth.
However, the flavor is carefully balanced so it never tastes bitter or overpowering.
Instead, each bite feels light, creamy, and s
Why This Recipe Works
First, the Sponge Bakes Up Light and Flexible
To start, this matcha Swiss roll is baked as a thin, evenly spread sponge, which allows it to stay soft, airy, and easy to roll without cracking. The balanced batter creates a tender crumb that bends smoothly while still holding its structure.
Using room-temperature ingredients also helps the batter emulsify properly, ensuring a consistent texture from edge to edge once baked.
Next, the Matcha Flavor Stays Smooth and Balanced
High-quality matcha is carefully measured and gently folded into the batter so the green tea flavor remains subtle and refined rather than bitter or overpowering.
A touch of vanilla and light sweetness soften the earthy notes, creating a calm, bakery-style flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Finally, the Cream Filling Adds Structure and Elegance
The light cream filling provides contrast to the soft sponge, adding richness without weighing the cake down. It also helps the roll hold its shape once sliced.
Most importantly, the combination of flexible sponge and smooth filling delivers clean swirls, polished slices, and reliable results every time.
Ingredients
For the Matcha Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons ceremonial-grade matcha
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Cream Filling
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (rimmed baking sheet)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Fine-mesh sieve (to sift matcha + flour)
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula (to spread batter evenly)
- Clean kitchen towel (for rolling the warm cake)
- Cooling rack
- Serrated knife (for clean slices)
Directions
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First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
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Next, in a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt. This step helps keep the batter smooth and ensures the matcha is evenly distributed.
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Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Then, gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches, taking care not to deflate the batter. Add the milk and fold just until everything is combined.
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Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched..
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While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper. Place it onto a clean kitchen towel and gently roll it up from the short end. At this stage, let the cake cool completely in its rolled shape to prevent cracking later.
![Step 6: Removing baked matcha donuts from the pan](https://thematchatable.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/swiss-roll-image-6.png")
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After the cake has cooled, slowly unroll it. Meanwhile, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then spread an even layer of cream over the surface of the cake..
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Next, unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer without pressing too firmly into the sponge.
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Next, gently roll the cake back up without the towel, wrap it lightly, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Finally, use a serrated knife to slice the Swiss roll into clean rounds, then arrange on a serving plate and enjoy.
- Finally, use a serrated knife to slice the Swiss roll into clean rounds, then arrange on a serving plate and enjoy.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions used. This matcha Swiss roll is a light, airy dessert designed for enjoyment and balance rather than strict nutritional tracking.
Why This Recipe Works
First, this sponge cake is baked thin and evenly, which allows it to stay soft, flexible, and easy to roll without cracking. The gentle baking time creates a light, airy texture that holds its shape beautifully.
Next, ceremonial-grade matcha adds a smooth, earthy green-tea flavor that feels refined rather than overpowering. Balanced with vanilla and whipped cream, the matcha remains subtle, elegant, and never bitter.
Finally, rolling the cake while it’s warm helps set the structure early, ensuring a tight swirl and clean slices once chilled. This simple technique delivers bakery-style results with minimal effort.
- Soft, flexible sponge that rolls without cracking
- Balanced matcha flavor with smooth cream filling
- Simple technique for elegant, bakery-style results
Flavor Profile
This matcha Swiss roll is light, airy, and softly sweet, with a smooth green-tea flavor that feels elegant rather than intense. The matcha is balanced and refined, never bitter, allowing its natural earthiness to come through gently.
Paired with a creamy whipped filling and a tender sponge, each slice feels delicate yet satisfying — a calm, polished dessert that pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a quiet afternoon moment.
What kind of matcha should I use for a Swiss roll?
Use high-quality culinary-grade matcha for baking, or ceremonial-grade if you prefer a smoother, more refined flavor. Fresh, vibrant green matcha gives the best color and balanced taste.
Why did my Swiss roll crack?
Cracking usually happens when the cake is overbaked or rolled after it has cooled completely. Rolling the cake gently while it’s still warm helps set the shape and prevents cracks.
How do I keep matcha from tasting bitter?
Use fresh matcha, avoid adding too much, and don’t overbake the sponge. The whipped cream filling and vanilla help balance matcha’s natural earthiness.
Can I make the Swiss roll cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake and roll the cake (without filling) a day ahead. Keep it wrapped at room temperature, then unroll, fill, and chill before serving.
Why is my sponge cake dense instead of light?
A dense sponge usually means the eggs weren’t whipped enough or the batter was overmixed. Be gentle when folding and stop as soon as everything is combined.
What filling works best for a matcha Swiss roll?
Lightly sweetened whipped cream is classic and complements matcha beautifully. You can also add mascarpone or cream cheese for a slightly richer filling.
How should I store a matcha Swiss roll?
Store the filled Swiss roll wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Can I freeze a matcha Swiss roll?
Yes. Freeze the rolled cake without filling, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw, then fill and serve fresh for the best results.
- Strawberry Cream Roll: Fold finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the whipped cream for a soft pink swirl.
- Vanilla Bean Cream: Use vanilla bean paste in the filling for a classic, bakery-style flavor.
- White Chocolate Matcha: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished roll for added richness.
- Mascarpone Filling: Replace part of the whipped cream with mascarpone for a slightly richer, silky texture.
- Citrus Bright: Add lemon or orange zest to the sponge for a fresh, aromatic lift.
- Chocolate Swirl: Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache beneath the cream filling.
- Sesame Matcha: Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds into the cream or on top for a nutty contrast.
- Mini Swiss Rolls: Slice the baked sponge into strips and roll individually for petite servings.
Printable Recipe Card
Light & Fluffy Matcha Swiss Roll
Prep: 20 min • Bake: 10–12 min • Chill: 30 min • Yield: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt
- Ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Sift dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the matcha.
- Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy, then stir in vanilla.
- Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly.
- Roll the warm cake in a towel, cool completely, then fill, re-roll, and chill before slicing.
About The Matcha Table
The Matcha Table began with a moment I still think about often: in 2012, I traveled to Japan to visit my sister and we shared matcha at a beautiful onsen—quiet, steamy air, soft light, and that first sip that felt both grounding and special.
That experience shaped how I see matcha today: not just as an ingredient, but as a ritual—calm, intentional, and quietly luxurious.
Here, you’ll find tea-forward recipes where elevated flavor meets everyday ease—desserts and drinks that are balanced, refined, and thoughtfully crafted for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments worth savoring.
Benefits of Ceremonial-Grade Matcha
A soulful, antioxidant-rich powder known for calm focus, steady energy, and an overall feel-good, bakery-style glow.
- Calm, Focused Energy – gentle lift from L-theanine and caffeine, without the jitters or crash.
- Rich in Antioxidants – concentrated catechins, especially EGCG, help fight everyday oxidative stress.
- Supports Metabolism – may gently support metabolism and fat-burn when paired with a balanced lifestyle.
- Steady Mood & Clarity – the L-theanine + caffeine duo is loved for promoting clarity, focus, and a more centered state.
- Everyday Ritual – turning matcha into a small daily ritual can encourage slower mornings and intentional self-care.
"> Matcha isn’t a medical treatment, but it can be a beautiful part of a balanced lifestyle. Learn more about potential matcha benefits from this evidence-based overview .