Easy Matcha Swiss Roll Recipe for the Most Indulgent Homemade Treat

Anna

Sharing stories, traditions, and flavors

There’s something almost hypnotic about the vibrant green hue of matcha swirling through a soft, fluffy Swiss roll. One afternoon, craving something both elegant and comforting, I decided to blend the delicate earthiness of matcha with the light, pillowy texture of a classic Swiss roll—and the result was pure magic. This Matcha Swiss Roll isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a slice of serenity wrapped in sweetness, perfect for anyone tired of the usual desserts or looking to impress without the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or simply a fan of homemade treats, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a crowd-pleaser your kitchen will thank you for.

Why Choose Matcha Swiss Roll?

Unforgettable Flavor: The vibrant earthiness of matcha blends beautifully with the light, airy sponge, creating a unique taste experience. Simple Elegance: This recipe offers an impressive dessert without complicated steps—perfect for all skill levels. Visual Delight: Its striking green swirl makes every slice a work of art. Versatile Treat: Ideal for afternoon tea, special occasions, or just a sweet moment of indulgence. Comfort Meets Sophistication: Enjoy the cozy feel of homemade baking paired with a touch of refined flavor.

Matcha Swiss Roll Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

Eggs – Use room temperature eggs to help the sponge rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping to create a light texture.
Cake Flour – Provides a tender crumb; cake flour is key for the perfect Swiss roll sponge.
Matcha Powder – The star ingredient; sift it to avoid lumps and enhance the vibrant green color.
Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the matcha flavor.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
Milk – Adds richness and tenderness to the sponge.

For the Filling

Heavy Cream – Whip until soft peaks form for a light, airy filling.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream smoothly without graininess.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle depth that complements the matcha’s earthiness.
Optional: Additional Matcha Powder – Blend a bit into the cream for an extra matcha kick in the filling.

How to Make Matcha Swiss Roll

For the Sponge:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and easy cake removal.
Separate the eggs and whisk the yolks with sugar until pale and thick—about three minutes. You’ll achieve a ribbon-like batter that bakes into an airy, springy sponge.
Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, about four minutes. This creates the signature lift and keeps your sponge soft and delicate.
Sift cake flour, matcha powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the yolk mixture. Fold in egg whites in two additions to preserve precious air bubbles.
Drizzle in milk and vegetable oil, folding lightly until the batter is smooth, vibrant green, and ribbon-like—about ten gentle strokes. Avoid overmixing to keep it light.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when lightly touched and edges pull away. Remove from oven and immediately proceed to rolling.
Cool & roll: Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Turn out the warm sponge, peel off parchment, then roll cake and towel together; let cool completely.

For the Filling:

Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for five minutes. Cold tools help heavy cream whip faster and hold stable peaks for a pillowy filling.
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Optionally, sift in a teaspoon of matcha for a subtle green swirl in the cream.
Fill & re-roll: Unroll the cooled sponge, spread whipped cream evenly, then reroll tightly. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Optional: Top with fresh berries or a dusting of matcha powder.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Matcha Swiss Roll

Room Temperature: Enjoy your Matcha Swiss Roll fresh for up to 1 day if kept covered; avoid direct sunlight to maintain its fluffy texture.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it moist and delicious; slice just before serving for the best presentation.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and slice.
Reheating: While the Swiss roll is best enjoyed cold, if you prefer it slightly warmer, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, just until soft.

What to Serve with Matcha Swiss Roll?

Indulge in the harmony of flavors and textures by pairing delightful accompaniments with your luscious Matcha Swiss Roll.

Fresh Berries: Pairing with juicy strawberries or blueberries adds a tart burst that complements the sweetness of the roll perfectly. Their vibrant colors also enhance the visual appeal.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a rich, airy element, enhancing the creamy filling while adding a creamy contrast to the sponge.
Green Tea: Sipping on a warm cup of green tea will echo the matcha flavors beautifully, creating a soothing experience that ties all elements together.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some silky chocolate sauce over the slice adds a decadent twist and a delightful contrast to the earthy matcha. It’s an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes bring a delightful crunch and tropical flair, perfectly balancing the softness of the roll with a nutty sweetness.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti not only provides a delightful texture contrast but also complements the flavors of matcha with its nutty undertones.
Matcha Latte: For an elevated experience, serve your Matcha Swiss Roll alongside a creamy matcha latte for a beautifully cohesive presentation and flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream offers a classic creamy companion, melting slightly against the warmth of the Swiss roll for a delicious interaction.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing touch, brightening up the palette and adding a pop of color to your dessert platter.

Matcha Swiss Roll Variations

Feel free to personalize your Matcha Swiss Roll with these delightful twists that will take your dessert to the next level.

Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free filling that adds a tropical twist to your roll.
Chocolate Swirl: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to one portion of the batter and create a beautiful marbled effect for a chocolatey surprise.
Fruit Infusion: Fold in fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries into the whipped cream filling for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios into the batter to add texture and a delightful crunch.
Matcha & Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract in the filling for a refreshing minty kick that complements the earthy matcha.
Honey Sweetened: Swap the powdered sugar for honey in the whipped filling for a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with matcha.
Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the filling to brighten up the flavors, adding a zesty contrast to the rich matcha.
Spiced Twist: Sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon or cardamom into the batter to add warmth and a cozy flavor profile to your Matcha Swiss Roll.

Make Ahead Options

These Matcha Swiss Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sponge up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, cool, and roll it up in a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture. For the filling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla up to 3 days ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, unroll the sponge, spread the filling evenly, and re-roll tightly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for just as delicious results, making your dessert stress-free and ready for any occasion!

Expert Tips for Matcha Swiss Roll

Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whip up more easily, giving your sponge the perfect airy texture essential for a soft Matcha Swiss Roll.
Sift Matcha Powder Thoroughly: This prevents lumps and ensures an even green color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
Fold Batter Gently: Overmixing deflates the batter, resulting in a dense roll—fold softly to keep it light and fluffy.
Roll While Warm: Rolling the sponge cake immediately after baking helps prevent cracks and sets a perfect shape.
Chill the Cream Bowl: Keeping tools cold helps heavy cream whip up faster and maintain stable peaks for a light filling.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the roll cool completely before adding filling to avoid melting and sogginess in your Swiss roll.

Matcha Swiss Roll Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my matcha powder is fresh and good to use?
Fresh matcha powder should have a bright, vibrant green color and a fine, silky texture. Avoid any that look dull or have dark spots all over, as this indicates staleness or oxidation, which impacts flavor and aroma.

What’s the best way to store a leftover Matcha Swiss Roll?
I recommend storing your Swiss roll in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor contamination. Before serving, slice with a sharp knife for clean, beautiful pieces.

Can I freeze the Matcha Swiss Roll? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freeze your roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight to preserve moisture. For the best texture, slice after thawing and enjoy within a day or two.

My sponge turned out dense instead of fluffy. What went wrong?
This is a common challenge! Most likely, the egg whites weren’t beaten to stiff peaks or were overfolded into the batter, causing lost air bubbles. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients—gently folding is key. Using room temperature eggs helps them whip better, too!

Is this Matcha Swiss Roll safe for pets or people with allergies?
This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten, so it’s not safe for pets or those with those specific allergies. If you’re looking to make it allergy-friendly, consider using plant-based cream and gluten-free flours as alternatives, but note texture and taste will differ. I often suggest consulting with allergy guides if baking for sensitive guests.