Roll Cake is one of the most popular cakes in Japan. It is similar to Swiss Roll in Europe, but the texture and tastes are actually quite different.
Japanese roll cake resembles the Swiss roll, but the chiffon sponge cake of the Japanese version is thicker and fluffier. The filling of the cake is also almost always some kind of whipped cream.
At the same time, Japanese roll cake is not as sweet as Swiss Roll as it contains less sugar. In addition, when adding matcha to the recipe, it adds a unique flavor and sweetness to the roll cake.
Japanese roll cake is well-known and everyone loves it, but its origin is still unclear. Roll cake in Japan became popular around the 1950s. Yamazaki Company, one of the biggest bread companies in Japan, started selling “Swiss Roll” – a thick sheet cake filled with a thin layer of butter. During the 2000s, roll cake specialty stores began opening up across Japan. Now, you can find roll cakes just about anywhere in Japan, ranging from supermarkets to convenience stores, to high-end bakeries and specialty shops.
As roll cakes are so popular in Japan, there are so many different flavors of roll cakes, such as standard vanilla, chocolate, and even strawberry. In our recipe, we will make a matcha roll cake, recommended for all matcha green tea lovers. We will also use a soft, lightly sweetened whipped cream for the filling, as it matches perfectly with matcha.
Using matcha powder not only gives the roll cake a traditional Japanese flavor but also gives it a beautiful color. This matcha roll cake is wonderful for any occasion. If you decorate the cake with whipped cream or fruits like strawberries, it can be served as a birthday cake or cake for a party. You can also enjoy it at any time of the year. We hope you’ll enjoy our matcha roll cake recipe, and try it out for yourself at home.
If you’d like to see us make another flavor of roll cake, let us know in the comments below!
Notes: There are some points to be aware of when making roll cake. Make sure to roll the cake right after it comes out of the oven to avoid it from cracking. It is more flexible and elastic while it is still warm. It is also important not to roll it too tightly. Always roll it carefully and gently, by only making it a little tight.
Instructions
1) Gathering the Ingredients
2) Making the Matcha Cake Batter
Expert's Tip
3) Mixing the Eggs
4) Combining the Matcha and Egg Batters
5) Baking the Cake
6) Rolling Up the Cake
7) Prepare The Whipped Cream Filling
8) Rolling The Cake
