Heavenly Gluten-Free Japanese Matcha Roll Cake Recipe

Soft, spongy, and delightfully green, this gluten-free Japanese matcha roll cake recipe brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

Vibrant matcha powder infuses the delicate cake with its signature earthy flavor and stunning emerald hue.

Delicate and light, the roll cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tea notes.

Each slice promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transports you straight to a Japanese patisserie.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

You’ll love how easily this stunning roll cake comes together, creating a show-stopping treat that’s both gluten-free and absolutely delicious.

Dive into this Japanese-inspired dessert and impress everyone with your baking skills.

What Goes Into a Gluten-Free Japanese Matcha Roll Cake

• Egg Whites: Lightweight protein powerhouse that creates airy, cloud-like texture for the cake.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizing wizard that helps egg whites reach fluffy perfection.
• Sugar: Sweet crystalline magic that adds structure and delightful sweetness.
• Egg Yolks: Rich golden globes that bring luxurious moisture and tender crumb.
• Cornstarch: Gluten-free thickening champion that ensures silky smooth cake consistency.
• Applesauce: Natural moisture booster that keeps the cake incredibly soft.
• Matcha Powder: Vibrant green tea powder delivering earthy flavor and stunning color.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy liquid that enhances richness and tenderness.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious whipping superstar that transforms into dreamy clouds.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Luscious sweet nectar that adds creamy decadence.
• Red Bean Paste: Traditional Asian delight bringing sweet and slightly nutty undertones.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface guardian ensuring easy cake release.

Tools You’ll Need for Matcha Roll Cake Success

• Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites and creating fluffy meringue with perfect peaks.
• Sheet Pan (13×18-inch): Key for baking the thin, even cake layer with crisp edges.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy cake removal and preventing sticking during baking.
• Wire Rack: Perfect for cooling the cake quickly and evenly after baking.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for separating egg whites, mixing yolk batter, and preparing cream.
• Sifter: Important for smoothly incorporating cornstarch and preventing lumps.
• Whisk: Useful for blending egg yolks and incorporating ingredients smoothly.
• Microwave: Handy for quickly heating heavy cream.
• Sharp Knife: Great for slicing the rolled cake into clean, even pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Matcha Roll Cake

Matcha Roll Cake Magic

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature. Cover a baking sheet with a soft parchment paper blanket.

• Fluffy Cloud Base

Whip egg whites into a dreamy, billowy mixture that looks like soft clouds. Sprinkle sugar gradually while transforming the whites into stiff, glossy peaks.

• Golden Yolk Transformation

Create a silky mixture with egg yolks, introducing warmth from cream. Blend in matcha powder, creating a vibrant green canvas that hints at delicious adventures.

• Cake Ballet

Gently dance the yolk mixture into the cloud-like meringue. Spread the batter across the pan with graceful sweeps. Bake until the cake whispers its readiness.

• Creamy Dream Filling

Whip cold cream into a luxurious blanket of sweetness, creating a pillowy filling that will cradle the cake’s delicate layers.

• Elegant Roll

Carefully unfold the cooled cake onto a fresh parchment stage. Paint the surface with creamy filling and playful dots of red bean paste. Roll the cake into a beautiful spiral, capturing the essence of culinary artistry.

• Chilled Delight

Let the rolled cake rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to settle. Slice and serve as a cool, elegant dessert that tells a story of patience and passion.

Helpful Hints & Matcha Roll Cake Twists

• Replace red bean paste with fresh strawberries, blueberry compote, or chocolate ganache for a personalized twist that matches your taste preferences.
• Control the green tea flavor by increasing or decreasing matcha powder quantity, allowing you to create a subtle or bold matcha experience depending on your palate.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk alternatives to accommodate lactose-sensitive guests without compromising the cake's delicate texture.
• Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help roll the cake smoothly, preventing sticking and ensuring a tight, elegant spiral that looks professionally crafted.

Matcha Roll Cake Serving Inspiration

• Matcha Magic Moments: Elevate your Japanese roll cake experience by pairing it with a delicate green tea latte, enhancing the subtle matcha flavors and creating a harmonious taste journey.
• Tea Party Elegance: Slice the cake into thin, refined pieces and arrange on a beautiful ceramic plate, perfect for afternoon tea gatherings or sophisticated dessert presentations with friends.
• Cultural Culinary Delight: Serve alongside traditional Japanese sweets like mochi or dorayaki to create an authentic and immersive dessert experience that celebrates Japanese culinary traditions.
• Seasonal Celebration: Garnish with fresh seasonal berries like strawberries or edible flower petals to add a pop of color and fresh complexity to the beautiful matcha roll cake presentation.

Keeping Your Gluten-Free Matcha Cake Fresh

• Refrigerator Friendship: Keep your matcha roll cake snug in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Wrap it gently in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicate texture.
• Freezer Magic: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Place each slice in a separate freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen slices stay delicious for up to one month, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Thawing Wisdom: Transfer frozen cake slices to the refrigerator 2-3 hours before serving. This gentle thawing method helps retain the cake's soft, delicate crumb and prevents soggy edges.
• Serving Suggestion: Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before enjoying. This slight warming allows the flavors to bloom and the cream to reach a smooth, creamy consistency that melts beautifully on your tongue.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Silky Gluten-Free Japanese Matcha Roll Cake

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• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Matcha roll cake showcases delicate Japanese pastry artistry with green tea’s subtle earthiness. Delicate sponge and creamy filling invite bakers to explore elegant dessert traditions while creating a memorable sweet experience.

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Ingredients

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• 5 egg whites, room temperature (190 g / 6.7 oz)
• 5 egg yolks (73 g / 2.6 oz)
• 1 ⅔ cups heavy cream, cold (397 g / 14 oz)
• 1 cup red bean paste, sweetened
• ⅓ cup applesauce, unsweetened (113 g / 4 oz)
• ⅓ cup cornstarch, sifted (43 g / 1.5 oz)
• ¼ cup sugar (50 g / 1.8 oz)
• 2 tbsps sugar (25 g / 0.9 oz)
• 2 tsps matcha powder
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ cup heavy cream, heated in microwave (56 g / 2 oz)
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk or ⅓ cup sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, ensuring smooth, complete coverage.
2. Meringue Creation: Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy, gradually adding sugar and whipping to glossy, firm peaks.
3. Yolk Mixture: Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale, then gently incorporate warmed heavy cream, creating a smooth, creamy base.
4. Batter Composition: Sift cornstarch into yolk mixture, blending in applesauce and matcha powder until uniformly combined.
5. Batter Integration: Fold matcha-infused yolk mixture into meringue, maintaining airiness while ensuring even color distribution.
6. Baking Process: Spread batter evenly across prepared pan, creating a level surface. Bake for 17-20 minutes until set with light golden edges, then cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Cream Preparation: Whip cold heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk in a chilled bowl until stiff, voluminous peaks form.
8. Cake Assembly: Invert cooled cake onto fresh parchment paper, delicately removing original baking paper. Spread whipped cream across surface, leaving a small border.
9. Filling Decoration: Artfully dot red bean paste across cream-covered cake.
10. Rolling Technique: Carefully roll cake from short end using parchment paper as a guide, creating a tight, even cylindrical shape.
11. Finishing: Refrigerate rolled cake for at least one hour to set and meld flavors. Slice into elegant rounds when serving, storing any remainder in an airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Accurate ingredient measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and rise in this delicate gluten-free roll cake.
• Whip with Care: Meringue technique determines the cake’s lightness; whip egg whites slowly and steadily to create stable, glossy peaks.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother integration of ingredients during mixing.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Incorporate meringue into the matcha mixture using a careful, cutting motion to preserve the airiness and prevent deflation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg