Name: Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 2 h 4 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: ¾ cup cake flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon matcha powder (plus more for extra color); 4 large egg yolks, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided; ¼ cup sour cream, at room temperature; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 4 large egg whites, room temperature; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons raspberry jam; ¼ cup unsweetened coconut shreds (optional)

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If you are craving a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, then the Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This cake combines the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha with a smooth cream cheese filling, the sweet-tart pop of raspberry jam, and a delightful crunch of coconut shreds. It’s a stunning showstopper that tastes light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced in flavors and textures, making it ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a fancy afternoon tea moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dessert lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the matcha powder bringing its signature green color and flavor, to the fresh eggs and butter ensuring lightness in the cake, and the luscious cream cheese paired with raspberry jam creating a luscious, tangy filling.

Cake flour: Provides a delicate, tender crumb perfect for a soft roll cake texture.
Baking powder: Gives the cake just enough lift for a fluffy, springy sponge.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Matcha powder: Delivers vibrant green color and that earthy, slightly sweet tea essence—use more if you want a stronger flavor and richer hue.
Egg yolks: Richness and moisture come from these, helping create a tender batter.
Vanilla extract or bean paste: Adds a warm, sweet undertone to balance matcha’s earthiness.
Granulated sugar: Needed for sweetness and to stabilize the meringue part of the cake.
Sour cream: Adds a bit of tang and ensures the cake stays moist.
Butter: Melted butter folds rich flavor into the batter and keeps it tender.
Egg whites: Whipped into meringue, these create that light, airy texture essential for the roll cake.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites to hold firm peaks for the perfect rise.
Cream cheese block: The creamy center that adds tang and richness to the filling.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly and dusts the finished cake.
Unsweetened coconut shreds: Optional but recommended for a subtle crunch and tropical flair.
Raspberry jam: Adds bright, fruity notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy filling and matcha.

How to Make Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a half-sheet or jelly roll pan. Lining it with parchment paper helps the delicate matcha sponge release easily after baking, which is essential for rolling the cake without cracks.

Step 2: Sift Your Dry Ingredients

Sift together cake flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder into a bowl. Sifting not only combines the ingredients but aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter sponge with no lumps of matcha.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg yolks, half the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This adds a rich and creamy base to the batter before folding in the dry ingredients and egg whites.

Step 4: Prepare the Meringue

Make sure your mixing bowl is clean of any oil or residue—wiping it with white vinegar and drying thoroughly helps. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar on high speed until foamy, then add the rest of the sugar gradually, whipping to medium peaks. This meringue brings a glossy, airy structure to your cake batter, giving it that soft, billowy texture.

Step 5: Combine the Batter

Gently fold your sifted dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. Then, fold in half of your meringue using a gentle folding motion—to keep as much air in the batter as possible. Follow with the remaining meringue until the batter is smooth and light, but be careful not to over stir.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan, tapping it lightly on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 12-13 minutes, checking that the top springs back gently when pressed. This signals that your sponge is perfectly baked and ready to roll.

Step 7: The First Roll

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, invert it onto a parchment-lined surface or clean kitchen towel. Peel off the baking parchment, then gently roll the cake from the narrow end with the parchment or towel inside. This prevents cracks and allows the cake to cool in its rolled shape, making the next steps much easier.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the cake cools, whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling will add a delicious creamy layer inside our roll cake.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread an even layer of cream cheese filling, then drizzle raspberry jam on top. Sprinkle the unsweetened shredded coconut over the jam to add a lovely texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

Step 10: The Second Roll and Chill

Roll the cake back up without the parchment paper, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling it for about an hour helps the filling set, making slicing clean and pretty.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar if you like, then slice with a serrated knife to reveal the beautiful swirls of matcha, cream cheese, and raspberry jam. Serve immediately and watch your guests marvel.

How to Serve Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe

A rolled green cake on a large white oval plate is shown with three green spiral slices placed at the bottom. The green cake layers are bright with a light cream filling mixed with a reddish-pink layer visible inside the spirals. The main roll is dusted with white powder and green powder on top and scattered lightly around it on the plate. To the left of the plate is a knife with a wooden handle on a folded black cloth. To the right, a small white plate holds one slice of the green spiral cake. Delicate white flowers are visible at the top center, with the entire scene set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra coconut shreds on top adds that final touch. Fresh raspberries or mint leaves can also brighten the plate and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This matcha roll cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot green tea or a mild jasmine tea to complement the earthy matcha flavor. For a more indulgent pairing, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll cake into smaller bite-sized pieces for a tea party or dessert platter. You can also serve it with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat that feels like a fancy patisserie creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and elegant treat to enjoy later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to one month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the creamy texture of the filling without sogginess.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so avoid microwaving as it can affect the delicate texture and cause the cream cheese filling to melt unevenly. Let slices sit out for 20 minutes before serving if coming from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute the matcha powder with another flavor?

While you can experiment, the unique flavor and color of matcha are essential to this recipe. Green tea powder gives the cake its signature earthiness and bright green hue, which other powders may not replicate as well.

Why is it important to fold the meringue gently?

Folding gently preserves the air bubbles in the meringue, which is what keeps the cake light and fluffy. Stirring too vigorously deflates the batter and results in a denser cake.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of the filling described?

The cream cheese filling here is whipped smooth with powdered sugar for a lighter texture, perfect for rolling. Heavy cream in frosting could make the cake too soft and difficult to roll neatly.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses cake flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free cake flour blend, but results may vary.

How do I prevent cracks when rolling the cake?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm the first time with parchment inside helps it set in the rolled shape, preventing cracks when you spread the filling and roll it again after cooling.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Matcha Roll Cake with Cream Cheese, Raspberry Jam, and Coconut Recipe that makes it a standout dessert worth mastering. The balance of flavors, the delicate texture, and the beautiful presentation make it a joy to both make and share. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of matcha heaven that’s bound to impress and delight.