Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
Discover the irresistible charm of a Matcha & Strawberry Roulade—a delightful dessert that combines the earthy richness of matcha green tea with the sweet, fresh burst of strawberries in a light, fluffy rolled sponge. This elegant treat is perfect for any special occasion or when you want to impress loved ones with something vibrant and delicious. The delicate texture and harmonious flavors of the Matcha & Strawberry Roulade make it a standout dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautifully Balanced Flavors: The subtle bitterness of matcha pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of strawberries, creating a flavor profile that’s complex yet refreshing.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The roulade’s sponge is airy and tender, giving every bite a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s simply irresistible.
- Visually Stunning Presentation: The vibrant green of matcha and the bright red of strawberry filling make this roulade a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a tea party, birthday, or just a cozy evening, this dessert feels both special and approachable.
- Customizable and Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Matcha & Strawberry Roulade lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, from lending color and flavor to achieving that perfect sponge texture and luscious filling.
- High-Quality Matcha Powder: Use a vibrant, culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor and bright green color.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and create a light, airy sponge when whipped properly.
- Caster Sugar: This fine sugar ensures smooth batter and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the matcha.
- Plain Flour: Essential for stability; sift it well to keep the sponge light.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for a naturally sweet and tangy filling.
- Whipping Cream: Whipped cream creates a smooth, creamy layer that balances the matcha’s earthiness.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a hint of brightness to enhance the strawberry flavor.
Variations for Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
Feel free to customize your Matcha & Strawberry Roulade to fit your taste or dietary preferences. This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adjust by swapping out ingredients or adding new flavors.
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with aquafaba and use coconut cream instead of dairy whipping cream for a plant-based roulade.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the sponge or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the final roulade for a decadent touch.
- Different Berry Fillings: Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry compote for a fruity change.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the cream for added texture and flavor.
- Flavored Cream Variations: Infuse your whipped cream with vanilla, rose water, or matcha powder for subtle flavor enhancements.
How to Make Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Base
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a Swiss roll tin with baking paper. In a clean bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together vigorously until the mixture triples in size and forms thick ribbons when the whisk is lifted—this aeration is key to a fluffy sponge.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the plain flour and matcha powder together to avoid lumps, then gently fold this mixture into the egg and sugar batter using a spatula. Take care to fold rather than stir vigorously, preserving the air in the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared tin, smoothing the top, and bake in the preheated oven until the sponge springs back when lightly pressed and looks slightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep the sponge moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the sponge bakes, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Slice the fresh strawberries and gently fold them into the cream along with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Step 5: Roll the Roulade
Once the sponge is baked, turn it out onto a clean tea towel dusted with caster sugar, peel off the baking paper, and carefully roll the sponge up with the towel while it’s still warm—this prevents cracking. After cooling, unroll gently, spread the strawberry cream filling evenly, then re-roll without the towel.
Pro Tips for Making Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
- Egg Whisking Matters: Whisk eggs and sugar for at least 5-7 minutes to achieve the right volume for a fluffy dessert.
- Gently Fold Ingredients: Maintain as much air as possible in the batter by folding delicately, resulting in a light texture.
- Don’t Skip the Tea Towel Step: Rolling the sponge warm with the towel prevents cracks and keeps the roulade flexible.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and juiciness that canned or frozen can’t match.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the roulade for at least an hour to help flavors meld and set the shape nicely.
How to Serve Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
Garnishes
Enhance your Matcha & Strawberry Roulade with a dusting of extra matcha powder, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a few whole strawberries on top for a visually inviting presentation that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for added indulgence. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of strawberry coulis also pair beautifully to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roulade into even rounds and arrange them on a dessert platter layered with edible flowers or toasted coconut flakes. For a party-ready option, serve individual roulade slices in clear cups layered with extra cream and strawberry slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover roulade tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Proper wrapping keeps the sponge moist and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This roulade freezes well—wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Because the roulade is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, serve directly from the fridge or allow it to come slightly closer to room temperature for a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use matcha powder in any type of sponge?
Yes, matcha powder can be added to various sponge cake recipes, but it works best in light, airy cakes like roulades to showcase its delicate flavor without overpowering the texture.
How do I prevent my roulade from cracking?
Rolling the sponge cake while it’s still warm and flexible around a clean tea towel dusted with sugar is the best method to prevent cracking during the rolling process.
Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but if unavailable, frozen thawed strawberries can be used—just make sure to drain excess moisture to avoid soggy filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and handle the batter gently to maintain the sponge’s lightness.
What is the best way to store a leftover roulade?
Store the roulade wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, ideally consuming within two to three days to enjoy its freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with vibrant flavor, the Matcha & Strawberry Roulade is a must-try. Its combination of light sponge, fragrant matcha, and fresh strawberries creates a feast for your senses that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it become a favored treat for you and your guests.
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Matcha & Strawberry Roulade
The Matcha & Strawberry Roulade is a light and airy rolled sponge cake infused with earthy matcha green tea flavor and filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This elegant dessert offers a beautifully balanced taste, combining the subtle bitterness of matcha with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Perfect for special occasions, its vibrant colors and delicate texture make it a stunning and delicious treat to impress your loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Sponge Base
- 4 large eggs
- 120g caster sugar
- 100g plain flour, sifted
- 2 tbsp high-quality culinary-grade matcha powder
Filling
- 250ml whipping cream
- 200g fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a Swiss roll tin with baking paper. In a clean bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together vigorously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture triples in size and forms thick ribbons when the whisk is lifted, ensuring a light and airy sponge.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the plain flour and matcha powder to avoid lumps. Gently fold this mixture into the egg and sugar batter using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the batter to maintain its airiness.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared tin, smooth the top, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the sponge springs back when lightly pressed and shows a slightly golden edge. Avoid overbaking to keep the sponge moist.
- Prepare the Filling: While the sponge bakes, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries and a splash of lemon juice to enhance brightness.
- Roll the Roulade: Once baked, turn the sponge out onto a clean tea towel dusted with caster sugar, peel off the baking paper, and carefully roll the sponge with the towel while still warm to prevent cracking. Let it cool completely, then unroll gently, spread the strawberry cream filling evenly across, and re-roll without the towel for a smooth finish.
Notes
- Whisk the eggs and sugar for at least 5-7 minutes to achieve the correct volume for a fluffy sponge.
- Fold dry ingredients gently to preserve air in the batter for a tender texture.
- Use a clean tea towel dusted with sugar to roll the sponge while warm to prevent cracks.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the roulade for at least an hour before serving to set the filling and enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of roulade)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: matcha roulade, strawberry roulade, matcha dessert, rolled sponge cake, gluten-free dessert, Japanese dessert, light dessert, whipped cream filling
