Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse
There’s something magical about a well-made cake, and the experience becomes even more enchanting when that cake is a Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse. Picture a light and airy matcha sponge cake, lovingly rolled with a luscious, creamy black sesame mousse that dances on your palate. It’s quite an adventure for your taste buds, combining the grassy notes of matcha with the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of black sesame. This dessert not only tastes divine but looks impressively elegant, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgences.
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When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had found a winner. The thought of transforming a simple cake into a stunning roll filled with velvety mousse captivated me. It’s an experience that’s not only about flavor but also about the joy of creating something that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or simply craving a delicious treat, this recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that anyone can enjoy. Dive into this delightful process, and I guarantee you’ll be thrilled with the results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for novice bakers, and the preparation time is manageable for a delectable dessert.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of earthy matcha and nutty black sesame is a match made in heaven, making every bite a dreamy experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant green exterior and rich filling, this roll is sure to impress at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for tea parties, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Diet-Friendly Options: The recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets using specific flour alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 120 g cake flour – A light flour that gives the sponge its delicate texture. For a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- 15 g matcha powder – Use high-quality culinary matcha for the best flavor and color. It provides a vibrant hue and earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s fluffy and soft.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients; don’t skip this!
- 5 large eggs, separated – The yolks add richness while the whipped whites give the cake its lift.
- 150 g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while offering the right moisture balance.
- 55 g milk, whole or 2% reduced fat – Contributes moisture and richness. You can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tablespoon ice-cold water – This helps the cake batter incorporate air better.
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder (or 1 silver gelatin sheet) – Used to stabilize the black sesame mousse so it holds its shape perfectly.
- 60 g sesame maple black sesame spread – Adds a rich and nutty flavor to the mousse. If you can’t find it, tahini mixed with a bit of maple syrup can work as a substitute.
- 454 g heavy cream (2 cups), very cold, divided – Whipped for the mousse; make sure it’s cold to achieve perfect peaks.
- 30 g confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) – Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its structure.
How to Make Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silpat mat; set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together 120 g cake flour, 15 g matcha powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. This aerates the flour and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
- Whisk Egg Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 5 egg yolks, 150 g granulated sugar, and 55 g milk until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Whip Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, whip the remaining 5 egg whites to medium-stiff peaks. This step is crucial for the cake’s airy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just blended. Then, gently fold in the whipped egg whites in three additions, ensuring not to deflate the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, using an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. The edges should be slightly golden.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Run a mini offset spatula around the edges to loosen. While it’s warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment and roll the cake into a log using the towel. Let it cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon gelatin powder over 1 tablespoon of cold water. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes to hydrate.
- Prepare the Mousse: In a medium bowl, mix 60 g sesame maple black sesame spread with about ¼ cup of very cold heavy cream. Stir well.
- Melt the Gelatin: After blooming, heat the gelatin in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until dissolved. Mix it into the black sesame mixture and set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In another bowl, beat the remaining 2 cups (454 g) of chilled heavy cream with 30 g confectioners sugar until medium peaks form. This gives the mousse a light texture!
- Fold in the Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled black sesame mixture in three additions, being careful to maintain the lightness and airiness.
- Fill the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and remove the kitchen towel. Spread a generous layer of black sesame mousse filling evenly across the cake using an offset spatula.
- Roll the Cake Again: Carefully and tightly roll the cake back into a log, placing the seam-side down. Wrap the roll with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the mousse to set.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse keeps its creamy consistency well, but for longer storage, consider freezing the log, which should maintain quality for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but the delicious flavors will remain!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding in the egg whites, gentle motion ensures the cake retains its lightness.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold heavy cream for whipping; it whips up better and stays stable longer.
- Perfect Roll: Always roll the sponge cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks. If you do get cracks, don’t fret; a little extra mousse can cover it up!
- Experiment with Fillings: Get creative! Try using different flavored spreads or adding fruits to the mousse for a unique twist.
Creating a Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about the joy of making something beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t hesitate to adapt, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my cake is done baking?
The cake should spring back when lightly touched and the edges should be slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, but be careful not to overbake as that could dry it out.
Can I substitute the matcha powder?
While matcha is the star here, you could experiment with other flavors like cocoa powder for a chocolate roll. Just be aware that substitutions may change the texture and taste significantly.
How long can I keep the Swiss roll in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If left out, the cake may dry out, so always cover it.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and fill it just before serving. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld even better. Enjoy making this delightful treat!
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📖 Recipe Card

Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Matcha Swiss Roll Cake with Black Sesame Mousse features a delectable combination of flavors and a unique method of preparation. It’s not only simple to make but also wonderfully flavorful, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests at a gathering.
Ingredients
- 120 g cake flour
- 15 g matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 55 g milk, whole or 2% reduced fat
- 1 tablespoon ice cold water
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder, or 1 silver gelatin sheet
- 60 g sesame maple black sesame spread
- 454 g heavy cream, very cold, divided
- 30 g confectioners sugar, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat mat. Set aside.
- Whisk together the sifted cake flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and milk until pale in color.
- In another clean bowl, whip egg whites to medium-stiff peaks.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the yolk mixture and fold to combine. Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites in three additions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer with an offset spatula. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- Remove from the oven and carefully run a mini offset spatula around the edges to loosen the cake. While warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel. Remove the parchment paper, then roll the cake using the towel. Let it cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Make sure to use very cold cream for best whipping results.
Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to maintain volume.
Rolling the cake while warm helps prevent cracking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
