1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the ends to help lift the cake out after baking. Lightly grease the parchment.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until thick and pale. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradely add this to the egg yolk mixture, folding gently until just combined.
- In another clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
3. Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately turn the hot cake out onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up with the towel. Let it cool completely, rolled.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Chocolate Roll:
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter.
6. Finishing Touches:
- Dust with additional powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to set the roll.
Tips:
- Cake Flexibility: To prevent cracking, roll the cake while it’s still warm. The towel helps it not to stick to itself.
- Slicing: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to cut the roll to prevent squishing.
- Customizing the Filling: Feel free to add cocoa powder to the whipped cream for a chocolate filling, or fold in crushed berries for a fruity twist.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Roll as an elegant dessert for any special occasion or as a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee.