Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup hot water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Additional cocoa powder, for dusting
• Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate

Instructions:

For the Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (also known as a Swiss roll pan) and line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper as well.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and has tripled in volume. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the mixture. You can do this using a spatula.
5. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, place a clean kitchen towel on your work surface and dust it with a little powdered sugar.
9. Once the cake is done, immediately run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Invert the hot cake onto the prepared kitchen towel. Carefully remove the parchment paper.
10. Starting at the short end, roll the cake and the towel together into a tight roll. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack and let it cool completely.

For the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Swiss Roll Cake:

1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake from the towel.
2. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, starting at the short end.
4. Place the rolled cake on a serving platter, seam side down.

Garnish (optional):

1. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. You can also garnish with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
3. Slice and serve your delicious homemade chocolate Swiss roll cake!

This chocolate Swiss roll cake is a delightful dessert with a light and fluffy texture, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to enjoy a delicious chocolate treat. Enjoy!