Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll

### Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Cake**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch (or 38×25 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
– In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer until pale, thick, and fluffy. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
– Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
– Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Add the vanilla extract and water, mixing gently until just combined.
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

#### 2. **Roll the Cake**
– While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it with powdered sugar. This will help prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it.
– As soon as the cake is done, remove it from the oven and turn it out onto the prepared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper.
– Starting from one short end, carefully roll the cake up with the towel inside. Be gentle to avoid cracking the cake. Let it cool completely in the rolled position, which should take about 30-45 minutes.

#### 3. **Prepare the Chocolate Filling**
– While the cake cools, make the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
– Remove from heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
– Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined.
– Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly, but it should remain soft and spreadable.

#### 4. **Assemble the Cake Roll**
– Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel and place it on a clean surface or parchment paper.
– Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border at the edges.
– Gently roll the cake back up, making sure the seam is on the bottom to help it hold its shape.

#### 5. **Finish the Cake Roll**
– Transfer the rolled cake to a serving platter. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. You can also garnish with chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles to match the birthday theme.
– Slice the cake into 1-inch thick pieces to reveal the spiral of chocolate filling inside.

### Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake Roll

– **Roll While Warm**: When rolling the cake, do so while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking. However, let it cool enough so that it’s easy to handle.
– **Don’t Over-Bake**: Be careful not to over-bake the cake, as it can become dry and crack more easily when rolled. A moist, fluffy texture is key to a successful cake roll.
– **Chill the Filling**: If your chocolate filling is too runny, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to thicken slightly before spreading.
– **Customize the Filling**: If you’re looking for a different twist, you can swap the chocolate filling for other options like whipped cream, buttercream, or fruit preserves for a unique flavor.

### Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll

This *Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll* is everything you want in a celebration cake—light, fluffy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor. The rolled format makes it easy to slice into neat portions, perfect for serving at a party. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough to make at home without any complicated techniques.

The best part? It’s fully customizable to your liking. Whether you’re a chocolate lover who wants a double dose of cocoa, or you prefer a lighter filling, this cake roll is the perfect canvas for your creativity.

With its impressive presentation and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake roll will undoubtedly become the centerpiece of your birthday celebration or any festive gathering. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for a second slice!

### A Perfect Birthday Treat

The *Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll* isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its soft, chocolatey layers and creamy filling make it the ultimate indulgence. So next time you’re planning a birthday party or any special occasion, add this cake roll to your menu. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra sweetness and style to your celebrations!