Chocolate Cake Roll

### **Step-by-Step Instructions**

#### **1. Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

#### **2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

#### **3. Whip the Egg Whites**
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add half the sugar (about 3/8 cup) and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

#### **4. Beat the Egg Yolks**
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until pale and thick. Mix in the vanilla extract, oil, and milk.

#### **5. Combine the Mixtures**
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites in batches, being careful not to deflate the batter.

#### **6. Bake the Cake**
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for **10–12 minutes**, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

#### **7. Roll the Cake**
While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short side, gently roll the cake with the towel. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.

#### **8. Prepare the Filling**
Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

#### **9. Assemble the Cake Roll**
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel.

#### **10. Dust and Serve**
Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra touch. Slice and serve chilled.

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### **Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Cake Roll**
1. **Use Room Temperature Eggs:** This helps create a more stable meringue and a fluffier cake.
2. **Roll While Warm:** Rolling the cake while it’s warm prevents cracking.
3. **Be Gentle:** When folding in the egg whites, use a light hand to keep the batter airy.
4. **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the cake roll makes it easier to slice and enhances the flavor.

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### **Variations to Try**
– **Chocolate Ganache Filling:** Replace whipped cream with rich chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
– **Fruit Additions:** Add fresh berries to the filling for a refreshing twist.
– **Festive Touch:** Decorate the outside with holiday sprinkles or edible decorations for special occasions.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
The Chocolate Cake Roll is the perfect balance of decadence and simplicity. Its soft, spongy texture paired with the creamy filling makes every bite a treat. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that you can customize to suit any occasion or flavor preference.

So, roll up your sleeves and create this delightful dessert—it’s bound to become a family favorite!