Yule Log Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Separate eggs. Beat yolks with granulated sugar and vanilla until pale and thick.

In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks.

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

Fold dry mixture into the yolk mixture, then gently fold in whipped egg whites.

Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake 10–12 minutes until cake springs back lightly when touched.

Dust a clean towel with powdered sugar, transfer warm cake to the towel, and roll it gently to cool.

Make the filling by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Unroll cooled cake, spread whipped cream filling, and roll it again tightly.

Prepare frosting by melting chocolate, butter, powdered sugar, and milk or cream until smooth.

Spread frosting over rolled cake, using a fork to create bark-like lines.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve decorated as desired.