Chocolate Log Cake

For my dad’s birthday in the fall I gave him the gift of a baked good of his choosing, which he only recently cashed in. He told me that he would like a chocolate log cake at the next big family dinner. So Easter dinner it was!

I made a simple chocolate sponge on a baking sheet, and whipped up some vanilla bean buttermilk frosting to spread on the inside. I was actually able to beat the egg yolks and whites at the same time (whites in the stand mixer, yolks with the handheld), which saved me some time. I decided not to frost the outside because I thought that would be excessively sweet. It was a rich treat, so it was a good thing most of the family was there to share it all!

1. combine flour, cocoa and baking soda and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl beat egg yolks and vanilla with electric mixer on high speed for 5 min., or until thick and lemon coloured. Gradually add the 1/3 c sugar, beating until sugar is nearly dissolved. Thoroughly wash beaters.
3. In another bowl beat egg whites on med. Speed til soft peaks form. Gradually add the ½ c sugar, beating til stiff peaks form.
4. Fold yolk mixture into beaten egg whites. Sprinkle flour mixture over egg mixture; fold in gently just until combined.
5. Spread batter evenly onto greased parchment lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 375F for 12-15 min.
6. Immediately loosen edges of cake from pan and turn cake out onto parchment lined cooling rack. Once cool, remove rack but keep paper. Spread buttermilk frosting to within 1 inch of edges. Roll up cake, using parchment paper to keep it even.

Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Frosting

• ¾ c softened butter
• 3 c icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 2-4 Tbsp buttermilk

1. beat all ingredients together, adding buttermilk gradually until desired consistency is reached.