Prepare the Cake Roll

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and helps with rolling it later.
2. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the airiness in the cake, so be patient and make sure the mixture is pale and thick.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Use a spatula to mix in the flour until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and start rolling the cake while it’s still hot. This prevents cracks when you unroll it later. Let the cake roll up and cool for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

1. Whip the Cream: While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until soft peaks form—this will give your filling that smooth, creamy texture.
2. Unroll the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Don’t worry if it cracks a little; it’s normal for the first time! Just be gentle.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface of the cake. Be generous, but leave about an inch around the edges to prevent overflow.
4. Re-roll the Cake: Slowly and carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. You should now have a beautiful, spiral-shaped cake roll!

Decorate and Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, dust the finished cake roll with powdered sugar right before serving. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh berries for extra flair.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into 1-inch pieces and serve immediately. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for any gathering.