This traditional Christmas treat is sure to delight "gluten-free-ers" and regular cake lovers alike. The cake and filling can be flavored many different ways and can be given decorations galore.
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9 1/4" x 14" x 1" (jelly roll) pan with parchment or foil; generously grease the parchment or foil.
Sift together the confectioners' sugar, flour, cocoa, Cake Enhancer, and baking powder twice.
Whip the eggs and salt at high speed of an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, until thick and lemon-colored.
While continuing to beat, gradually add the granulated sugar, then the flour mixture, blending just until the dry ingredients are wet.
Stir with a spatula or spoon until the batter's color is mostly even, but with some streaks remaining. Immediately pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the cake for 13 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven, and cool it in the pan for 1 hour. Unlike a typical jelly roll, you don't want to roll this in a towel as it cools; it's too fragile.
Dust the top with confectioners' sugar, run a knife around the edge to loosen, turn out onto clean parchment, and remove bottom parchment or foil. Trim off hard edges, if necessary.
Brush syrup or liquor over the cake. Allow it to sit for a few minutes for syrup or liquor to soak in while preparing the filling.
To make the filling: Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of the Instant ClearJel with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Whip together 1 cup of the heavy cream, the ClearJel/sugar mixture, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream (about 2 cups) over the prepared cake, leaving an inch along a short edge clear of cream.
Rolling towards the edge that's clear of cream, roll the log onto a sheet of plastic wrap, then use the wrap to round the roll.
Refrigerate the log for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 48 hours, to firm up.
Unroll the log from the plastic wrap, and place it on a serving platter.
Mix the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons Instant ClearJel with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Whip the remaining cup of heavy cream with the ClearJel/sugar mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the cake.
Refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving, sprinkle with shaved chocolate; crushed gluten-free candy canes, or crushed gluten-free peppermint hard candies.
Refrigerate any leftovers; cake is best enjoyed within a day of making it.
Be aware: some of your baking ingredients can be a hidden source of gluten. Learn more at our blog post: For gluten-free baking, think beyond just flour. For additional information on King Arthur-produced products, read the complete details of our allergen program, including our contact-prevention practices.
