Chocolate Spiced Log

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper, greasing it lightly.

2. In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and butter together until smooth and well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy.

4. Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

5. Sift in the flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

6. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it out evenly into a rectangle shape.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge is set and springy to the touch.

8. While the sponge is baking, lay a clean tea towel onto a flat work surface and dust it lightly with icing sugar.

9. Once the sponge is ready, carefully invert it onto the sugared tea towel. Peel away the parchment paper gently.

10. Starting at one short end, roll the sponge and tea towel together into a tight spiral. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled-up form.

11. Unroll the sponge and remove the tea towel. Spread a generous layer of your favorite frosting or filling onto the sponge. Some popular choices include whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese icing.

12. Carefully re-roll the sponge, this time without the tea towel. Dust with a final sprinkling of icing sugar for a festive finish.

13. Slice the Chocolate Spiced Log into rounds and serve on a decorative platter for a visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks.