readily loose, gently slide a rubber spatula around the edges and under the cake. you want it completely disconnected from the pan to make the next step go smoothly. turn cake onto towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. beginning at the narrow end, roll up cake and towel together. let cool on a rack.
meanwhile, make the filling: combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. beat in the powdered sugar. blend until smooth and creamy. fold in pecans. 