The Christmas Yule Log Cake is a festive delight, evoking memories of cozy winter evenings filled with laughter and joy. Imagine a rich chocolate cake rolled up like a log, cloaked in velvety chocolate ganache, and adorned with delicate meringue mushrooms. double chocolate cookies Christmas cranberry poke cake Each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures that dance on your palate.
This delightful dessert brings people together, making it the star of holiday feasts and gatherings. With every slice, you’ll experience nostalgia and warmth, creating moments worth cherishing with loved ones. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that fills the heart with joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Yule Log Cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy frosting creates a dessert that looks elegant yet feels cozy
- Its unique appearance makes it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering
- Perfect for impressing guests while satisfying your sweet tooth
Sharing this Yule Log at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments from everyone around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in the cake roll.
-
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds depth to the chocolate flavor; choose a good brand for richness.
-
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener enhances flavor and helps create the perfect cake structure.
-
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
-
Eggs: Large eggs are best; they contribute moisture and richness to the cake.
-
Heavy Cream: For whipping into luscious frosting; choose high-fat cream for stability.
-
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over flavor; it adds richness to both cake and frosting.
-
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances all sweet flavors—opt for high-quality extract.
-
Powdered Sugar: Use this for making the smoothest frosting without granules.
-
Melted Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds an intense flavor profile; use good quality chocolate bars or chips.
-
Meringue Mushrooms (optional): These add whimsical decoration; consider making or buying them to top your log.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. caramel pecan cinnamon rolls.
Let’s Make it together
Preparing this Christmas Yule Log Cake may sound daunting, but I promise it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture—without the extra parts left over! Let’s dive into each step together. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving appetizers recipe.
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s greased lightly so nothing sticks.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This mix will be the foundation of our delightful log.
Create Your Batter: In another bowl, beat eggs until pale. Gradually add dry mixture to eggs while incorporating melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth. The batter should be glossy and thick.
Bake the Cake Roll : Pour batter into prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. It should bounce back slightly when touched—like my dog after his nap!
Roll It Up!: Once baked, let it cool slightly before transferring onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully roll the cake while still warm; this helps maintain its shape later on.
Make Your Frosting : Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in melted chocolate—this will create that magical ganache we all crave!
Strongly decorate your log: Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread ganache inside before rolling it back up snugly. Trim ends to give it an authentic log appearance.
Now you have your very own Christmas Yule Log Cake ready to impress family and friends! Remember: no matter how it turns out visually, what matters is the love baked inside! Enjoy every slice during those festive gatherings filled with laughter and cheer!
You Must Know
- Mastering the Christmas Yule Log Cake is all about patience and practice
- The rich chocolate aroma fills your kitchen, while the soft texture creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience
- This cake not only looks stunning but also brings festive cheer to your holiday celebrations
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the sponge cake first, allowing it to cool while preparing the filling; then roll it up for a seamless finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors like orange zest or peppermint extract in the filling for a unique twist. Andes mint cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store the Yule log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; no reheating needed—enjoy chilled!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, sift your cocoa powder before mixing; it ensures a smoother batter
- Remember to roll the cake while it’s warm for easier handling
- A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch without overpowering the flavor
Creating my first Christmas Yule Log Cake was an adventure! Friends raved about it, and I felt like a baking superstar.
FAQ
What is a Christmas Yule Log Cake?
A traditional dessert made of chocolate sponge rolled with cream filling, resembling a log.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it one day before serving; just store it properly.
What other fillings can I use for the Yule log?
Try using fruit preserves, whipped cream, or flavored buttercreams for variety.
Christmas Yule Log Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
The Christmas Yule Log Cake is a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of festive celebrations. This rich chocolate cake, rolled and enveloped in luscious chocolate ganache, is not only visually stunning but also delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite. Topped with whimsical meringue mushrooms, this dessert is perfect for making cherished memories with loved ones during cozy winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz dark chocolate, melted
- Meringue mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until pale. Gradually combine dry mixture into eggs while adding melted butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 12–15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before rolling it up in a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- For the frosting, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form; gently fold in melted chocolate.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread ganache inside, then roll it back up and trim the ends for an authentic log look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Comment