Introduction
The holiday season is a time for indulgence and nothing screams indulgence quite like a decadent yule log. This classic dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and is loved by people of all ages. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect yule log recipe, look no further. We’ve got the best ever yule log recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow in color.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture and mix until just combined.
- In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, butter, and peppermint extract until light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately loosen the edges with a knife.
- Place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the cake and flip it over onto the towel. Remove the parchment paper.
- Carefully roll the cake up with the towel, starting at the narrow end.
- Let the cake cool completely while rolled up in the towel.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the ganache. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the filling over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Gently roll the cake back up and place it on a serving platter.
- Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Decorate the yule log with powdered sugar, fresh mint leaves, and chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 312
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 122mg
Sodium: 142mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Double boiler
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious yule log with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can substitute it with any other flavor extract such as almond or vanilla. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or candy cane pieces to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Storage
Store the yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and airy cake.
- Roll the cake up with a towel while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before unrolling it to prevent it from sticking to the towel.
- Refrigerate the cake before serving to allow the filling to set and the ganache to firm up.
Notes
This recipe makes 10-12 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this yule log ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this yule log up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze this yule log?
Yes, you can freeze this yule log for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache. Adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar accordingly to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This best ever yule log recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. With its rich chocolate cake, creamy peppermint filling, and decadent chocolate ganache, it’s a dessert that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and indulge in the magic of the holiday season.