Yule log cakes are a classic dessert during the holiday season. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also taste delicious. The combination of fluffy cake and rich frosting creates a dessert that is perfect for any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for the best yule log cake recipe, look no further. This recipe will guide you through the ingredients, instructions, and everything else you need to know to make a delicious and impressive yule log cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch rimmed baking sheet and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
- In a small saucepan, heat the water until hot but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until dissolved.
- Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the batter, beating until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and invert the cake onto it.
- Remove the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting at one short end. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread the raspberry jam evenly over the top.
- Spread the whipped cream mixture over the jam, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the cake up tightly, using the towel to help you. Place the cake seam-side down on a platter.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the ends of the cake at a 45-degree angle and place them on top of the cake to resemble branches.
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar to resemble snow.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 38g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Small saucepan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serrated knife
Serving Suggestions:
This yule log cake is perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve it as a dessert after a festive meal, or bring it to a holiday party as a sweet treat. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate winter indulgence.
Variations:
There are many ways to customize this yule log cake recipe to suit your tastes. Try using a different flavor of jam or frosting, or adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling. You can also experiment with different cake flavors, such as vanilla or red velvet.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have raspberry jam, you can use any other flavor of jam or preserves. You can also substitute whipped cream cheese for some or all of the heavy cream in the frosting.
Storage:
Store any leftover yule log cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the filling and rolling it up.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to help you roll up the cake without cracking it.
- Trim the ends of the cake at a 45-degree angle to make them look like branches.
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to make it look like snow.
Notes:
This recipe makes a large yule log cake that serves 12-16 people. If you need to make a smaller cake, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this yule log cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting up to 1 day ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cake just before serving.
Can I freeze this yule log cake?
No, this cake is best served fresh and cannot be frozen.
Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Yes, you can use any flavor of jam or preserves that you like.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use any type of frosting that you like. Whipped cream cheese or buttercream would both be delicious options.
Personal Thoughts:
This yule log cake recipe is a holiday showstopper. The combination of chocolate cake, raspberry jam, and whipped cream frosting is simply irresistible. Plus, the finished cake looks so festive and impressive. I love serving this cake at holiday gatherings and watching everyone’s faces light up when they see it. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family this holiday season!