The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic yule log? This dessert is not only delicious but also adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering. In this article, we’ll share with you the best yule log recipe ever, complete with ingredient lists, instructions, nutritional information, cooking time, equipment needed, serving suggestions, variations, substitutions, storage tips, notes, and frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!
Ingredient List
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet 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 still warm, roll it up in a clean kitchen towel and let it cool completely.
- To make the filling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly over it.
- Roll the cake back up and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- To make the ganache, heat the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and unsalted butter in a saucepan until melted and smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the cake, spreading it out evenly.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This yule log recipe yields 10-12 servings, with each serving containing approximately:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
Cooking Time
This yule log recipe takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes for cooling and assembly.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Saucepan
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This yule log recipe is best served chilled and makes a festive addition to any holiday gathering. Pair it with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations
This yule log recipe can be customized to your liking by adding different flavors or toppings. Here are a few variations to try:
- Mint Chocolate: Add 1 tsp peppermint extract to the filling and top with crushed candy canes.
- White Chocolate: Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips in the ganache.
- Nutella: Spread Nutella over the cake before adding the filling.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Replace with milk or dark chocolate chips.
- Heavy Cream: Replace with whipped cream or coconut cream.
- All-Purpose Flour: Replace with almond flour or gluten-free flour.
- Powdered Sugar: Replace with granulated sugar or honey.
- Fresh Berries: Replace with any fruit of your choice.
Storage
This yule log recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Be sure to roll up the cake while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a clean and even slice.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving to prevent it from melting.
Notes
This yule log recipe is a classic holiday dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. With its chocolatey flavor and festive appearance, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the yule log just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this yule log?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled yule log for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: You can try using an egg substitute, such as applesauce or mashed bananas, but it may affect the texture of the cake.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log recipe is truly the best ever! The cake is moist and chocolatey, while the filling and ganache add the perfect amount of sweetness. I love how customizable this recipe is and how it can be tailored to fit any taste preference. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try for your next holiday gathering. Your guests will thank you!