It’s that time of the year when the air is filled with the sweet aroma of Christmas treats. And nothing screams Christmas more than a Yule Log. The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe is a classic dessert that will surely impress your guests. This delicious treat is not only easy to make but also fun to decorate. So, let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in water and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Meanwhile, place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Immediately loosen the edges of the cake from the pan and turn the cake out onto the prepared kitchen towel. Remove parchment paper.
- Starting from a short side, roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and butter on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add the peppermint extract (if using) and crushed candy canes (if using) and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake carefully and spread the frosting over the top.
- Roll up the cake again and place seam side down on a serving platter.
- Cut off a small diagonal slice from one end of the cake and position it on the side of the main log to resemble a branch.
- Use a fork to make bark-like grooves in the frosting. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
- Decorate with additional crushed candy canes and holly leaves (optional).
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log (1 slice) contains:
- Calories: 333
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
- Sodium: 116mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and 12 to 15 minutes to bake. The cake needs to cool completely before frosting and rolling, and then it needs to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Equipment
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe is a showstopper dessert that is perfect for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for an extra festive touch.
Variations
You can switch up the flavors of the Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe by using different extracts or adding in different mix-ins. Here are some ideas:
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract in the cake and frosting.
- Add chopped nuts to the frosting.
- Use crushed Oreo cookies instead of candy canes in the frosting.
- Add a layer of raspberry jam or Nutella before spreading the frosting.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients for the Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe, you can make some substitutions:
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt by half.
- Skip the peppermint extract and candy canes if you don’t like mint.
Storage
The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy to create a sponge-like texture for the cake.
- Use a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Be careful when unrolling and rolling the cake to prevent cracking.
- Chill the cake before slicing to make it easier to cut.
Notes
The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different frosting for the Yule Log?
Yes, you can use any frosting you like. Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, and buttercream are popular choices for Yule Logs.
Can I make the cake and frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the cake covered at room temperature and the frosting covered in the fridge. Let the frosting come to room temperature before using.
Can I skip the candy canes?
Yes, you can skip the candy canes if you don’t like mint or if you don’t have any on hand. You can substitute crushed nuts or cookies instead.
Personal Thoughts
The Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe is a classic dessert that brings back memories of childhood Christmases. This recipe is easy to follow and produces a delicious and impressive dessert. I love the addition of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive touch. The cake is light and fluffy and the frosting is creamy and decadent. This Yule Log is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition.
In summary, the Better Homes and Gardens Yule Log Recipe is a must-try recipe for the holidays. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just want to indulge in a festive treat, this Yule Log is sure to please. Happy baking!