If you’re like me, you love the holiday season and everything that comes with it – the decorations, the music, and most importantly, the food. And what’s a Christmas feast without a yule log? But with all the other dishes to prepare, you might be wondering if you can make your yule log in advance. The answer is a resounding yes!
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and fold the mixture together until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, place a tea towel over the top and flip it over onto the towel. Carefully roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the cake back up without the towel and transfer it to a serving platter.
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Spoon the chocolate mixture over the top of the cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 285
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 84mg
Sodium: 88mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Tea towel
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
Serving Suggestions:
Dust the top of your yule log with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a festive touch. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations:
You can switch up the filling by using a different flavor of whipped cream or adding in some chopped nuts or fruit. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache – try white chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
- You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if you’re making this for someone with a gluten allergy or intolerance.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Storage:
You can make your yule log up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Tips:
- When rolling up your cake, be gentle to avoid cracking it.
- Letting the cake cool completely before unrolling it will help prevent it from falling apart.
- Make sure your whipped cream is stiff enough to hold its shape, otherwise it will ooze out of the sides when you roll up the cake.
Notes:
This recipe makes 10-12 slices of yule log.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze my yule log?
Yes, you can freeze your yule log for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make the cake and filling separately?
Yes, you can make the cake and whipped cream filling separately and then assemble them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to refrigerate the whipped cream until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use a different type of cake for my yule log?
Yes, you can use a different type of cake for your yule log, such as vanilla or red velvet. Just be sure to adjust the filling and ganache flavors accordingly.
Personal Thoughts:
Making a yule log might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy – especially when you can make it in advance! This recipe is a classic for a reason – the rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and decadent chocolate ganache are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s sure to impress your guests, and it’s the perfect way to end your Christmas feast.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it!