Chocolate cherry yule log cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its rich chocolate flavor and tart cherries, this cake is a perfect indulgence during any time of the year. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in water and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Turn cake onto a towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Peel off parchment paper. Roll up cake in the towel from short end to short end. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, beat cherry preserves until smooth. Unroll cake; spread with cherry preserves.
- In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in chopped cherries.
- Spread whipped cream mixture over cherry preserves.
- Roll up cake without towel, starting from the short end. Place seam side down on a serving platter. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 29g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Equipment Needed
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Towel
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for any special occasion. It can be served as a dessert after a holiday meal or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.
Variations and Substitutions
You can substitute raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves for the cherry preserves. For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the whipped cream mixture. If you don’t have maraschino cherries, dried cherries or fresh cherries can be used instead.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips and Notes
- Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for the best texture.
- Use a light hand when folding in the egg whites to avoid deflating the batter.
- Dust the towel with confectioners’ sugar before rolling up the cake to prevent it from sticking.
- Let the cake cool completely before spreading the filling to prevent it from melting.
- When rolling up the cake, make sure it is not too tight to avoid cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries. Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the whipped cream mixture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Chocolate cherry yule log cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and tart cherries, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by using different preserves or adding nuts. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want to indulge, give this recipe a try and enjoy!