Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than this rich and delicious chocolate strawberry yule log. With its moist sponge cake, creamy chocolate filling, and fresh strawberry accents, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the water and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg whites, and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to boil.
- Add the chopped chocolate to the cream, and stir until smooth and melted.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the chocolate mixture over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the chocolate mixture.
- Roll the cake up tightly, using the towel to help you. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Large bowl
- Saucepan
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
This chocolate strawberry yule log is perfect for a holiday party or special occasion dessert. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top for an extra special touch.
Variations:
If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you can easily substitute them with raspberries or cherries. You could also try adding a layer of raspberry jam or cherry preserves to the cake before rolling it up.
Substitutions:
- You can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead.
- Semisweet chocolate can be substituted with dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Be sure to roll the cake up tightly while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking later.
- If the chocolate mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little milk or cream.
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the chocolate filling, or it will melt and become runny.
Notes:
If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making your own.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake and filling up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe, but you could use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained well.
Final Thoughts:
This chocolate strawberry yule log is a festive and delicious dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s surprisingly easy to make, but looks impressive on any dessert table. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!