A Decadent Dessert to Satisfy Your Chocolate Cravings
Are you looking for a dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season? Look no further than the chocolate yule log from M&S. This traditional dessert is a staple of Christmas celebrations and is loved by all ages. Made with rich chocolate sponge, creamy frosting, and topped with festive decorations, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, let’s get started and create a delicious chocolate yule log that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 125g plain flour
- 40g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large eggs
- 125g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 100g icing sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 150g dark chocolate, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp cold milk
- Chocolate flakes, holly leaves, and berries, to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 30cm x 20cm x 3cm baking tin with baking parchment.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy.
- Gently fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the sponge is springy to the touch.
- Dust a sheet of baking parchment with icing sugar and turn the sponge out onto it. Remove the baking parchment from the bottom of the sponge.
- Roll up the sponge tightly from the short end, using the baking parchment to help you. Leave to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat together the icing sugar and butter until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and beat again until well combined. Gradually add the milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Unroll the sponge and spread the frosting over it, leaving a small border around the edge. Re-roll the sponge and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Decorate the top of the yule log with chocolate flakes, holly leaves, and berries.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 494IU
- Calcium: 71mg
- Iron: 3mg
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Chilling time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- 30cm x 20cm x 3cm baking tin
- Baking parchment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cake spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
The chocolate yule log is a perfect dessert for the holiday season. It can be served as a sweet treat after a festive meal or as a snack with a cup of hot cocoa. It’s also a great dessert to bring to a holiday party or potluck.
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavors, you can try adding orange zest to the sponge or using white chocolate in the frosting. You can also decorate the yule log with different toppings, such as crushed candy canes or toasted nuts.
Substitutions
If you don’t have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. You can also use milk chocolate or white chocolate in the frosting instead of dark chocolate.
Storage
The chocolate yule log can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips
To prevent the sponge from cracking when rolling it, make sure to roll it tightly and use the baking parchment to help you. Also, make sure the sponge is completely cooled before adding the frosting.
Notes
Make sure to melt the chocolate slowly in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the chocolate yule log ahead of time?
- Can I freeze the chocolate yule log?
- What can I use instead of chocolate flakes for decoration?
Yes, you can make the sponge and frosting ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the yule log and decorate it.
Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
You can use shaved chocolate or chocolate curls instead of flakes.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the festive flavors of the chocolate yule log from M&S. This decadent dessert is perfect for the holiday season and is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. With its rich sponge and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. So, why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills?