Introduction
Looking for a delicious and festive treat to impress your holiday guests? Look no further than this Danica McKellar Yule Log Cake recipe! Not only is it a fun and delicious dessert, but it also pays tribute to the beloved actress and mathematician, Danica McKellar. With a moist chocolate cake and creamy frosting, this dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone at your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For decoration:
- Chocolate shavings
- Small sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in water and vanilla extract while constantly mixing.
- Slowly add in dry ingredients while constantly mixing until fully combined.
- Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth out until even.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy.
- Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream while constantly mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake in an even layer.
- Carefully roll up cake from the short end until completely rolled.
- Place on serving platter and decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh rosemary, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 87mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Total sugars: 31g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 42 minutes
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This Danica McKellar Yule Log Cake is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delicious and comforting treat.
Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try adding different flavors to the cake batter or frosting. You could add peppermint extract for a festive twist, or swap out the cocoa powder for white chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You could also swap out the heavy cream in the frosting for Greek yogurt or coconut cream.
Storage
This Danica McKellar Yule Log Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting and rolling it up. This will prevent the cake from cracking and ensure a smooth roll.
Notes
Danica McKellar is not only an actress and mathematician, but she’s also a cookbook author! Check out her cookbook, “Math Bites: Back to Basics,” for more delicious recipes and fun math facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yule log cake?
A yule log cake, also known as a Buche de Noel, is a traditional dessert served during the holiday season. It’s typically made with a sponge cake and rolled up with frosting to resemble a log.
What is the history of the yule log cake?
The yule log cake has its origins in medieval Europe, where a large log would be burned throughout the Christmas season. As the tradition evolved, people began to bake cakes in the shape of a log to celebrate the holiday.
What other decorations can I use on this cake?
Feel free to get creative with your decorations! You could use fresh berries, candy canes, or even small gingerbread cookies to decorate your yule log cake.
Personal Thoughts
This Danica McKellar Yule Log Cake is not only delicious, but it’s also a fun and festive dessert to make during the holiday season. The chocolate cake is moist and rich, while the creamy frosting adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, the chocolate shavings and fresh rosemary make for a beautiful and elegant presentation. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – your guests will thank you! So there you have it – a delicious and festive Danica McKellar Yule Log Cake recipe that is sure to impress your holiday guests. With its moist cake, creamy frosting, and beautiful decorations, this dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Give it a try and let us know what you think!