The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats and create memories with loved ones. If you’re looking for a festive dessert that’s sure to impress, look no further than Danica McKellar’s Yule Log recipe. This recipe combines rich chocolate cake with creamy frosting, all rolled up to resemble a classic yule log. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun and creative way to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Add this to the egg yolk mixture and beat until well combined.
- In another large bowl, beat the egg whites, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until stiff peaks form.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting at the short end. Let it cool completely.
- Unroll the cake and spread the frosting evenly over the surface. Roll the cake up tightly, using the towel to help you. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment
- 15×10-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This yule log is a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra touch of sweetness. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different flavors to the frosting. Try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist, or mix in some chopped nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate in the cake batter.
Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this recipe a little healthier, you can substitute the heavy cream in the frosting for Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia in place of granulated sugar.
Storage
This yule log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Be sure to grease the baking pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Roll the cake up while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the yule log for a clean cut.
Notes
This recipe was adapted from Danica McKellar’s Yule Log recipe on Hallmark Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this yule log?
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze this yule log for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
You can use a gluten-free flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour if you prefer.
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting ahead of time and assemble it on the day you plan to serve it. Store the cake and frosting separately in the refrigerator.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log recipe is one of my favorite holiday desserts. It’s rich, chocolatey, and perfectly festive. The combination of the fluffy cake and creamy frosting is irresistible. Plus, it looks so impressive on the table! I highly recommend trying this recipe out for yourself and sharing it with your loved ones this holiday season.