The holidays are a time for indulgence, and what better way to indulge than with a delicious chocolate yule log? This easy recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust a clean tea towel with powdered sugar and turn the cake out onto the towel. Remove the parchment paper and roll up the cake in the towel, starting at the short end.
- Let the cake cool completely in the towel. Once cool, carefully unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream filling over the surface. Roll the cake up again, using the towel to help you. Trim the ends if desired, and dust with powdered sugar and chocolate shavings for decoration.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this chocolate yule log contains approximately:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
This easy chocolate yule log recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. You’ll need to allow at least an hour for the cake to cool and set in the refrigerator before serving.
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Clean tea towel
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate yule log is a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a truly indulgent treat. You could also try adding some fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, you could try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the whipped cream filling. You could also try using different flavors of extract, such as peppermint or almond, to give the cake a unique twist. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you could use milk chocolate instead.
Storage
This chocolate yule log will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, but don’t overmix them or the cake will be tough.
- When rolling up the cake, use a clean tea towel to prevent it from sticking and to help you get a tight roll.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the whipped cream filling, or it will melt and make a mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chocolate yule log ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dessert up to 2 days ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze this chocolate yule log?
Yes, you can freeze this dessert for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different type of filling?
Yes, you could use a different type of filling if you prefer. For example, you could try using a chocolate ganache or a fruit compote instead of whipped cream.
This easy chocolate yule log recipe is a perfect dessert for the holidays. It’s rich, decadent, and sure to impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes. So why not give it a try for yourself and see how easy it is to make?