The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what’s better than a classic yule log cake? This dessert is not only delicious but also a festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. In this article, we will share an easy recipe for yule log cake that will impress your guests without requiring too much effort. So let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional: powdered sugar and fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Fold gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set and springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the cake and invert it onto a flat surface.
- Carefully remove the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
- Spread the whipped cream filling over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting at the short end, roll the cake tightly and gently using the parchment paper to help lift and roll it. Transfer the roll to a serving platter.
- Prepare the ganache by melting the chocolate chips and butter together in the microwave or on a double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the roll, using a spatula to spread it evenly and coat the sides.
- Use a fork to create a bark-like texture on the ganache.
- Dust the cake with cocoa powder and garnish with powdered sugar and fresh berries if desired.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and festive yule log cake!
Nutritional Information
One serving of yule log cake (1/10th of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this easy recipe for yule log cake is approximately 45 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Microwave or double boiler
- Serving platter
- Fork
Serving Suggestions
Yule log cake is a festive dessert that is perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it as a centerpiece on your dessert table, or slice it into individual servings and garnish with powdered sugar and fresh berries. It pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
Variations
This easy recipe for yule log cake can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to try:
- Swap the whipped cream filling for a flavored cream cheese filling.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling or ganache for extra texture.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a lighter flavor.
- Add peppermint extract to the whipped cream filling or ganache for a festive twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this easy recipe for yule log cake, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use coconut cream or whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Storage
Store leftover yule log cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may lose some of its texture and shape over time, but it will still be delicious.
Tips
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before spreading the filling to prevent it from melting.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the cake for clean cuts.
- Chill the cake before slicing to make it easier to handle.
- Don’t overmix the batter or it will become tough.
Notes
This recipe yields one yule log cake, which serves approximately 10 people. Double the recipe if you need to serve a larger crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this yule log cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake and filling up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake and add the ganache just before serving.
Can I freeze yule log cake?
Yes, you can freeze yule log cake for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different filling for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any filling you like, such as fruit jam, caramel sauce, or whipped cream cheese.
Personal Thoughts: A Festive and Delicious Dessert
This easy recipe for yule log cake is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests without requiring too much effort. The combination of chocolate cake, whipped cream filling, and chocolate ganache is decadent and delicious, and the bark-like texture on the ganache adds a touch of whimsy. This dessert is perfect for any holiday gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So why not give it a try and make your own festive yule log cake this holiday season?