The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up some delicious treats for your loved ones. And what better way to spread some cheer than with an easy yule log cake recipe? This classic dessert is not only festive but also incredibly delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your next holiday get-together. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and then line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean tea towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and then roll the cake up, starting from the short end, using the tea towel to help you. Let it cool completely, seam side down.
- Meanwhile, make the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the chocolate ganache over the entire surface. Roll the cake back up, gently peeling away the tea towel as you go. Place the cake seam side down on a serving platter, and trim off the ends diagonally to make it look like a log.
- Decorate the cake with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or any other festive decorations you like. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this easy yule log cake recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
This easy yule log cake recipe takes approximately 35-40 minutes to prepare and bake.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 15×10-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean tea towel
- Small saucepan
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This easy yule log cake recipe is perfect for serving as a dessert at your next holiday gathering. Pair it with some hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy and festive treat.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this easy yule log cake recipe! You can try different flavors of cake, such as vanilla or red velvet, and experiment with different fillings and toppings. Some ideas include whipped cream, fruit preserves, chopped nuts, or crushed candy canes.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this easy yule log cake recipe on hand, you can make some substitutions. For example:
- You can use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.
- You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for the ganache.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup for the ganache.
Storage
This easy yule log cake recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 1 month by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for the best texture in the cake.
- Use a clean tea towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking when rolling it up.
- Let the chocolate ganache cool to room temperature before spreading it on the cake to avoid melting the cake.
- Trim the ends of the cake diagonally to create a more realistic-looking yule log.
Notes
For a more authentic yule log look, you can create bark-like texture on the surface of the cake using a fork or a small knife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yule log cake?
A yule log cake, also known as a Buche de Noel, is a traditional French dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It consists of a sponge cake that is rolled into a log shape and then filled with cream or ganache, and decorated to look like a log.
Why is it called a yule log?
The yule log is a traditional symbol of the winter solstice, which was celebrated by ancient cultures as the rebirth of the sun. The practice of burning a yule log during the holiday season was eventually adapted into a dessert, which became known as the yule log cake.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake and the ganache ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the cake and decorate as desired.
This easy yule log cake recipe is the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. With its rich chocolate flavor and creamy ganache filling, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to pull it off. So why not give it a try this holiday season and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!