Looking for a fun and easy way to get your kids into the festive spirit? Why not try making a yule log together? Not only is it a delicious treat, but it’s also a great way to spend some quality time together in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make an easy yule log recipe that your kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- Chocolate chips or shavings, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up starting from the short end with the help of the parchment paper. Let the cake cool completely in the rolled-up position.
- In a medium bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar and butter together until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the peppermint cream over the top, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the cream.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, using the parchment paper to help you.
- Place the cake on a serving platter and decorate with chocolate chips or shavings. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
Yule log is traditionally served as a Christmas dessert, but it’s also great for any special occasion or celebration. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries on the side for a festive touch.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your yule log to suit your taste. You can swap out the peppermint extract for other flavors like orange, almond, or vanilla. You can also add different fillings like Nutella, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Get creative and have fun!
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry. Here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Instead of peppermint extract, use any other extract of your choice.
- If you don’t have candy canes, use any other festive sprinkles or decorations.
- You can use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor may be slightly different.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage
Yule log can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the yule log for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm, or it will crack.
- Don’t overbeat the egg whites, or they will lose their volume.
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter, or you will deflate the mixture.
- Let the cake cool completely before unrolling it, or it will break.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the yule log into slices for serving.
Notes
This recipe makes enough to serve 8-10 people, depending on how thick you slice it. If you’re making it for a larger group, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the yule log up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the chocolate chips or shavings just before serving.
Can I freeze the yule log?
Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
What other flavors can I use instead of peppermint?
You can use any extract of your choice, such as orange, almond, or vanilla.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Overall, making a yule log is a fun and festive activity that your kids are sure to love. With this easy yule log recipe, you’ll have a delicious treat that’s perfect for any special occasion. So why not give it a try today and see how much fun you can have in the kitchen?