Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic yule log? This traditional dessert, also known as a Bûche de Noël, originated in France and has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries. Our Family Circle Yule Log recipe is a fun and festive twist on this timeless dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 sprig fresh holly, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and carefully invert the cake onto the towel.
- Carefully remove the parchment paper and roll up the cake, starting at the short end and using the towel to help you roll it up tightly.
- Let the cake cool completely in the rolled-up position.
- While the cake is cooling, make the ganache: In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the top.
- Roll the cake back up, using the towel to help you roll it tightly.
- Place the rolled-up cake on a serving platter and pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh holly, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
Our Family Circle Yule Log is a beautiful and festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a truly indulgent treat.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Try adding a layer of raspberry jam or whipped cream to the filling for a fruity twist. You can also experiment with different flavors of ganache, such as white chocolate or peppermint.
Substitutions
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also use a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk.
Storage
Store any leftover yule log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth and even batter.
- Use a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent it from melting the whipped cream filling.
Notes
This recipe yields 10-12 servings, depending on the size of your slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the yule log and pour the ganache over it just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the yule log?
A: Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Our Family Circle Yule Log is a festive and delicious dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different flavors and fillings. We hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do!