The holiday season is here, and it’s time to indulge in some sweet treats. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both rich and festive, look no further than the French Chocolate Yule Log. This classic dessert, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a show-stopper that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this chocolatey delight step-by-step.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- Chocolate shavings or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the chocolate frosting. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and powdered sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before flipping it over onto a clean kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll up the cake with the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Unroll the cake and spread the chocolate frosting over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the cake back up and place it on a platter seam side down.
- Use a serrated knife to cut off a small piece from each end of the log to make it look more like a branch. Use the remaining frosting to cover the exposed ends and create a bark-like texture on the surface of the log.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or powdered sugar, and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 10-12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 389
- Total fat: 26g
- Saturated fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
- Sodium: 157mg
- Total carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for cooling and decorating.
Equipment
- 15×10 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Serrated knife
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Chocolate Yule Log as a festive dessert at your holiday gatherings. It pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding different flavors to the frosting. Try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder or a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a twist on the classic chocolate flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or fruit to the filling for some extra texture.
Substitutions
- Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.
- Instead of semisweet chocolate, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use whipping cream or half-and-half.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted butter or coconut oil.
- Instead of powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar or honey.
Storage
Store the French Chocolate Yule Log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Be sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cake for a clean edge.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Yule Log?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Can I use a different type of frosting?
A Yule Log, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a traditional French dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It is made to resemble a yule log, with a cake roll that is frosted to look like bark.
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Yes, you can use any frosting you like to fill and decorate the cake.
Final Thoughts
The French Chocolate Yule Log is a classic holiday dessert that never fails to impress. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a stunning and delicious dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday table. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!