Get ready to impress your guests with this French Yule Log Cake recipe. This dessert is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. It’s a delicious blend of chocolate cake and creamy buttercream, all wrapped up in a festive log shape. Plus, it’s easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in water and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out with spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove from oven and immediately invert onto a clean tea towel. Gently remove parchment paper and roll cake up in towel. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until light and fluffy.
- Unroll cake and spread buttercream evenly over surface. Roll cake back up, starting at one end and using towel to help guide. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- To serve, slice off a small piece at an angle on one end of log to create a branch. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and decorate with fresh berries and herbs.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Equipment:
- Jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Tea towel
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy a slice of French Yule Log Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Variations:
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding a layer of raspberry jam or chocolate ganache in the center of the cake. You can also experiment with different flavors of buttercream, such as peppermint or hazelnut.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use milk or half-and-half instead. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour for a nutty flavor.
Storage:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Be sure to roll the cake tightly in the tea towel while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the buttercream to prevent it from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake for a clean cut.
Notes:
This recipe makes one 10-inch cake, which serves 8-10 people.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 1 month. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing.
What if my cake cracks when I roll it?
If your cake cracks, don’t worry! Just cover it up with the buttercream and no one will be able to tell. You can also try rolling the cake more tightly next time to prevent cracking.
This French Yule Log Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering or special occasion. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious, with a rich chocolate cake and creamy buttercream filling. Plus, it looks impressive and festive, with its log shape and dusting of confectioners’ sugar. I encourage you to try this recipe out for yourself and share it with your loved ones this holiday season!