The holiday season is always a special time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious dessert? The Fresh Market Yule Log is the perfect treat for any holiday gathering, and it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them begging for more. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line 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 granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes or until thick and pale yellow.
- Gradually beat in flour mixture, alternating with water and vanilla extract.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until top springs back when touched.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with confectioners’ sugar. Loosen edges of cake from pan with a knife and invert onto towel.
- Peel off parchment paper.
- Starting at one short end, roll up cake and towel together.
- Place seam side down on a wire rack and let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
- Unroll cake and spread filling evenly over cake.
- Roll up cake without towel and place seam side down on a serving platter.
- Melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate over cake, spreading evenly.
- Using a fork, make decorative swirls in chocolate.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
- Serving platter
- Small saucepan
- Fork
Serving Suggestions:
This Fresh Market Yule Log is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations:
For a festive twist, add peppermint extract to the filling and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate coating.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
Storage:
Store leftover Yule Log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar for the full 5 minutes to achieve the right texture.
- Use a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Let the cake cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
Notes:
This recipe yields one 15×10-inch Yule Log, serving 12.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make the Yule Log ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the cake and filling up to 2 days ahead of time, but wait to coat the cake with chocolate until just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the Yule Log?
A: Yes! Wrap the unfilled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before filling and coating.
Personal Thoughts:
The Fresh Market Yule Log is a classic holiday dessert that never fails to impress. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy filling, and decadent chocolate coating is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?