The holiday season is here and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious dessert that is both festive and indulgent. This Grand Marnier Yule Log recipe is a twist on the classic French dessert, Buche de Noel, and is sure to impress your family and friends. With a rich chocolate sponge cake, a creamy Grand Marnier filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache, this dessert is a showstopper that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Grand Marnier
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until thick and pale yellow.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and Grand Marnier together until stiff peaks form.
- When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the cake and flip it over onto the towel.
- Carefully remove the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel while it is still warm. Let it cool completely.
- When the cake is cool, unroll it and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
- Carefully roll the cake up again, this time without the towel.
- Melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or in a double boiler.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly-roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Kitchen towel
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Serving Suggestions:
This Grand Marnier Yule Log is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra special touch. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea and is the perfect way to end a holiday meal.
Variations:
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the Grand Marnier with another liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for added texture.
Substitutions:
You can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use a squeeze of lemon juice instead. You can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips for the ganache.
Storage:
Store the Grand Marnier Yule Log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are thick and pale yellow. This will ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to avoid deflating the mixture.
- Roll the cake up in a towel while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
- Refrigerate the cake before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings depending on the size of the slices. You can also double the recipe to make a larger cake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the cake and filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and filling up to 1 day ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cake.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute the Grand Marnier with another liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips for the ganache.
Personal Thoughts:
This Grand Marnier Yule Log recipe is a holiday favorite in my family. The combination of the rich chocolate cake, the creamy Grand Marnier filling, and the decadent chocolate ganache is simply irresistible. It’s a showstopper dessert that is perfect for any festive occasion. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try and sharing it with your loved ones.