Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about what delicious treats you’ll be serving your family and friends. One classic dessert that always makes an appearance during the holidays is the Yule log. This delicious dessert is a chocolate cake rolled into the shape of a log, and it’s decorated with frosting to look like a real log. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our favorite holiday Yule log recipe, complete with ingredient list, instructions, nutritional information, cooking time, equipment, serving suggestions, variations, substitutions, storage, tips, notes, and frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center.
- While the cake is still warm, dust it with powdered sugar and then place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the cake.
- Carefully flip the cake over onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting at one end, carefully roll the cake up in the towel and set aside to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until light and fluffy.
- Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
- Add the melted chocolate to the frosting and mix until combined.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Roll the cake back up tightly, using the towel to help you, and transfer to a serving platter.
- Cut off a small piece from one end of the cake and place it on the side of the cake to resemble a branch.
- Decorate the cake with additional frosting to resemble a log. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 210mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Equipment
- 12×17-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Small saucepan
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This holiday Yule log recipe is perfect for serving at Christmas parties or as a dessert on Christmas day. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cake batter before baking. You could also use different frosting flavors like peppermint or eggnog for a festive twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, you can use canola oil instead. You could also use butter instead of vegetable oil if you prefer. If you’re not a fan of semi-sweet chocolate, you could use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead.
Storage
Store leftover Yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You could also freeze the cake for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the cake up tightly in the towel while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a clean cut.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- Decorate the cake with fresh berries or powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Notes
This recipe makes one Yule log, which serves 8-10 people. Double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the cake ahead of time?
- Can I use a different frosting recipe?
- Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and decorate it.
Yes, feel free to use any frosting recipe you like. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread on the cake without melting.
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Personal Thoughts
This holiday Yule log recipe is one of my favorite desserts to make during the Christmas season. The moist chocolate cake paired with the rich chocolate frosting is a match made in heaven. Plus, the log shape and festive decorations make it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try for yourself and share it with your loved ones this holiday season.