Are you looking for a festive dessert to serve during the holiday season? Look no further than a classic yule log! This traditional French dessert, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is made from rolled sponge cake and filled with creamy frosting. But how many servings can you get from one yule log? Read on to find out!
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings, for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
- When the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, flip it out onto a clean kitchen towel and roll it up tightly, starting from the short end.
- Let the cake cool completely in the towel. Then, unroll it and spread the frosting over the top, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Roll the cake back up, using the towel to help you. Place the cake on a serving platter and decorate with chocolate shavings.
- Store the yule log in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of yule log (1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Total fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 113mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
Yule log is a great dessert to serve during the holiday season. It pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations:
There are many variations of the yule log recipe. Some people like to add a layer of fruit jam or jelly to the cake before rolling it up. Others like to add nuts or chocolate chips to the frosting. You can also experiment with different flavors of cake and frosting, such as vanilla or peppermint.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whipped cream or whipped topping. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. You can also substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
Storage:
The yule log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the yule log for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll the cake tightly when it is still warm, so it will be easier to roll up with the frosting later.
- When spreading the frosting, make sure to leave a small border around the edge so that the frosting won’t spill out when you roll up the cake.
- To make chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin curls off of a block of chocolate.
Notes:
The nutritional information may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make the yule log in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the yule log up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the yule log?
A: Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like. Cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would be delicious options.
Personal Thoughts:
The yule log is a classic holiday dessert that always brings back fond memories of my childhood. I love the combination of the fluffy sponge cake and the creamy frosting. It’s also a fun dessert to make with friends and family, as everyone can lend a hand in rolling up the cake and decorating it with chocolate shavings. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
Summary:
The yule log is a festive holiday dessert made from rolled sponge cake and filled with creamy frosting. This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings, depending on the size of the slices. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Experiment with different flavors and decorations to make it your own!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking! Your family and friends will thank you for this delicious and impressive dessert.